Purdy firefighters join southeast Missouri rescue effortsArmed with a boat, locals responded to state mutual aid summonsBy Murray Bishoff Special to the Cassville DemocratResponding to the statewide emergency call, Purdy Fire District firefighters sent a team recently to Iron and Reynolds counties in southeast Missouri to assist in rescues due to flooding along the Black River in southeast Missouri. Two Purdy firefighters, equipped with their rescue boat, responded as part of the Missouri Mutual Aid System from Region D to help local agencies in need. According to Fire Chief Nick Mercer, the Purdy team worked alongside other firefighters from across the state. Purdy firefighters deployed to the city of Ironton, then operated out of nearby Lesterville. He noted the district remains committed to maintaining the equipment, training, and readiness to respond to calls through the Missouri Mutual Aid System.