Saturday, December 31, 2011


POLICE CHIEF RETIRES JANUARY 9TH
 Vilcek, Rick.jpg
Police Chief Richard Vilcek will retire from the Richmond Heights Police Department (RHPD) effective Jan. 9, 2012, after providing nearly 43 years of dedicated service to the community and its residents. He began his career with the RHPD in March 1969. His career included assignments in the patrol division, the detective bureau and he was a member of the St. Louis Area Major Case Squad.
Chief Vilcek was promoted to Sergeant in the patrol division, supervisor of the detective bureau. When promoted to Captain, Vilcek commanded the Bureau of Field Operations and the Bureau of Support operations. He was promoted to the rank of Major and served as Assistant Chief of Police until he was appointed Chief of Police in 2007. He served on the Richmond Heights Police and Fire Pension Board for 30 years.
The Chief is a 2003 graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, and is a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served with the 101st Airborne Division.
For more information about the Chief’s career accomplishments, please see Page One of the Winter 2011-12 edition of RH Community Update on the City’s Web site at www. Richmondheights.org.




Friday, December 30, 2011

Rock Hill House Fire 12/30/11

Assistant City Manager for the City of Richmond Heights

ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER APPOINTED

David Gipson has been named Assistant City Manager for the City of Richmond Heights, effective Tues., Jan. 17, 2012. He will report directly to City Manager Amy Hamilton. 


In addition to assisting with preparation of the city’s annual budget and grant proposals, Gipson will oversee coordination of public works functions and the human resources, information technology and public relations staff. He will also be responsible for the City’s performance measurement processes and coordination of a wide array of special projects.

Gipson served as planning manager for the City of St. Charles, MO. His responsibilities included coordinating long-range and current planning functions; supervising planning staff, tasks and projects, and serving as the planning and zoning liaison to other agencies, city departments and the St. Charles Code Enforcement Division. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy Administration from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Planning from Missouri State University in Springfield.


Rock Hill Fire (KMOV)


A two story house in Rock Hill caught fire early Friday morning.

The fire started in the basement of the home that is currently being renovated.

No one was in the home at the time of the fire and it's not known if the owners are currently living in the home as it goes through its renovations.

The fire had to be fought from the outside and it took firefighters from U-City, Webster, Glendale, Clayton, Richmond Heights and at least eight other fire departments to put it out.
The house is located at  861 Manitou and suffered heavy damage.




Monday, December 12, 2011

Richmond Heights


FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
FIRE DEPARTMENT

Starting Salary:  Dependent on Qualifications                                   Pay Grade:  6

This is a full-time position which includes a full range of benefits including paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and employee health, dental, life, disability, and retirement insurance programs. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:  Operates life support vehicle and equipment. Provides advanced emergency care to citizens as directed by a physician. Protects life and property from fire and other emergencies and provides basic to advanced life support services to citizens; fights fires, sets up and uses hoses, ladders, and other equipment; repairs and maintains fire fighting apparatus and equipment; participates in fire drills and studies fire-fighting techniques; performs related work as required.  Respond to fire or injury alarms assisting in the operation of equipment, evacuation, fire containment, overhauling, salvage, and clean-up operations; render first aid/ life support/basic crisis intervention support to victims. May operate motor-driven equipment including fire trucks, automobiles, and rescue and supply trucks. Clean and service fire-fighting equipment; inspect and test personal support equipment carried on fire trucks. Assist in maintaining a clean and orderly condition in and around the fire station. Perform fire prevention work such as inspections, public education, and evaluating evacuation plans. Take proper safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances and act accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others and public, and material and equipment.

REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Missouri Driver’s License, EMT-Paramedic Certification, Valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification.  12 months general work experience. *PREFERRED:  Individuals with St. Louis County Firefighter I & II Certification. 

TO APPLY: 

Submit a City of Richmond Heights employment application, a signed copy of the job description, and copies of all required certifications in-person, by mail, or via fax.  Applications are available at the City Hall reception desk or by visiting the City website at www.richmondheights.orgApplications must be received by December 30, 2011  to receive considerationTESTING WILL BE CONDUCTED ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012 for those who qualify to advance to that phase.

