The Monett Fire Department and Monett Regional Airport collaborated with MU Extension and local fire departments to organize a Missouri University Fire and Rescue Training Institute Mobile Aircraft Rescue Fire training event at the Monett Regional Airport on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
MU Extension fire trainers led the training, inviting all Region D fire departments, which cover counties from St. Clair to Barry and Jasper to Webster. The two-day event drew 45 first responders from 14 area fire departments. Activities included classroom instruction and live burn exercises at the airport.
For the live burn session, three MU instructors assembled a 75-foot prop airplane capable of simulating aircraft fires. This provided firefighters with practical experience in aircraft fire suppression and rescue operations.
The simulator used for training cost $1.6 million to construct, funded by the Federal Aircraft Administration and MoDOT. The prop is transported nationwide to offer hands-on training opportunities for firefighters. This marks the first time it has been brought to Monett.
Among those present were representatives from the Monett Fire Department, Monett Regional Airport, City of Monett, as well as Monett Airport Commissioner John Millsap, Monett City Commissioner Darren Indovina, and members of Jack Henry.
Participating agencies included: City of Monett Fire Department, Monett Rural Fire Department, Pierce City Fire Department, Grandby Fire Department, East Newton Fire Department, Aurora City Fire Department, HallTown Fire Department, Purdy Fire Department, Cassville Fire Department, Central Crossing Fire Department, Eagle Rock Fire Department, Barry Lawrence Ambulance, City of Columbia Fire Department and Bennentville (AK) Fire Department.
