West Plains, MO. – West Plains Fire Department Chief Kurt Wilbanks announced his retirement from active duty with the City of West Plains. On June 5, 2024, there will be a reception held at 3:00 p.m. at the West Plains Fire Station 1.
Willbanks started his work for the City of West Plains in 1988, serving in the utilities department. He moved to the fire department on a full-time basis in 1999, steadily progressing through the ranks until he became fire chief in 2022. Chief Wilbanks has earned recognition as Instructor of the Year from the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute. In 2018, he was honored with the Governor’s Medal for his contributions to the city’s emergency response efforts following the 2017 floods.
He has served in various leadership roles, including Region G Director of the Missouri Association of Fire Chiefs, District 9 Director of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri, and the Missouri Region G Mutual Aid Fire Coordinator. He also currently holds the position of President of the West Plains Optimist Club for the term of 2023-2024.
Following his retirement, Wilbanks wants to continue his dedication to firefighter training across Missouri through the University of Missouri Fire Rescue Training Institute.
Assistant Fire Chief Chris Sterner has been appointed as interim fire chief and will undertake the duties and responsibilities until a permanent chief is appointed.
