Director Profiles

Mehlville Fire Protection District is a political subdivision of the State of Missouri similar to a school district or library district. As a subdivision of the State of Missouri, the District operates under the guidelines set forth in the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 321.

Mehlville Fire Protection District is operated by a three-member Board of Directors that is elected by the voters of the District per state statutes.

Aaron Hilmer was first elected to the position of director in April, 2005 and was re-elected in 2011, 2017 and 2021.  He is a lifelong resident of the District and is a small business owner. He attended Lutheran South High School and went on to become a successful investor. He has contributed significant time and resources to community volunteer work. Hilmer brings to the District financial expertise and a commitment to ensuring that District expenditures are sound and warranted.

Dr. Bonnie Stegman, Associate Professor of Nursing at Maryville University, began her career as a paramedic in North St. Louis County, received her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2008, and completed her PhD in Education at University of Missouri St. Louis in 2013. At MFPD, her focus has been ensuring fiscal responsibility to the taxpayer and overseeing advancements in EMS technology, pre-hospital care and HIPAA compliance. Dr. Stegman has promoted initiatives that have put the District on the forefront of providing state-of-the-art patient care, including the hiring of dedicated medical direction, the establishment of a Critical Care Paramedic program, and the launch of Mehlville Mobile Healthcare, the District’s community paramedicine program.

Edmond J. Ryan was elected to the position of Director with the District in April, 2007 and was re-elected in 2013 and 2019. He retired from the Parkway School District in June, 2012. During his employment with the School District, he was the Electrical Engineer/Project Manager. Since his election, Ed has worked to maintain the District’s lower tax rate while improving services. He has been instrumental in coordinating maintenance and construction projects in an effort to keep costs down. Ed is a Vietnam veteran.