POLICE CHIEF RETIRES JANUARY 9TH

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.

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.

Police investigating Richmond Heights killing

Police investigating Richmond Heights killing

Couple Rescued From Mehlville House Fire

Couple Rescued From Mehlville House Fire

2 FDNY firefighters in serious condition after being burned in Brooklyn blaze - NYPOST.com

2 FDNY firefighters in serious condition after being burned in Brooklyn blaze - NYPOST.com:

'via Blog this'

Driver was texting in deadly Interstate 44 crash near Gray Summit

Driver was texting in deadly Interstate 44 crash near Gray Summit:

'via Blog this'

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.org.  Applications must be received by December 30, 2011  to receive consideration.  TESTING 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

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

Fire billows from the windows of a six-story building that's part of the old Crunden Martin Manufacturing Co. complex on South Second Street in St. Louis on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011. Photo by Erik M. Lunsford

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/st-louis-firefighters-getting-blaze-south-of-arch-under-control/article_e28329a8-21c8-11e1-a600-0019bb30f31a.html#ixzz1fylyQN66

5 Alarm Fire in City this AM 2nd Street

Steve "Moose" Schulte Dies

Always had a story.

Stephen A. "Moose" Schulte 

  |   Visit Guest Book

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.

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.