1- Edward Ergle, second from right, started the Blue Springs VFD and began a legacy of VFD service in his family – continuing with his son Phillip, far right.

Edward Ergle started the Blue Springs Volunteer Fire Department in 1981. Since then, three generations of his family have followed in his footsteps in volunteer fire service to the community.

His son, Phillip Ergle, joined the VFD, setting the example for the next generation – Edward Ergle’s granddaughter – Brittany Fox, who is now also a Blue Springs VFD firefighter, along with her husband David. Their son, Trey, is also starting to get involved – even though he is 8 years old.

2- Brittany Fox, along with her husband David, represents the current generation of Blue Springs VFD firefighters in Ergle’s descendants. Eight-year-old Trey Fox represents the next generation.

The Foxes said they see their involvement as “a way to honor our heritage.” The Foxes are among about two dozen volunteers with the department, some of whom are more active than others. Their son Trey helps out with controlled burns and other activities – Brittany said that since he is already showing an interest in volunteer firefighting, she and her husband want to encourage and foster that interest.