The Western Taney County Fire Protection District has announced a major leadership transition, according to a Facebook post by the department.
Assistant Chief Jim Furgerson was sworn in as the district’s new fire chief on Nov. 19, 2025. Furgerson began his service as a volunteer firefighter before joining the Joplin Fire Department in 2001. He rose through the ranks to become Joplin’s fire chief in 2015, serving in that role for six years before retiring and joining Missouri’s State Emergency Management Agency. In 2021, he joined Western Taney County Fire as the assistant chief of prevention.
District leaders said Furgerson brings a passion for servant leadership and community service, along with extensive experience that prepares him to guide the department into the future.
The announcement came one day after the district celebrated the retirement of Fire Chief Chris Berndt, who served the community for 36 years, including 31 years as fire chief. His leadership, commitment to firefighter training and longstanding dedication to Western Taney County were highlighted during the celebration.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Chief Berndt for his decades of service and his unwavering dedication to the firefighters and residents he proudly served,” the district said.
The department congratulated both leaders and thanked them for their service to the community.
Transparency note: The above article was written with the assistance of AI under the direction of an experienced journalist.
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