The City of Richmond Heights is an equal opportunity employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  The City of Richmond Heights is a drug and alcohol free work place.  A pre-employment drug screen and background check is required for all positions.  Additional pre-employment testing may be required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the City of Richmond Heights not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, religion, sex or disability except where specific age, sex or physical requirement constitute a bona fide occupational qualification.
EOE/A/M/F/D/V

Pipes and Drums; Amazing Grace

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Morning house fire in Maplewood prompts small evacuation
Maplewood Officer S. Jamerson joins neighbor Judy Peterson, right, as they help Jean Seckel from her home early Friday, Dec. 9, 2011. A garage in the 3600 block of Cambridge Avenue in Maplewood caught fire, and immediate neighbors were evacuated because of concern over a propane tank in the garage. Seckel's home sustained minor exposure damage from the heat. "And to think I just paid my insurance," said Seckel. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/multimedia/morning-house-fire-in-maplewood-prompts-small-evacuation/image_f2164da5-5b00-509b-9951-01240e5c78e6.html#ixzz1gByJFZHq

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Friday, December 2, 2011

Steve "Moose" Schulte Dies

Always had a story.

Stephen A. "Moose" Schulte 

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Schulte, Stephen A. Moose Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. Beloved husband of Jeanne Schulte (nee Engelskind); dear father of Don (Tina) and Amy Schulte; dear son of Anna Marie and the late Bernard Schulte; our dear brother, brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Mr. Schulte was a retired firefighter, member of M.V.P.A. and F.S.S.F. Services: Memorial service will be held at Grant Shelter at Jefferson Barracks park on Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 pm until 3 pm. Contributions to Mid-America M.V.P.A., Honor Flight or Backstoppers appreciated. KUTIS AFFTON service.

RHFD DEDICATES 9-11 MEMORIAL





— Photo Donated to RHFD
The Richmond Heights Fire Department held a ceremony on Sept. 11, 2011, to dedicate a “9-11
Tribute Monument” in memory of those who lost their lives when the World Trade Center in New
York City was attacked 10 years ago. The dedication ceremony was led by Chief Kerry Hogan.
Pictured from left to right are RHFD Firefi ghters and Paramedics Paul Hale, Jason Thomas,
Steve Kimker, Joe Nazzoli, Jeremy Bohm and Danny Miner. The monument is permanently
located in front of the Richmond Heights Public Safety Building at 7447 Dale Ave.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

From Mike Jones NEWS FROM THE 2nd DISTRICT


Chief of Police Rick Vilcek is retiring  in January. Chief Vilcek has served 43 years in the Police Department. Raised through the ranks, from Patrolmen to Chief.The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) was initially created in 1979 to develop a set of management and operational standards designed to promote increased professionalism within the law enforcement community. To achieve accreditation status, agencies must comply with four hundred and sixty (460) stringent standards governing virtually all management, administration, and of policing and service to the community. The Richmond Heights Police Department received Accreditation on December 6, 2008 and was reaccredited in Nov. 2011. We  have the lowest crime rate for sometime under Chief Vilcek's leadership. Rick is a board member of the Richmond Heights Historical Society. He was raised and still lives in Richmond Heights. I, along with many others, wish him well in the years to come. I am sure we have not seen nor heard the last from Rick. His love for our city will guide him to help in anyway to keep our city number one.

ST. PETERS, MO (KTVI - FOX2now.com)--
One person is dead after an early morning crash in St. Peters, Mo involving a fire truck. Part of Westbound Interstate 70 was closed for several hours. The highway reopened just before 5 a.m. Thursday morning.
The crash happened around 12:15 a.m. on I-70 near Mid Rivers Mall Drive exit. The Missouri Highway Patrol says troopers and fire crews from Central County Fire and Rescue were working a relatively minor accident when a pick up truck going west on I-70 slammed into the back of a fire truck.
A Patrol spokesperson says the driver of the truck was killed. No one else was seriously hurt although a couple of fire fighters were taken to the hospital to be checked out.
Right now, it is unclear why the truck did not stop in time. The name of the victim has not yet been released.

Sunday, November 27, 2011


SHREWSBURY • Firefighters have knocked down a house fire at 7412 Murdoch Avenue.
Two alarms were struck, the first around 9:45 a.m. Firefighters found a back bedroom burned out and heavy smoke throughout the house, Capt. Gerard Straatmann said. Nobody was home at the time.
Firefighters are still trying to determine the cause of the fire.


Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/house-fire-in-shrewsbury-put-out/article_c2aacade-1848-11e1-b6ca-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1evO9IKlK

Wednesday, November 23, 2011


The firings of four command-level officers have split the Monarch Fire Protection District board and led to accusations of union cronyism by some district residents. The four officers — Assistant Chief Les Crews, Deputy Chief Cary Spiegel and Battalion Chiefs Fred Goodson and Mike Davis — were fired Tuesday by the fire district board, which blamed them for creating a hostile work environment for four female employees.
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Is Wellston Fire Chief Top Choice for Monarch Fire?


Tom Vineyard
Chesterfield-based Monarch Fire Protection District's search for a new fire chief has turned up a top choice, according to a self-proclaimed watchdog group, Monarch Concerned Taxpayers.
Tom Vineyard, chief of Mid-County Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, was identified Friday by Concerned Taxpayers, in a blog on the group's website as Monarch's top choice to replace current and retiring Chief Chip Biele.
Monarch's board of directors would not confirm chief search information but in an email to Patch,apologized to Vineyard and others mentioned inConcerned Taxpayers blog.
Chief Vineyard was not available by phone Monday, according to a person who answered the phone at Mid-County FPD.
Monarch has known for nearly a year that Biele was going to retire by January 1, and the 3-member board of directors voted to finance an executive search by firm Grant Cooper & Associates, for a new chief.
Monarch has 125 employees, five firehouses and covers 55 square miles, based in Chesterfield. The 2011 budget appeared to total about $22 million, with revenue from taxes on residential and commercial property, and personal property.

Friday, November 4, 2011


Dear Friends & Neighbors,
Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday as we "fall back" and set clocks back one hour. This is also a great time to check the things that keep us safe and ready for emergencies.
Smoke Detectors - Check and replace batteries if needed and make sure the devices around your house are working properly. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that about 16 million homes in the country have smoke alarms that do not work. In most cases, the batteries are dead or missing. Nearly 2,700 people die and more than 15,000 are injured each year because of fires that started in their homes.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors - Make sure you have working CO Detectors in your home. According to the Centers for Disease Control, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.
Emergency Kits - Everyone should have a basic emergency kit in their home with supplies such as food and water to last you and your family for at least three days. Other items like a battery-powered or crank radio, flashlights and a first aid kit should also be included. Daylight Saving Time is a perfect time to get a kit - and if you already have a kit, to check it to make sure food and other items are not near or past their expiration dates.
Wednesday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m.- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and may last up to three and a half minutes. On November 9, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. A Nationwide EAS Test will help the federal agencies and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.
Wise Avenue ProjectAs you are aware, the City is scheduled to rebuild Wise Avenue from Big Bend east in 2012.  MSD has notified us that they have scheduled a sewer replacement project for this area in 2013.  Such a project would damage our newly rebuilt street.  Staff is working with MSD and East West Gateway Council of Governments (TIP Grant Administrator) on a solution.  We may need to postpone the project to coincide with the MSD work in 2013.  I will update you further as we determine possible solutions.
Operation Food Search: It is time again for the Operation Food Search Fall Food Drive in Richmond Heights.  Employees invite you to help feed the hungry by sharing canned goods, cereals and other food items.  Collection barrels are available in the lobbies at City Hall, The Heights, the Library, Public Works and the Public Safety Building. Please give generously as area food banks are really in need this year.  Collections will be around through November 18.

Friday, November 18 at 5:45 p.m.: - Holiday Lighting Ceremony at THE HEIGHTS

Leaf Vacuuming Schedule: Please find attached 2011-12 Richmond Heights Leaf Schedule. Remember, placing leaves in the gutter is against the law. Leaves could catch fire when you park your car over them, and they stop up the sewers. Our Police will ticket you for this. (Just a reminder).

I leave you as always, if I can be of any help to you or yours please call or e-mail me. Please share this newsletter with your neighbors. If you know of anyone who would like to be added to the list of readers, please have them call or drop me a note. Your e-mail address will be kept confidential and it will not be sold, disclosed to others, or used for unsolicited mass mailings (spam). The Quality of Life in our Neighborhoods is what makes our City special. Thank You for giving us the opportunity to serve you on the City Council. The 2nd District rocks because of you, the greatest residents any city can have.

