West Plains, MO. – The City of West Plains recently announced its selection of Christopher Sterner to take over the role of the new Fire Chief of the West Plains Fire Department.
Sterner, who is a 6-year veteran of the department, has served as the Interim Fire Chief since May of 2024 when Fire Chief Kurt Wilbanks announced his retirement. During his time as acting Fire Chief, the West Plains Fire Department has seen record attendance numbers of off-duty training and call-in responses. In a press release, City Administrator Sam Anselm stated, “In addition to being an outstanding leader who has already earned the respect of his crew members, Chris brings an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the West Plains community. We are confident that Chris will carry on the tradition of excellence for the West Plains Fire Department.”
Sterner has worked 29 years in the public safety career which began in 1995 when he started as a junior firefighter for the Howell County Rural Protection District. From 1998 to 2016 he worked for Howell County 911, where he was in charge of dispatching 13 fire departments, two ambulance services, and two police departments. In 2022, Sterner became a reserve police officer for the West Plains Police Department before joining the West Plains Fire Department in 2017. He then worked his way up, earning promotions to lieutenant and Assistant Fire Chief.
Among his accomplishments include three Howell County Firefighter of the Year awards, two Howell County Fire Office of the Year awards, six Meritorious Act awards from the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri, and three Life Saving Awards from the Fire Fighters Association and Missouri Division of Fire Safety. He recently was selected as the Chief Officer of the Year by the Fire Fighters Association.
