Monty T., a Waller Truck driver since 2009 (and due to celebrate his ninth anniversary with the company), has always contributed to his community. A volunteer firefighter, Monty has worked in one capacity or another for local fire departments since 1981. Read his and his wife, Joyce’s, story below! Originally published on the Missouri Department of Public Safety website.

Salute to Service in Fire Safety

The Division of Fire Safety salutes the service of Monty and Joyce T. Through 48 years of marriage, the T’s have served the public through their volunteer work with the Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District. They’ve also spent part of 37 summers working at the Missouri State Fair.

In 1970, Monty joined the Kearney district and Joyce joined the Ladies Auxiliary. Forty-eight years later Monty continues to serve the district as a Volunteer Assistant Chief. Joyce continues her work with the auxiliary.

In 1981, Monty received his EMT license. In 2010, he received his Fire Fighter I & II certifications. Since Kearney did not have an ambulance and the closest one was with the Holt Volunteer Fire Department, Monty would help get patients ready until an ambulance arrived. He also worked weekends at Smithville Hospital.

At the State Fair, Monty worked his way up the ranks, becoming Fire Chief in 2000 of the State Fair Fire Department, a position he held until 2003. He was appointed Commissioner in 2004. In 2005, he became co-chairman with Lonnie Lentz. Following Lentz’ death, Monty became chairman of the State Fair Fire Department, a position he still holds.

Joyce’s duties with the Ladies Auxiliary have been many; including helping provide food and water to firefighters responding to long calls. She also joined the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri Auxiliary and assisted in numerous responsibilities there. Currently, one of Joyce’s roles is overseeing the kitchen and providing three meals a day to more than 250 people during the run of the fair. She always has words of encouragement and raises everyone’s spirits!

Joyce and Monty: Volunteering Together

Monty and Joyce have spent 37 of their 48 years of marriage working at the Missouri State Fair. They have dedicated their lives to helping make the Missouri State Fair a success, and sacrificing their time to serve thousands of meals over the years to people in the youth building, making new friends, and building many strong relationships. Together, the T’s exemplify service before oneself.

Monty and Joyce have two children – Stephanie and Chris – and six grandchildren.

To learn more about the Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District visit the district’s Facebook page.