Past Editorials:

Ballard Turnbull-An EMS legend
Now, we must pick up his torch!

Editorial by Peter Makowski, Editor-The Northland Fire Wire

There's a big void in Minnesota EMS these days.  It's a void that will take a long time to fill, if ever.  Ballard Turnbull, who worked tirelessly to improve the Tower Area Ambulance Service and for that matter, northeastern Minnesota EMS, passed away August 8 after a courageous battle with liver cancer.  He was only 52 years old, but left quite a mark in our profession.

I am proud to say that Ballard was a friend of mine. I spent many hours at his kitchen table drinking coffee and talking about fire departments and ambulance services.  As our professions changed, we kind of drifted in other directions, but I tried to stay in touch with him as best I could.  His dedication to EMS and the fire/rescue services was something I always admired.  Frankly, I don't know how he ever did it.  He had a full-time job, a family and countless commitments.  Yet, he built the Tower Area Ambulance Service into one of the finest EMS organizations around.  Patient care was his Number One commitment and he wouldn't accept second rate treatment.  He was tough, demanding and sometimes, a pain in the rear.  But, his heart and soul were in EMS.  It truly was one of the loves of his life.

All of us are going to miss Ballard.  His infectious laugh and his sense of humor are memories that we will all cherish.  His countless hours of dedication to EMS instruction and certification have paid off in countless ways.  Today, there are dozens of people who are alive and well and leading productive lives because of his commitment to patient care.  His beloved Tower Area Ambulance Service continues to move forward because of his leadership.  His successor will have some mighty big shoes to fill, but Ballard made that path a little easier to follow.  He laid the foundation for EMS in this region.  Our challenge is to continue to build upon what he established.  Whether we are instructing an EMS course or certifying future medical responders, we have all benefited from Ballard's insight and dedication.  We can't waiver in this commitment to patient care because Ballard would never stand for it, not for an instant.  Thank you Ballard for your hard work for the betterment of EMS.  You will be missed, but in your honor and memory, we will continue to your work to improve EMS in this region.  We won't let you down, you can count on that!

Bob Brown leaves a good legacy, but the Arrowhead needs help!!

Editorial by Peter Makowski, Editor-The Northland Fire Wire

Arrowhead Regional Firefighters’ Association President Bob Brown has made it known that he won’t be seeking re-election.  Bob says his new duties as the vice president of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs’ Association are taking up his time and he wants to concentrate more on that position.  Bob is willing to take the vice president’s position with the Arrowhead and that is a good thing.  Whoever ends up in the president’s slot will have a lot of work ahead of them and Bob’s help in the transition will be needed.

Bob Brown did a pretty good job as president.  I didn’t agree with everything he talked about, but I know that his heart was always in the right place and he really cares about the firefighting profession. Bob is a professional and he will do well with the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs’ Association.  And, he will also make a good president for that organization when he moves to that position.

However, we can’t ignore the fact that the Arrowhead organization is in trouble.  Attendance at meetings is way down and efforts to bolster turnout really haven't worked.  I hear other regional associations are having the same trouble and so it really raises the question about the viability of keeping these groups together.  Or, are there other avenues which should be explored?  In northeastern Minnesota, we have a number of active groups that seem to be doing things.  I am astounded at the success of the Lakehead Fire Departments and Mutual Aid Association.  They hold their meetings on a Friday night and the meetings are packed.  They get things done and in a big way.  The organization has knocked down needed funding to build a state of art radio system.  They are holding mutual aid drills.  They are one active group and I’m impressed.  The Itasca County Fire Chiefs is another prime example of a group that is making things happen.  They operate a burn trailer, which provides valuable training to area departments.  They are working with the sheriff’s department and other agencies in developing what will be Minnesota’s first countywide rural 800 MHZ radio system.  Wow!!

The answer to the success of groups like the Lakehead and Itasca may be in the fact that they are producing tangible results for their members.  In this day and age of limited budgets and funding cutbacks, the real "meat" of any organization seems to be in getting funding, developing projects and obtaining equipment for member departments.  The various regional associations, like the Arrowhead, aren't really doing that.  Instead, they have become basically discussion groups where information is shared and communicated to the members.  Let's face it, with today's modern electronic communications, we can share vital information and gather opinions through the internet and other sources.  And, we still have viable organizations such as the Minnesota Fire Department Association and the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs' Association in which to share ideas, form action plans and legislatively be a force to be reckoned with.  We also have regional representatives who sit on the boards of these two groups allowing our thoughts and concerns on the fire service to be expressed to the proper state and federal officials.

