The DeKalb Rural Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1982. DeKalb is located 9 miles south and west of St. Joseph, Missouri. The DeKalb Fire Department relied on Forestry Division issued equipment vehicles for firefighting, subscription service fees and other donations for basic operations.

In 1994, the DeKalb Fire Protection District was formed and secured roughly 75 square miles with the authority to levy a tax. Then, older fire vehicles were replaced with diesel powered apparatus and a long journey began to replace outdated pagers, radios and personal protective equipment with increased tax revenues. In 1996, approximately 15 square miles of unincorporated Buchanan County west of St. Joseph and south of Lake Contrary, not protected by a fire service was annexed into the existing fire district, thus expanding the service area to 90 square miles.

DeKalb Fire Department currently has four firefighting vehicles and 33 members. DeKalb Fire Department received a 2005 AFG for Safety and Operations. DeKalb Fire Department answers an average of between 80 and 100 calls per year. Most of the call volume are medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents. DeKalb Fire Department recently changed over to a digital 800-mg radio system. DeKalb Fire Department has a Class 7 ISO rating.