Ed Zimmermann has left the Rock Community Fire Protection District after nearly 50 years of either working or volunteering there.
On Oct. 21, Zimmermann, 67, of Arnold resigned from the Rock Fire Board of Directors, of which he has been a member since November 2019. Before joining the board, he was a firefighter from 1976 to 2018 for Rock Fire, first as a volunteer and later as a full-time firefighter.
Zimmermann said he resigned because he recently was diagnosed with cancer.
“That was the biggest reason,” he said. “Otherwise, I would love to be involved in it still. I just can’t do it.”
On Oct. 23, Chris Ferris, 45, of Arnold was chosen to fill Zimmermann’s seat on the board. The remaining board members, president Kenneth Baker and treasurer Daniel Meyer, voted unanimously to appoint Ferris to the board.
Ferris is the vice president at Cambridge Wilson and Co. Roofing of St. Louis. He said his father, Bill Ferris, is a retired Metro West Fire Protection District captain, and his late uncle, Bob Ferris, was a Metro West firefighter.
“I come from a family of firefighters,” Ferris said. “It has always been a profession that I have respected and held close. I’m pretty excited to get involved. I am looking forward to the challenge of it. Hopefully, I can bring something to the table.”
Chief Kevin Wingbermuehle said Zimmermann was appointed to the board in 2019 to replace Nathan Smith, who had moved out of the district. Zimmermann was then elected to a full six-year team in April 2020.
Ferris said he plans to seek a full term in the April 2026 election.
“This isn’t something to just fill in for a few months,” he said.
Rock Fire board members are paid $200 per meeting and typically meet twice a month.
Zimmermann
Zimmermann said it was a difficult decision to leave Rock Fire.
He started as a volunteer in 1976 and was hired as a full-time firefighter in 1990. He was promoted to captain in 1997 and retired in 2018.
“You can’t imagine how hard it is to walk away from it,” Zimmermann said. “It has been a big part of my life, and I hope I have been a big part of their life, too. But, you have to know when to say when.”
Wingbermuehle said Zimmermann will be missed.
“He brought a steady presence, thoughtful insight and a genuine commitment to the success of both the board and Rock Community,” Wingbermuehle said. “While I respect his decision and wish him the best moving forward, his absence will be felt. His experience and balanced perspective added real value to our discussions and decision-making processes.”
Wingbermuehle said Zimmermann approached issues in the district with fairness, professionalism and a community-first mindset.
“His ability to ask the right questions, challenge ideas constructively and support collaborative solutions strengthened the board’s effectiveness,” Wingbermuehle said. “Beyond the boardroom, Ed’s engagement with the fire district and community demonstrated a sincere dedication to its growth and well-being. His leadership and involvement have left a positive mark that will continue to benefit the organization.”
Wingbermuehle said he learned a lot from Zimmermann when the two worked together at Rock Fire.
“He was the first person to lead me into a burning structure, an experience that left a lasting impression and set the tone for how I would approach this career,” Wingbermuehle said. “I deeply appreciate the lessons I’ve learned from him over the years, both on and off the fireground.
“He has played a meaningful role in shaping the leader I strive to be today.”
Zimmermann said he is doing the best he can after his diagnosis, and he has a good support system.
“I am dealing with it,” he said. “It is one of them things you just have to do. I have been honored to be with Rock Community all of these years.”
He is married to Mary Ann Zimmermann, and the couple has five grown children.
Ferris
Ferris said he joined the board in part because he knew Meyer and in part due to a desire to become more involved in the community.
“I’ve done work and business with Dan Meyer, and our daughters go to school together,” said Ferris, whose daughter, Leah, 13, attends Holy Family Catholic School in Arnold. “My wife (Jill) and I have been in Arnold for about 12 years. We have come to grow and love the community. (Meyer) had mentioned he was on the board and the things they were doing and what was coming up, it just kind of (progressed) from there.”
Chris Ferris on Oct. 23 was sworn in as a Rock Community Fire Protection District Board of Directors member. He replaced Ed Zimmermann, who resigned from the board due to health reasons.
Ferris and his wife also have two sons – Chase, 18, who attends the University of Missouri in Columbia; and Jacob, 16, who attends Fox High School.
Wingbermuehle said Ferris brings valuable experience to the board from both labor and management perspectives.
“That dual background gives him a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and priorities on both sides, allowing him to bridge gaps, foster collaboration and approach decisions with fairness and practicality,”
Wingbermuehle said. “His insight into workforce dynamics and organizational leadership will strengthen the board’s ability to make balanced, informed decisions that benefit the entire community.”
Ferris said he is looking forward to learning more about the firefighting industry and the district. He also said he is excited about helping Rock Fire continue to grow, such as the district’s upcoming project to build a community education and safety training center.
Rock Fire officials have said they will use a portion of the $20 million bond issue voters approved on April 8 to build the center.
“I have a construction background, so that is something that excites me,” Ferris said. “I think it will be neat for the department and community. There seems to be a lot of exciting stuff coming up that I am happy I will be a part of.”
Wingbermuehle said he believes Ferris will serve the district and community well as a board member.
“He brings strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to teamwork that will enhance the district’s effectiveness,” Wingbermuehle said. “Beyond his professional expertise, Chris has a genuine interest in community safety and responsible progress, which will help strengthen relationships, improve communication and support thoughtful, forward-looking decision-making.”