LP Fire Department strives to keep the area safe
The Lester Prairie Fire Department is willing to go to great lengths to protect the safety of area residents – whether it’s going into a burning building or providing assistance during a car crash.
In 2010, the department responded to a total of 106 calls. The majority of them, 64, were medical-related. Six of them were motor vehicle accidents, and six were structure fires. One of the structure fires was a house fire that resulted in a total loss.
Other fires included one tractor fire, one vehicle fire, one ATV fire, one chimney fire, three grass fires, two lawnmower fires, one electrical fire, and a boat fire.
The department also responded to four chemical spills (or leaks) and four severe weather call-outs. There were 11 false alarms throughout the year.
Other fire department activities
Another important task of the department is fire prevention education.
One such activity is a program with school children, grades k-5, which emphasizes fire prevention and includes a poster contest. Children are taught the “stop, drop, and roll” technique, how to find fire exits, how to use a fire alarm, and how to call 911.
The department also hosts open houses and, at times, makes use of a smoke trailer to demonstrate smoky conditions in a house fire.
Membership
The two newest members of the Lesser Prairie Fire Department are Chris Mike and Chad Schmandt. There are seven members with 20 or more years of service, including Don Hoof (38 years), Steve Klobe (26 years), Dave Horsman (23 years), Dave Dressler (20 years), and Scott Christenson (20 years).
Doug Minnick retired at the beginning of 2011 with 22 years of service.
Current members of the Lester Prairie Fire Department and first responders include Rick Albert, Don Artmann, Chris Bahr, Dan Barrett, Paul Christensen, Jerry Christenson, Scott Christenson, Shadd Dial, Steve Dietel, Dave Dressler, Chris Ehalt, Jeff Forcier, Nick Fosdick, Josh Foust, Andy Heimerl, Don Hoof, Jim Hoof, Dave Horsmann, Steve Klobe, Lucas Meyer, Chris Mike, Lee Ortloff, Fred Pawelk, Mike Schauer, Chad Schmandt, Wade Schultz, Justin Thompson, Matt Tonn, and Maurice Tonn.
Becoming a firefighter
Lester Prairie Fire Department has maintained its commitment to protecting the community since 1892.
Jim Hoof, who has been on the fire department for 33 years, said being a firefighter has been a rewarding experience.
“It’s a special way to give back to the community,” he said.
There is room for a total of 30 members, and the department typically trains in a few people at a time.
People age 18 and older who are in good physical condition are eligible to apply to be a firefighter. There is no maximum age limit, but firefighters have to pass a physician’s exam to ensure they are in good health.
Potential members must pass a background check conducted by a local law enforcement agency, as well as an interview process with a fire selection committee.
Upon acceptance into the department, a new member must successfully complete a Firefighter 101 course, which is supplied by the fire department.
“That’s 150 hours, alone,” Hoof said.
First responder training is an additional six weeks of training, but that isn’t required in order to become a firefighter.
“Just about everyone wants to become a first responder, though,” Hoof said.
Even after a person is fully trained as a firefighter, there are always additional training requirements.
The department has a business meeting on the first Monday of each month, and training meetings the third Monday of each month.
The department is always accepting applications for new membership.
For more information, or to request an application, contact any fire department member, write to PO Box 911, Lester Prairie, MN 55354, or e-mail lpfd630@embarqmail.com.
Lester Prairie Fire Department
Officers:
Fire Chief.............................................Jim Hoof
Assistant Fire Chief............................Fred Pawelk
Assistant Fire Chief............................Dave Horsman
Captain.................................................Steve Dietel
Captain.................................................Matt Tonn
Secretary..............................................Maurice Tonn
Treasurer............................................Paul Christensen
Relief Association Officers:
President Josh Foust
Vice president Wade Schultz
Secretary Justin Thompson
Treasurer Matt Tonn
Trustee Steve Klobe
Trustee Dave Dressler
Fire Safety Tips
By following a few simple safety precautions, many fires can be prevented.
“Kitchen fires remain the number-one cause of fires in the US,” Fire Chief Jim Hoof noted. He gives the following tips:
• Limit the use of extension cords in the home.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy (next to the exit of
the room or structure.)
• Don’t let fire get between you and your exit.
• Use the extinguisher if you feel you have a chance to control the fire’s spread, but be prepared to move quickly to your exit.
• Call 911 from outside of the burning structure.
• Have a working smoke detector within 6 feet of any sleeping area of your home, and also have a carbon monoxide alarm on each floor of your home.
• Be sure to have address numbers clearly displayed on the front of the residence. Make sure the address sign is not obstructed by grass, weeds, or snow.
• Have an adequate area cleaned out to the residence to allow for emergency vehicle operation. Keep trees cleared on driveways wide enough to allow emergency vehicles access to your building site.
• To help control fire spread, keep grass and brush cleaned back at least 10 feet around structures.
