Johnson County Fire Protection District Chief Larry W. Jennings was recognized for 50 years of service to his community during Saturday’s University of Central Missouri football game at Walton Stadium.
Jennings was presented with a bronze eagle by UCM President Dr. Roger Best on behalf of the district in recognition of the milestone. The presentation recognized a career that has spanned five decades and included service as a firefighter, fire investigator, law enforcement officer, fire chief and public service leader.
A Warrensburg native, Jennings began his fire service career in June 1976. He was an original volunteer member of the Johnson County Fire Protection District when the district was formed in January 1979 and has served as Fire Chief since 1996. He assumed the position as a full-time career in 2007.
“I am humbled to have spent 50 years serving the fire service and our communities,” Jennings said. “This career has given me the opportunity to work alongside some incredible people, learn from those who came before me, worked with me, and hopefully make a difference for those who come after me. I am grateful for the people and organizations that have been part of this journey.”
Jennings' career has extended beyond the fire district. From 1980 to 1987, he served in local law enforcement as a police officer with the University of Central Missouri and as a deputy with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.
In 1987, Jennings began a career as a commissioned fire investigator with the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, where he became the 15th person certified as a fire investigator in the state of Missouri. He later worked as an investigator with American Family Insurance's Special Investigation Unit, investigating fire scenes across the country, providing courtroom testimony, and teaching fire investigation courses.
Jennings has also held numerous leadership positions within the Missouri fire service. He currently serves as president of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri, representing more than 7,500 members from more than 350 fire, emergency medical and emergency communication agencies across the state. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Fire and Fraud Investigators Association.
Throughout his career, Jennings has received numerous professional honors, including the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri Fire Chief of the Year Award in 2009 and recognition as a UCM Distinguished Alumni for Service in 2019. In 2022, he earned the professional designation of Chief Fire Officer through the Commission on Professional Credentialing, recognizing his experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, community involvement and technical competence. In 2025, he received the Harry Hansen Memorial Award from the Professional Fire and Fraud Investigators Association for his significant contributions to advancing fire investigation in Missouri.
Jennings' 50 years in the fire service represent a career that has reached far beyond Johnson County. Through his leadership, professional service and commitment to mentoring others, he has contributed to the advancement of the fire and emergency services across Missouri and influenced professionals throughout the country. His five decades of service reflect not only a commitment to the community where his career began, but also a lasting impact on the profession he has spent his life serving.
Release courtesy of the Johnson County Fire Protection District.
