About central jackson county fire protection district
Mission Statement
Central Jackson County Fire Protection District is committed to the preservation and protection of life and property and is fully dedicated to the communities we serve.
Vision Statement
CJC will continue to be recognized as a progressive, well-trained public service organization.
We will honor the trust of our communities and partnerships by providing the best service possible through continuous evaluation of their needs and our ability to deliver.
We will reflect a respectful team atmosphere in our workforce culture, nurtured by open communication and current, relevant procedures guiding the decisions of our personnel.
Our Goals
The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) is a full-service fire department in eastern Jackson County providing fire and emergency medical service (EMS) response, fire safety and life safety education, fire and EMS training and education, hazardous materials, and technical rescue.
The CJCFPD serves the communities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo, and some sections of surrounding Jackson County.
Board Members
Tim McDermed
Treasurer
Tim McDermed
Treasurer
Tim McDermed retired in 2013 as a captain with the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District after more than 30 years. Tim started with CJC as a volunteer in 1979 and was hired full time in 1984. He has served as a board member since 2013.
Steve Westermann
Chairman
Steve Westermann
Chairman
Director Westermann has been in the fire service for over 45 years, recently retiring after 28 years as the fire chief for CJC and spending nearly 40 total years serving the communities CJC protects. Director Westermann helped create an organization that has received unwavering support from the communities, passing a number of levy, sales tax, and bond elections, allowing CJC to become an organization recognized as a top tier fire department locally, regionally, and in some ways nationally.
John Gale
Secretary
John Gale
Secretary
Director Gale began his career of paid public service in 1982 by working for then, Blue Springs EMS and for other nearby EMS services as a Paramedic. After serving the EMS Community for 6 years, John transitioned to law enforcement in 1986 . Though no longer serving directly in the Emergency Medical Services, he maintained his Paramedic license for many years to come. In 1988 he joined the Blue Springs Police Department and served the Community of Blue Springs for the next 32 years. Additionally, during his time at BSPD John also served as a Fire Investigator, frequently partnering with CJC Investigators during investigations, especially those fires with potential criminal implications. Director Gale joined the CJC Board of Directors in 2022.
Accreditation and National Recognition
CJC is one of only 258 fire departments worldwide, 6 in Missouri, and 7 in the Kansas City Metro, recognized by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a division of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
In 2018, CJC became one of fewer than 400 departments across the country to achieve Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 and one of only 78 departments to have achieved both an ISO 1 rating and be accredited.
How Can We Help You?
CJC is your fire department in Jackson County dedicated to education, protecting, and training our community. Contact us for questions or educational demonstrations.
