LP Fire Department is committed to service and sacrifice
Putting others’ needs ahead of their own is something the Lester Prairie firefighters do on a regular basis.
They had 141 requests for assistance in 2012, giving of their time at a moment’s notice.
Ninety-one of the calls were medical assists. Fires were the next most common category, with seven structure fires, two vehicle fires, two combine fires, and one grass fire.
Firefighters also responded to five motor vehicle crashes, five mutual aid requests, four Skywarn activations, three hazardous material spills/leaks, and one extrication from an upstairs apartment (storm related).
Twenty of the calls were false alarms or cancelled en route.
Fire prevention education is an ongoing task for the Lester Prairie Fire Department.
The fire prevention program at Lester Prairie Schools emphasizes fire prevention and includes a poster contest for grades k-5. 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 of the Lester Prairie Fire Department and first responders include Rick Alberts, Don Artmann, Chris Bahr, Dan Barrett, Paul Christensen, Scott Christenson, Shadd Dial, Steve Dietel, Dave Dressler, Chris Ehalt, Jeff Forcier, Nick Fosdick, Josh Foust, Neil Hecksel, Andy Heimerl, Don Hoof, Jim Hoof, Aaron Hoover, Dave Horsman, Steve Klobe, Lucas Meyer, Chris Mike, Lee Ortloff, Fred Pawelk, Mike Schauer, Wade Schultz, Justin Thompson, Matt Tonn, and Maurice Tonn.
In 2011, the department also added two auxiliary members, Dan Kroells of the Green Isle Fire Department and Dan Ruschmeier of the New Germany Fire Department.
Auxiliary members need to be employed in the city of Lester Prairie and be active members of another qualified fire department.
“These two firefighters are a great asset to us during the day when we typically have limited response personnel,” Jim Hoof noted.
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 35 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. 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 NFPA 1001 Firefighter course supplied by the fire department.
“That’s 132 hours, alone,” Hoof said.
First responder training is an additional 40 hours of instruction, 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 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, write to PO Box 911, Lester Prairie, MN 55354; e-mail lpfd630@embarqmail.com; or contact any fire department member.
LPFD officers
Fire Chief.............................................Jim Hoof
Assistant Fire Chief...........................Dave Horsman
Assistant Fire Chief...........................Matt Tonn
Captain.................................................Scott Christenson
Captain.................................................Steve Dietel
Captain/Training Officer..................Chris Bahr
Secretary..............................................Shadd Dial
Treasurer..............................................Paul Christenson