Perhaps it is time to really look at the role and function of the Arrowhead Regional Firefighters' Association and see where this organization fits into northeastern Minnesota's fire service network.  Does it still have a place?  Or, can other groups, such as the Lakehead Fire Departments and Mutual Aid Association, Itasca County Fire Chiefs' Association, or various fire department coalitions fill the bill?  These are the questions which the new president of the Arrowhead Regional Firefighters' Association and his or her executive board really need to look at.  The dwindling attendance and lack of participation at meetings are signs and symptoms that there is a problem.  The key will be to find out how the association can be revived or allowed to sunset.   I would invite your opinion in this vital discussion.  More importantly, you should be talking to the other members who belong to the association.  After all, the fate of the organization is really in the hands of the members.

International Falls Fire Department should not be a scapegoat!

Protection issue should have been resolved long ago

By Peter Makowski, Editor-The Northland Fire Wire

   I am sure that most of you in the fire service have already heard the story.  The International Falls Fire Department recently responded to a rural house fire.  The homeowner had not paid the $25 subscription fee to the rural fire association and consequently, the house was destroyed because the fire department was put in a “damned if you do and damned if you don’t situation” and let the structure burn to the ground. It should be made clear that International Falls firefighters worked at the scene for two hours to control the blaze.  It was only during a rekindle that the house was left to burn. The firefighters did the best they could do, given the extreme circumstances of the situation. Today, the City of International Falls, the fire department, county officials and the rural fire protection association are trying to come to terms so such an event never occurs again.  It should have never occurred in the first place and the fire department should not be the scapegoat.

   Unfortunately, the public probably doesn’t see it that way.  They likely see the fire department as a villain.  “Firefighters are trained to save lives and property and how dare they let anything burn down,” is likely one response to this tragedy.  It is a public relations disaster for the fire chief, the department and the community.  Before this fire, International Falls Fire Chief Jerry Jensen was trying to deal with the issue of rural fire protection.  He had been meeting with the rural fire association and the Koochiching County Board in a diligent effort to resolve rising operational costs in the fire department.  The chief had done his homework and gathered facts and figures about the cost of fire protection. What did these figures show?  Operating a fire department is a costly undertaking which needs strong local government support and that could mean tax increases or increases in the subscription rate. The alternative is a reduction in fire department services.  But before an agreement could be hammered out, the fire brought the issue to a head. Hopefully, now, all of the sides in this dispute can reach a mutual decision.

   The sad lesson here is that the issue of fire protection for any community should never be left unresolved. The issue needs to be settled as soon as possible.  Fire does not discriminate.  It does not wait for negotiating sessions to end and agreements to be reached.  It is an equal opportunity destroyer and makes no distinction between anyone.  The bottom line: the sooner you can resolve a matter involving rural fire protection, the better it is for everyone.

We have truly lost something with The Spot Firehouse and Restaurant

By Peter Makowski-Editor, The Northland Fire Wire

      In late 2004, I made it a point to stop in at The Spot Firehouse and Restaurant in International Falls and have dinner with Phil Olson and his son Rick. It is a decision I will never regret, especially after I learned about the recent sale of the restaurant.  Lately, life had been pretty tough on Phil and Rick and for that matter, the entire Olson Family.   At dinner, we talked frankly about the future of the business and Phil’s hopes for his treasured endeavor. The Olson Family spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours developing the fire theme of The Spot.  However, growing health concerns in the family pushed the Olsons to sell the business.  Phil admitted to me later that it was the toughest thing he ever had to do.  At first, there were indications that the new owner would keep the fire theme in place and the legacy that the Olsons had started would remain intact.  Then, came the news that the fire theme would be abandoned and the operation would change.  Phil and Rick kept several of the trucks, while the new owner put the remainder up for sale on E-bay.  According to Phil, items that were donated to the business have been returned to the previous owners.