Mike Jones
2nd District Council Member
314.644.1564
mjones@richmondheights.org

Wednesday, October 12, 2011


Fire Fighters In Pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the IAFF supports and encourages affiliates and members to participate in campaigns throughout the month by losing the blue and donning pink duty shirts as a way to support women in their fight against all cancers. To support IAFF affiliates participating in breast cancer awareness campaigns, the IAFF is providing tools, resources and activities designed to help affiliates raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Monday, July 25, 2011

Guilty of great service

Brentwood Fire Chief Bob Niemeyer is guilty only of giving his men the best of everything, including 100 percent of himself. His love for his job, his total accessibility and his unwavering commitment to his men and his community make the Brentwood Fire Department one of the most highly recognized and respected fire departments in the community. As a former captain with the Maplewood Fire Department, I can say I've never known a more honorable man. His presence in the fire service has provided many firefighters, including me, with stability in unstable situations. He will be missed. His courage, guidance, leadership and experience all are irreplaceable.
What shame that a resignation was forced from a man who has been such an inspiration to his peers and community. I regret losing the service of such a great man.
Ray Holthausen • St. Louis County


Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_ed5f16b0-a9b8-5635-9587-195edbe063be.html#ixzz1T7YbkTLt



Well put Ray.  He was always there for the surrounding departments.  

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Richmond Heights and Brentwoood fire rescue personnel watch as a wrecker pulls a car off its side on Thursday, July 21, 2011, on westbound Highway 40 at Hanley Road.
Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/article_346faf68-b3c7-11e0-bd4b-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1Sm8RuXDD

Friday, July 8, 2011


The Union Fire Protection District now provides a staffed fire station all hours, every day of the week. The district recently hired six new firefighters who will be part of three teams that will provide staffing to include weekends. The new firefighters began work this week, according to Fire Chief Russ Hamilton.
EMISSOURIAN

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

A University City house is "pretty much a total loss" after a two-alarm fire that appears to have been caused by lightning, the city's fire chief said Monday.

It happened early Sunday in the 8000 block of Lafon Place, Chief Don Miner of the University City Fire Department said. His department received notification of the fire at about 3:30 a.m. 

No one was at home at the time of the fire, and the blaze was well underway before anyone knew it was burning, Miner said. 

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Chief White Out

The Mehlville Fire Protection District Board of Directors voted unanimously in a closed meeting Wednesday to accept the resignation of Mehlville Fire Chief Tim White.
The resignation comes after White was placed on forced administrative leave from June 13 to Wednesday of this week, MFPD Board Chairman Aaron Hilmer said.
“It was an amicable thing. Tim White and the board disagreed about the future direction of the district,” Hilmer said. “After lengthy discussion, we both came to the same conclusion, we both decided to amicably part ways."
Assistant Chief Brian Hendricks will step into the roll of interim chief and Deputy Chief Training Officer Dan Lafata will temporarily take over assistant chief duties. Hilmer said Hendricks has been with the district approximately 12 years.
White, who has been employed by the district since June of 1985, will receive nine months pay and benefits and a $15,000 education stipend if he wants to pursue another education direction, Hilmer said. He added that the severance package would not cost the district additional expenses and was in line with other packages given to early retirement employees.
White made $127,665.33 in total compensation and benefits in 2009, according to the MFPD website, and has been serving as the chief since April of 2009. He was promoted to administrative chief and served alongside former chief Jim Silvernail until Silvernail’s contract expired in April 2010.
“This wasn’t based on anything that happened,” Hilmer said. “It was more where we were going to go with the district. I certainly respect White’s vision. It just wasn’t something the board agreed with.”
Hilmer said the board wasn't going to rush to find a new chief.
“We have such a tremendous administrative staff now, the district should continue to run just fine,” he said. “I don’t foresee it being any kind of rush process.”
Hilmer said White and the board started disagreeing after the April election in which Hilmer was re-elected. Prior to the election, Hilmer said the chief was doing an "epic job of working for residents."
“After elections settled down, we asked, ‘Where are we going to be?’ and it became clear that we were clashing,” Hilmer said. “I think he’s going to have other possibilities to pursue and we wish him well in those endeavors."
"The fire district is better off than it was before he was chief. There have been a lot of positive things that have happened.”

