Retired Firefighter Inducted in Hall Of Fame

Retired firefighter Murl Keiser, class of 1947 at Murphysboro High School in Murphysboro, Illinois, was recently inducted into the school’s “Hall of Fame” for his outstanding athletic ability in assisting his team in an amazing football season. The team completed a perfect season and rolled up 241 points against the opponent’s zero. The record holds today as the only team in the State of Illinois to be undefeated, untied and not scored upon. Murl Keiser grew up in Murphysboro and moved to St. Louis in 1960. Murl joined our Rock Community family in 1968 and retired in 1995 with 25 dedicated years of service to the citizens of our community. Murl, the small but mighty firefighter, is always a welcome sight around our firehouse. He always brings a cheerful smile and an exciting firefighting story about his colorful past. Congratulations, Murl!! You are and always will remain in our “Hall of Fame”!!

Rock Community Firefighter Chosen To Be Part Of Elite Missouri Rescue Team

Rock Community firefighter Mike “Cutter” Shafferkoetter has been chosen to join the Missouri Urban Search and Rescue Team as a rescue specialist. Mike, a 16 year veteran firefighter, has been with Rock Community for 4 years. Mike brings to the team a wealth of specialized training including: high angle rescue, trench collapse and a specialized structural collapse instructor. Mike was also chosen for his dedication and positive attitude in serving the public and staying on the cutting edge of new search and rescue techniques. The Missouri Urban Search and Rescue or USAR is one of 28 urban search and rescue teams around the country. The teams can be called out to any part of the United States or the world to assist in search and rescue of victims after a major natural or manmade disaster such as the recent devastating earthquakes that hit Haiti. The Missouri USAR team is made up of 220 members trained in various areas of search and rescue such as hazardous materials, technical rescue, high angle and a team of rescue dogs trained for body recovery. We are privileged to have Mike “Cutter” Shafferkoetter as part of our Rock Community family.