Legacy in Action: The Howell Family Tradition Continues at Ozark Fire Sprinkler

At Ozark Fire Sprinkler, excellence in fire protection isn't just a business -- it's a family legacy. The Howell family has been a cornerstone of the company's story for nearly five decades, and that legacy proudly continues for Carter Howell, who recently joined the team as the fourth generation to work with Ozark Fire Sprinkler.


The Howell family's connection to the fire protection industry began in the mid-1970s, when Carter's great-uncle founded Ozark Fire Protection. Over the years, that foundation grew into the trusted, locally rooted company that serves communities across Missouri today.


Carter follows in the footsteps of his father, Dustin Howell, who currently serves as a Field Superintendent, and his grandfather, Mark Howell, who retired in the spring of 2025 after decades of dedicated service. Their combined experience and commitment to craftsmanship have helped shape Ozark Fire Sprinkler into the respected, family-driven company it is today.


For the Howell family -- and for all those at Ozark Fire Sprinkler -- this legacy is more than a lineage. It's a testament to hard work, integrity, and a shared passion for protecting what matters most.


At Big Muddy Protection Group, we celebrate stories like this -- where generations of dedication come together to strengthen our culture, our communities, and our commitment to safety.

Customer Excellence: Sho-Me Fire Protection

November 6, 2025
At Sho-Me Fire Protection , excellence isn't just a goal -- it's an expectation. Our Springfield team recently received exceptional feedback from Kraft Foods , commending the group for outstanding communication , reliability , and responsiveness throughout their project. This recognition highlights what we value most: strong client relationships and a commitment to delivering quality fire protection services that our customers can depend on. Whether it's a major industrial project or routine maintenance, our teams work diligently to ensure every detail meets the highest standard. We're incredibly proud of the professionalism our Sho-Me Fire Protection team demonstrates day in and day out. Their dedication reflects the broader Big Muddy culture -- one built on integrity, accountability, and a shared mission to protect what matters most. To our partners, clients, and communities -- thank you for trusting us to keep you safe.

Community Impact: Big Muddy Fire Alarm

November 6, 2025
At Big Muddy Fire Alarm, we believe that trust is built through consistent service, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to the communities we serve. That dedication was recently recognized by Ottawa Public Schools , who shared outstanding feedback for our Topeka team's professionalism and responsiveness. The project showcased what sets our team apart -- from thorough coordination to dependable follow-up and attention to detail. Every installation, inspection, and service call is approached with the same goal: to protect people, property, and peace of mind. Here is what Darrell Moore, Director of Operations at USD 290 , had to say: "I just want to thank you and your team for all your hard work on replacing the fire alarm system at Ottawa Middle School and doing it so quickly. You and your team stepped up when we needed you most. Because of your hard work and diligence, we are able to have our staff and students in a building that we know is safe. I knew with you leading your team that I did not have to worry. Thank you for your hard work, your high standards and your dedication in helping us. You are very much appreciated." We're proud of the impact our Topeka office continues to make across Kansas , supporting schools, businesses, and facilities with reliable fire alarm solutions. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do -- because strong partnerships and trusted performance make our communities safer. At Big Muddy Fire Alarm, it's more than just service -- it's stewardship, and we're honored to be part of it.