PRESS RELEASE

 Mehlville Fire Protection District

11020 Mueller Road

St. Louis, Missouri 63123-6943 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Steven Mossotti, Deputy Chief

Mehlville Fire Protection District

(314) 565-1790

(314) 929-1713 Pager

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Fire District Places 911 Call To Community

District Wants To Hear Opinions Of All Residents At First FACTS Meeting 

St. Louis County, Missouri, May 14, 2004—The Mehlville Fire Protection District is facing some tough challenges and we are calling to the community for its help.  The District is sponsoring a community engagement program known as FACTS (Fire District Advisory Committee For Tomorrow's Emergency Services) to help chart the future of the District.

 FACTS will involve citizens in developing recommendations that will provide fire and emergency medical solutions to meet future needs for the entire community. The group will meet two to three times a month until August to study key issues, define the District’s needs and reach consensus on potential solutions. 

The first FACTS meeting is Wednesday, May 26 from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Engine Room at the Mehlville Fire Protection Headquarters, 11020 Mueller Rd. Before the meeting, starting at 6 p.m., the facility and equipment will be available for attendees to view.  

At this meeting participants will learn more about the FACTS public engagement process, meet the community co-chairs and work on a small-group activity that will help determine the direction of FACTS.  Future meetings will study the District's finances, equipment, staffing, facilities and other topics decided by participants. At the end of the process participants will present recommendations to the Board of Directors for consideration. 

"It is time for our community to become involved in our fire district.  We are opening our doors and we want to hear our residents opinions," explains Fire Chief Ray Haddock.

 The entire community has been invited to participate in the process. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to register by calling 314.894.0420 ext. 1716 or e-mailing facts@mehlvillefire.gen.mo.us. The FACTS community chairs will present recommendations to the Board by mid-August.