Mexico Public Safety Department battled a deadly apartment building fire in the 1200 block of West Breckenridge Drive, followed by another fire on Elmwood, in the Miller Warehouse on Dec. 23.

"The weather was frigidly cold and the wind cut through like a knife. It was the holiday season when a lot of fire fighters and Public Safety Officers were out of pocket. But the came out nonetheless, and Mexico answered the alarm," said Mexico Public Safety Chief Susan Rockett.

The Chief went on to say,  "We requested help in fighting the fires after two fires were reported in a short period of time, and after two engines were damaged due to freezing. Little Dixie Fire Protection District came right away and fought the fire shoulder to shoulder with us. There at the scene, Audrain Ambulance District, monitored our health and cycled us through rehab and warming to insure our safety against the cold and exhaustion. Audrain County Emergency Management was on the scene bring help and resources. Red Cross was called and they were on hand to help the families displaced by the fire. We got a call from Toys for Tots to ensure that any children would not be missing some Christmas.

After the fire was under control, we called upon the Missouri State Fire Marshals to assist in the investigation. And who was sent but two Mexico Public Safety Alumni, Marshal Joe Jones and Marshal Brian Baker. They had to work in the cold without the heat of the fire to stave off the dangerous sub-zero temperatures.

Mexico Public Works was on the scene with a back hoe to pull the building down for safety. As we started clean up and rehab of the equipment, they arrived with two heaters to hasten the thaw of the engines. (Delivery and pick up.) When we discovered the full extent of the damages to engines, we knew they had to be taken to Roxana Illinois for repair. They could not be driven. So, we had to find a tow truck or some other way. Sydenstricker Nobe came to the rescue and provided a truck, driver and low boy trailer to deliver the engine to Illinois, and bring back a loaner engine.

After this rugged night in the cold, everyone was getting very low on energy through exhaustion and hunger. This is when the troops really started pouring in bringing food. I hesitate to name names for fear of missing someone, but we saw Pizza Hut, Ori Hibachi, Bucky’s Sit or Git, McDonalds, and some stuff people brought from home. We managed to refuel (a couple of times). Food kept coming after I lost count and days later. I had to turn some offers away because we had so much at that time.

Let it be said that we at Mexico Public Safety so appreciate this community we serve. We know we do not stand alone. Our back is always covered. Things in Mexico do not happen to the “other guy”. It happens to all of us. Thank you, Mexico.  Thank you for your unwavering generosity and compassion. Thank you to all the agencies who came when we called for your professionalism and ethics. We remain Mighty MexMO!!!"

Chief Susan Rockett and the members of Mexico MO Department of Public Safety

60-year-old Ruth Ann Stuart of Mexico, died in the apartment fire. The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire which was released this week is believed to have been started by a person or persons. No arrests have been made.