About Us

The Rolla Rural Fire Protection District (RRFPD) is comprised of volunteer and full-time firefighters operating out of four stations throughout the district. 

RRFPD covers approximately 210 square miles outside the city limits of Rolla within Phelps, Maries and Dent Counties. Our boundaries extend north to the Maries County line, east to the St. James city limits, west to the Doolittle city limits, and south to the Yancy Mills area. Automatic and Mutual aid agreements allow us to assist and receive assistance from neighboring agencies, expanding our coverage to a total of 785 square miles.

In May 1972, the Rolla Rural Fire Protection Association (RRFPA) was established after the City of Rolla Fire Department decided to stop answering fire calls outside city limits. This left the rural areas of Phelps County unprotected, prompting local business owners and residents to take action. The first fire truck, a Ford, arrived in November 1972, marking the start of the RRFPA's operations.

Initially, the department relied entirely on volunteers, with the first roster including Chief Bill Oliver and 17 firefighters. Over time, the department expanded its resources, including the addition of more fire trucks and equipment.

In 2004, the RRFPA transitioned to a tax-supported district, forming the Rolla Rural Fire Protection District (RRFPD). This change allowed for more stable funding and resources, leading to the construction of new stations and the acquisition of advanced firefighting equipment.

Today, RRFPD operates as a combination department with both volunteer and full-time firefighters, continuing its mission to protect the rural areas of Phelps County.

Roger Hayes, born and raised in West Plains, Missouri, began his career in emergency services in 1993 as a volunteer firefighter with the West Plains Fire Department. His passion for public safety soon expanded when he joined the West Plains Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer the same year. Encouraged by his colleagues, Roger pursued further training, earning his Missouri POST license in 1994.

In 1995, Roger was hired as a patrol officer for the West Plains Police Department, continuing his dual role as a firefighter in the department’s Public Safety Division. His dedication and skill led to his promotion to Detective in 2001, a position he held until 2007.

In 2007, Roger joined the Missouri Division of Fire Safety as a Fire Investigator, relocating with his family to Rolla, Missouri. In this role, he investigated hundreds of fires and explosions across the state.

In 2017, Roger was appointed the first paid Fire Chief of the Rolla Rural Fire Protection District after serving as a volunteer for 6 years . In addition to his responsibilities as fire chief, Roger remains an active member of the Rolla Fire Investigation Team where he helps instructs military personnel in fire investigation through the Advanced Crime Scene Techniques Course. He is also an Instructor for The University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute. 

Roger serves on the board of the Professional Fire and Fraud Investigators Association, contributing to ongoing training for investigators and first responders. He also continues to serve his community as a Reserve Deputy for the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.

Roger has been married to his wife for 26 years, and they have three children and two grandchildren.