HOW IT ALL BEGAN...

The Shady Valley Volunteer Fire Protective Association was born because of a need for fire protection with a quicker response. At that time the area that now comprises Shady Valley was covered by three fire departments, Rock Community, Antonia Community and Fenton, all which had thirty to forty minute response times to the area.

Several area residents decided to start their own fire department after several fires in the area. They banded together and met with Rock Community and Antonia Community to gather ideas on how to start.

These initial meetings started in 1958. By spring of 1959 the first fire pumper was bought for $1.00 from Jefferson Barracks Fire Department and land was donated for the fire station. By 1964 the fleet of apparatus grew to three trucks, a fire station was built and the Shady Valley Volunteer Fire Protective Association was responding to about 15 calls per year. They were supported by tag subscriptions.

In 1974 the residents of Shady Valley voted in the Shady Valley Fire Protection District and tax revenue was their new form of monetary support.

Now with 3 pieces of apparatus, 11 full-time , 1 part-time and 20 volunteer positions18.5 square miles of territory, the District responds to 750+ alarms per year.