LP Fire Department is proud to serve the community
By Starrla Cray
Staff Writer
When someone in the Lester Prairie area is in need of help, the Lester Prairie Fire Department and first responders aren’t far behind.
In 2009, the department was called out 109 times, for everything from medical issues to accidents to fires.
Seventy-six of the calls were for emergency medical service, according to the department’s 2009 fire run report.
Two of the nine fire calls last year were house fires, Fire Chief Jim Hoof said. One of the houses was completely destroyed, and one was badly damaged. There were no injuries in any of the fires, Hoof said.
The department also responded to a few accidents, as well as natural gas and anhydrous ammonia leaks.
Most of the calls were within Lester Prairie city limits. There were 27 calls in Bergen Township, and 20 in Winsted Township.
Other fire department activities
Lester Prairie Fire Department has maintained its commitment to protecting the community since 1892.
In addition to fire call responses, the department also provides educational training for local citizens.
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.
Current members
Current members of the Lester Prairie Fire Department and first responders include Rick Alberts, Don Artmann, Chris Bahr, Dan Barrett, Paul Christenson, Jerry Christenson, Scott Christenson, Shad Dial, Steve Dietel, Dave Dressler, Don Duffy, Christ Ehalt, Jeff Forcier, Nick Fosdick, Josh Foust, Andy Heimerl, Don Hoof, Jim Hoof, Dave Horsman, Steve Klobe, Doug Minnick, Lucas Meyer, Lee Ortloff, Fred Pawelk, Mike Schauer, Wade Schultz, Justin Thompson, Matt Tonn, and Maurice Tonn.
Becoming a firefighter
Hoof, who has been on the fire department for 32 years, said being a firefighter has been a rewarding experience.
“It’s a special way to give back to the community,” he said.
The department currently has 29 members, with more people on the waiting list. 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.
Department members receive training through a vocational system, as well as from in-house instructors Matt Tonn and Chris Bahr. The training includes Firefighter 1, 11, and III instruction, and live burns, which are planned fires set for training purposes. There is first responder training three times per year, as well as various firefighting training sessions.
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.
Officers:
Fire Chief.............................................Jim Hoof
Assistant Fire Chief............................Fred Pawelk
Assistant Fire Chief............................Dave Horsman
Captain.................................................Andy Heimerl
Captain.................................................Matt Tonn
Secretary...............................................Maurice Tonn
Treasurer...............................................Don Hoof
Relief Association Officers:
President Josh Foust
Vice president Wade Schultz
Secretary Justin Thompson
Treasurer Matt Tonn
Trustee Steve Klobe
Trustee Dave Dressler
