MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Fire Department, in collaboration with West Liberty Ambulance, Wilton Ambulance, and Louisa Ambulance Service, has received new Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Response Kits designed to strengthen coordination and lifesaving efforts during large-scale emergencies.
The kits include specialized equipment and supplies that allow responders to efficiently organize, triage, and manage multiple patients. By standardizing tools and procedures across agencies, the initiative enhances interoperability—the ability for different departments to communicate and operate seamlessly during critical situations.
“This level of coordination means that when a major incident occurs—whether a multi-vehicle crash, natural disaster, or large public event—responders from any of our neighboring agencies can join the command structure immediately,” said Battalion Chief Gary Ronzheimer. “That kind of integration saves valuable time and, ultimately, lives.”
Funding for the project was provided by the State of Iowa, with strong support from Muscatine County Public Health and the 5A Healthcare Coalition. Special recognition goes to Jen Craft of Muscatine County Public Health for her leadership and dedication in bringing the project to fruition.
For smaller and rural departments across Iowa, partnerships like this are critical. Mutual aid agreements ensure that no single community faces a large-scale emergency alone. By sharing resources, standardizing equipment, and fostering interagency relationships, rural areas can respond to major incidents with the same effectiveness as larger metropolitan systems—improving patient outcomes and survivability.
“This project is about more than equipment,” Ronzheimer added. “It’s about building a stronger, unified network of responders ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder when our communities need us most.”
For more information contact:
Gary Ronzheimer
Battalion Chief, Muscatine Fire Department
312 E 5th St, Muscatine, IA 52761
Office: 563-263-9233 | Cell: 563-299-3637
About the Muscatine Fire Department
The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine and surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County—serving a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles. MFD also provides HAZMAT response for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties.
In 2024, MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 5,500 calls for service. Established as a volunteer company on January 7, 1875, the department became a full-time operation in January 1916.