Pattonville Fire Protection District’s Bill Esterline honored

Pattonville, MO – William “Bill” Esterline, veteran chairman of the Pattonville Fire Protection District Board of Directors and a long-time friend of Organized Labor, has been chosen by the St. Louis County Fire Academy as the honoree for the current recruit class completing their initial training and certification as fire fighters. Ceremonies were held May 3.

The Academy provides the certified training programs for 43 St. Louis County fire departments and fire protection districts. To work for any of the districts a fire fighter must be certified by the Academy.

“It is a common tradition across the Fire Service for fire academies to name their recruit training classes after an individual or group that has made or continues to make a significant impact on the fire service, or those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their life in the line of duty while protecting and serving others,” states a release from the Academy announcing the honor. “In St. Louis County, this tradition runs deep, and the list of class honorees is long and distinguished. Several members of the Pattonville Fire Protection District have had the privilege of receiving this honor.”

Notes a statement from the Pattonville Fire District: “Chairman Esterline has devoted an immeasurable amount of time, dedication, devotion and passion into ensuring that our community receives the very best fire, rescue and EMS services available at all levels. His efforts extend outside Pattonville’s borders into neighboring fire service agencies and the St. Louis Metropolitan Area as a whole.”

Esterline has served as a Bridgeton City councilman, a commissioner at Lambert St. Louis International Airport, a member of the DePaul Hospital Advisory Board and as a Pattonville Fire District director. Retired St. Louis Labor Council President Bob Soutier serves as the District’s treasurer.

“Congrats to Chairman Esterline on the very much deserved recognition. Thanks for all you do and continue to do on behalf of the St. Louis metro area/community,” tweeted International Association of Fire Fighters Second District vice President Mark Woolbright.