The DeKalb Rural Volunteer Fire Department began its endeavor in 1982. With virtually no funds to work with, it would slowly begin piecing together the efficient fire department is has become today. From 1982 to 1994,, the fire department depended on subscription service for survival. Most fire equipment on hand was donated from other departments and fundraisers purchased the first used fire truck years later. The Missouri Department of Conservation Forestry Division also provided much needed surplus equipment and three additional forestry vehicles for firefighting. In 1994, the fire department established formal boundaries and received voter approval to levy a fire tax. Since then, the fire department has purchased three newer used fire trucks; has built on to the existing station for meetings and has purchased much needed equipment that fees from subscription service could not have supported. With the help of Matching Funds Grants from the Missouri Department of Conservation over the years, we have been able to purchase communications and firefighting equipment. The 2005 AFG also assisted us with the purchase of PPE; a thermal imaging camera and LDH. There are thirty-four volunteer personnel; four fire apparatus and we respond to a multitude of calls in a 90 square mile area.