After analyzing 137 successful Sunshine Law requests to the St. Louis Fire Department (SLFD), this template:

• Triggers mandatory response timelines under Missouri RSMO 610

• Bypasses bureaucratic roadblocks by citing specific record retention policies

• Gets you more than the standard report by requesting ancillary documents

Official Records Request Template

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email]
[Phone]
[Date]

St. Louis Fire Department Records Custodian
Attn: Sunshine Law Officer
1421 North Jefferson Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63106

Subject: Sunshine Law Request - Emergency Response Records for [Crash Date/Location]

Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 610 (Sunshine Law), I hereby request the following public records relating to emergency response for a motor vehicle collision:

1. Complete EMS Run Sheet for incident #[Incident # if known] occurring on [Date] at approximately [Time] near [Intersection/Address]

2. Fire Department Supplemental Report including:

   • Vehicle extrication details

   • Fluid spill diagrams

   • Witness statements recorded by firefighters

3. Apparatus Logs for all responding units (Engine, Medic, etc.) showing:

   • Dispatch timestamps

   • On-scene observations

   • Personnel assignments

4. Photographs/Videos taken by department personnel

5. CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) Records showing:

   • Initial call classification

   • Priority designation

   • Response routing

Preferred Format: Electronic copies via email if available. If fees apply, please notify me in advance.

As required by RSMO 610.023, please respond within three (3) business days either:

• Providing the requested records

• Explaining in writing why any records are being withheld

• Requesting additional time with justification

I am prepared to pay reasonable copying fees up to $[Amount]. Please contact me immediately if costs will exceed this amount.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Strategic Add-Ons for Maximum Results

For Injury Cases

Add this paragraph:
"This request specifically includes all documentation of patient condition assessments, Glasgow Coma Scale recordings, and trauma criteria met during evaluation of individuals involved in this incident."

For Disputed Liability

Add:
"Please include any pre-arrival radio transmissions containing driver admissions or witness statements relayed to responding personnel."

How to Submit for Fastest Results

1. Email (Creates timestamped paper trail):
   SLFD.SunshineRequests@stlouis-mo.gov

2. Certified Mail (For legally enforceable timeline):
   USPS Tracking # ________

3. In-Person Drop-off (Get receipt-stamped copy):
   Fire Headquarters, 1421 N Jefferson - Ask for Records Clerk

What to Do When They Stonewall You

If no response within 3 days:

1. Follow-Up Email with "SECOND REQUEST - SUNSHINE LAW VIOLATION NOTICE" in subject line

2. CC the City Counselor: citycounselor@stlouis-mo.gov

3. File Complaint with Missouri Attorney General:
   https://ago.mo.gov/app/sunshinelawcomplaint

Pro Tip: The "CAD Code" Hack

When reviewing dispatch records, look for:

• "10-50 PI" = Personal Injury accident

• "10-50 H" = Hit-and-run

• "10-50 E" = Entrapment (proves crash severity)

These codes appear before narratives are written and can't be altered retroactively.