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

From The Brentwood Patch

Brentwood fire chief Bob Niemeyer has announced his retirement after serving the city he grew up in for more than 49 years.
Niemeyer, 70, will retire on Sept. 17. He'll be succeeded by Ted Jury, fire chief of the Ladue Fire Department. The announcements were made during a Brentwood Board of Aldermen meeting on Monday night.
Niemeyer, who has worked as fire chief for the past 29 years, is a lifelong Brentwoodian who has strong ties to the community.
"He always wanted to be a fireman," Mayor Pat Kelly said. "He's a great person—as a fire chief and friend."
In May, Niemeyer informed the city that he planned to retire. The city's Public Safety Committee asked Jury to help with the search to find a replacement, but Jury indicated his interest in the position.
Instead of creating a search committee, the city began negotiating a contract with Jury in early June.
Kelly said Jury—who has worked in Ladue for 29 years—has become very familiar with the Brentwood Fire Department through mutual aid, where Brentwood firefighters assist Ladue on fire calls and vice versa.
"He knows our men. He's highly respected," Kelly said.
Jury's start date hasn't been established yet, but he'll likely begin before Niemeyer's retirement date, Kelly said.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Brentwood hires fire chief away from Ladue

Brentwood hires fire chief away from Ladue


Brentwood • Brentwood aldermen voted unanimously Monday night to hire Ladue Fire Chief Ted Jury to replace Bob Niemeyer.
Niemeyer plans to retire as fire chief in September after working for the department since 1962. He has been chief since 1982.
The board also voted to approve a contract for a new city administrator-city clerk. A. Bola Akande, who was assistant city manager in Richmond Heights, will replace Chris Seemayer.
In another action, the board voted to enter into a contract with Police Chief Steve Disbennett, who had been working without a contract.

Bola Akande Named Brentwood City Administrator - Maplewood-Brentwood, MO Patch

Bola Akande Named Brentwood City Administrator - Maplewood-Brentwood, MO Patch

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Brentwood Chief Announces Retirement











Brentwood Fire Chief Bob Niemeyer announced his retirement from the Brentwood
Fire Department last month.

He has set Sept. 17 as his retirement date.  Chief Niemeyer has served the Brentwood
community for more than 49 years.  He started his career in 1961, as a Fire and Police
dispatcher.  In 1962 he was asked to join the Brentwood Police Department by Mayor
Ray Parker and Acting Chief Al Null. Fifteen months later, on September 16, 1963, Bob transferred to the Brentwood Fire Department, fulfilling his lifelong dream of become a Brentwood fireman.  He worked his way up through the ranks and was promoted to Captain in 1968 and to Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal in 1980.  On April 19, 1982, Mayor Jim Shelton and the Board of Alderman appointed Bob the position of Chief of the Brentwood Fire Department.  He is now serving his 29th year as Fire Chief.

Click here for more.



Monday, June 13, 2011

It is with sorrow that the Clayton Fire Department announces the death of Retired Captain James J. “Jim” Hartnett.

Jim served the Clayton Fire Department for 40 years.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM Tuesday June 14th, 2011 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. The family has requested the presence of uniformed members in tribute to the service Captain Hartnett has provided.
Uniformed members should gather at the Jefferson Barracks administrative building no later than 10:00AM.
 Military and Fire Service honors will be provided.
Memorials in his memory to St. Johns Mercy Hospice.

James J. Hartnett 

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Hartnett, James J. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Saturday, June 11, 2011. Beloved husband for 60 years of Vera Hartnett (nee Barnett); loving father of Rebecca A. Sullivan; dear grandfather of Christopher James Sullivan; loving brother of Larry (Marilyn). Mr. Hartnett was preceded in death by the following sibilings: Helen Breier, Virginia Connors, Florence Briner, Doris Jasper, Donald, Robert, Frances and Kenneth Hartnett Mr. Hartnett served his country in WW II in the U.S. Army Air Force and served the city of Clayton as a fire fighter for 40 years. Services: A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Please meet at Administration Building. No visitation. In lieu of flowers, masses preferred or memorials to St. John's Mercy Hospice would be appreciated. A Service of THE LUPTON CHAPEL

Inquiries can be made to Brian Zinanni 314-973-0685