The Centerville Fire Rescue Department is a combination paid/volunteer department. The members consist of a volunteer chief, 1 volunteer asst. chiefs, 2 full-time captain, 1 volunteer captain and around 24 volunteers.
The Centerville Fire Rescue's primary role, as with any fire department, is the prevention of fire and preservation of life and property.
In January 2019, Centerville Fire Rescue established an ambulance service to cover Appanoose County. Currently, CFR Ambulance service consists of two emergency response ambulances that are staffed with one paramedic and one EMT 24/7. Centerville Fire Rescue employs 6 paramedics and 2 EMTs as well as many PRNs to cover the emergency medical needs of Appanoose County.
Contact Info
Phone:
(641) 856-2314
Fax:
(641) 437-7364
Emergency Numbers:
911
Address:
15th & Maple
Centerville, IA 52544
See map: Google Maps
Residential Knox Box Program Coming March 2027
The Centerville Fire Rescue is proud to introduce a new pilot program for the residents of Centerville. The Temporary Residential Knox Box program provides a secured means of access in case of an emergency. Knox Box key boxes are safe, secure, and UL tested.
These boxes are a short term answer for residents living at home who may need medical assistance from time to time. Imagine if you were hurt and/or unable to get to your locked door while the ambulance was coming. Once the ambulance crew arrived to your house the crew would try to find an unlocked door or window to make entry. If the crew is unable to find an easy way in, the next option is forcible entry through your door or window. Occasionally doors and other parts around the door are damaged and require replacement. Sometimes these repairs can be costly. However, this could have been avoided if a Knox Box was in place.
What is a Knox Box
A Knox Box is a secured key box containing your house key. These key boxes can be temporarily hung on your door with the attached over the door hanger. Knox Boxes are keyed for a special key carried only by the Fire Department. The key is electronically locked in the fire apparatus and is released by Westcom Communications (our 911 center). When a crew member requests that the Knox key be released it is documented who will have the key. Once the key is secured back into the electronic holder the crew member tells the dispatch and that is also logged.
These keys are only released in the case of an emergency or if no key holder is immediately available. Use of a Knox Box avoids forced entry and any property damage. When a Knox Box is opened by a crew member, they can then use your key, to open your door, to help you. Afterwards, prior to leaving your residence, your house key is then re-secured into the Knox Box. (This also eliminates revealing your hidden key location to others). The temporary Knox Boxes are black with a lift off door that can be placed in minutes.
The Temporary Residential Knox Box program was designed to help those residents still living independently at home. The Fire Department does not want to cause you any more hardships or unnecessary repair bills. The Temporary Residential Knox Box program allows you to use a Knox Box free of charge for up to one year. Supplies are limited in this program and may go fast. A waiting list may be created as the need arises. The Fire Department offers one as a temporary service from the city. Having a Knox Box at your residence will provide you and your family with a peace of mind in the event of an emergency. Some terms and conditions apply for enrollment.
Permanent Residential Knox Box Information
The Fire Department would be happy to assist those residents looking for a permanent Residential Knox Box. Knox Company has many different options in three colors for the Residential Knox Box 1650 series. These boxes can be permanently mounted at your residence. These models range in cost from $169 to $265 plus shipping and handling.
Ordering Instructions can be found here.
If you would like assistance ordering or for further information, contact the Centerville Fire Recue during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Contact Information
For questions or to enroll in the program, please contact Centerville Fire Rescue.
(641) 856-2314
Information is also available through Knox’s Residential website.
Free Smoke Detector Program
Protecting Homes, Families, and Our Community
Centerville Fire Rescue is been proud to offer a FREE smoke detector program to help protect residential property owners and their families from the dangers of home fires. Since 2010, over 1,200 smoke detectors have been installed within the community.
Smoke detectors provide an early warning that can give you and your family valuable time to get outside safely. Every home should have properly working smoke detectors, and our goal is to help ensure that residents in our community have the protection they need.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is intended for residential property owners who live in their homes.
The program is not available for:
- Landlords or owners of residential rental properties
- Commercial property owners or businesses
- Apartment or rental property units
- Businesses or commercial buildings
Property owners who rent residential or commercial properties are responsible for providing and maintaining the required smoke detectors for their tenants and occupants.
What We Provide
Eligible residential property owners may receive free smoke detectors through the Centerville Fire Rescue, subject to program availability.
Personnel may also assist with determining appropriate locations for smoke detectors and provide basic fire-safety information to help keep your home and family safe.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
The National Fire Protection Association recommends having smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be tested regularly, and batteries and detectors should be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer.
If you are a residential property owner and are concerned that your home does not have enough working smoke detectors, we encourage you to contact the Centerville Fire Rescue to learn more about our free smoke detector program.
Your smoke detector could be the warning that saves a life.
Centerville Fire Rescue
Serving and Protecting the Centerville Community
| Name | Title | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Sherwood | Volunteer Chief | dsherwood@centerville-ia.org |
