About central jackson county fire protection district

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.

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.

Dave Hartley retired in 2022 as a captain with the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District after more than 30 years. Dave started with CJC full time in 1992.  He has served as a board member since 2026.