   The loss of The Spot as a fire museum is truly sad.  Unfortunately, not many appreciate what firefighters do and often times, fire department memorabilia ends up being lost and eventually thrown in the trash.  We have lots of folks who have private collections, but that’s exactly what they are, private, never to be seen by the public.  The Spot publicly embraced what firefighters do on a daily basis and that’s what made the place so special.  And now, that is lost and likely not to ever be replicated in this region.  Yes, we have truly lost something special with The Spot Firehouse and Restaurant. 

   In closing, I would like to personally and publicly thank the Olson Family for what they have done.  Thank you for promoting what firefighters and fire departments do!  Thank you for your years of loyalty to the Minnesota fire service!  Thank you for your years of dedication in keeping and preserving all the fire memorabilia!  Please know that literally hundreds of fire service professionals appreciated all of your efforts.  I know that your family has attained a very special place in the hearts of firefighters everywhere.  And, I also know that whatever you do in the future, it will still likely involve something with the fire service.  Good Luck Olson Family!!   

Doing more for less!

Cutbacks hit State Fire Marshal’s Office

By Peter Makowski, Editor-The Northland Fire Wire

   The news we recently received from Minnesota State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl really wasn’t that surprising.  Cutbacks in his department have resulted in some operational changes, which will impact the region’s fire departments.  You can read about these changes in either the Fire Wire publication or on the website.  I decided to run the entire Memo on the website so you will have this information straight from the source.  I won’t insult your intelligence by repeating all of this information in this editorial.

   Throughout this country, we are seeing huge reductions in government services.  It starts at the federal level and goes right down to the locals.  You can’t escape the cuts, they are reality and you have to deal with them.  The reasons for the cutbacks are many.  These include a soaring federal debt, tax breaks to certain income earners, increases in health care costs and increases in costs in general.

   The cutbacks in the State Fire Marshal’s Office are a reflection of these many financial reasons impacting government today.  For the local fire departments, the cuts mean we will have to “step up to the plate” and begin training our people in fire investigation.  We’ll end up working more closely with local law enforcement, which is also feeling the impacts of cutbacks.  We will have to do more with less.  We will have to meet this challenge head on, just like we have done for years.  We are going to get better at fire investigations.  We will put together our limited financial resources and build regional fire investigation units, which will work with the State Fire Marshal’s Office.  Perhaps, when all is said and done, we will have a better, more efficient fire investigation system.  Who knows??  We may even set the standard for the rest of the country to follow.  Minnesotans are like that, you know.  We may complain at first, but then we pick ourselves up and move forward.  In the end, we are much better off.  Just wait and see.  It will take time, but we will get there.  We’ve done it before.  We will do it again!!

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Did you get a federal grant?

Thank your elected officials!!

By Peter Makowski, Editor-The Northland Fire Wire

   A number of area fire departments have received grants from the Department of Homeland Security, you know, the folks that we often refer to as FEMA.  Well, just to be politically correct, those of us who work for the federal government now have to say Department of Homeland Security.  That’s really not the point here.  The point is that departments seeing the grants will be able to benefit for many years.  For that matter, everybody benefits.  The fire department benefits and so does the community.  It’s a great program and we need to keep it that way.

   If you’ve been lucky enough to get a grant, thank your elected federal representatives.  These folks are under a lot of pressure these days to cut programs in order to keep the federal deficit under control.  They’re also under pressure from other groups who would just love to get their hands on this funding.  Many domestic programs are in dire need of dollars.  It would be very easy to divert our federal fire grant monies to other places.  We need to remind those in Congress that we need these funds, especially since state and local funding sources are quickly drying up.

   Take the time to write to these officials.  And, at the very least, call their offices and tell them how much these grants mean to your fire department and the people you serve.  Without this kind of support, we could lose this precious funding and that would be a shame.  If you didn’t get a grant, thank your lawmakers anyway.  You could be the next one to receive a grant, that is, if the program is still there.  We need to keep up the pressure.  We need to continue to build the support.  Without it, our program, like so many before, could be history.  Let’s keep up the fight for funding our fire departments! 

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The problem is still there!

We need to keep pushing for incident scene safety.

By Peter Makowski, Editor-The Northland Fire Wire

   It’s been a couple of years now since Esko Fire Captain Kim Granholm lost his life while at a car fire on I-35.  For his family, the sorrow is still there.  For his fellow firefighters, there are still the nightmares of that dreadful day.

   Shortly after Kim’s death, there were calls for changing the laws regarding the penalties for those who endanger emergency personnel on our roads and highways.  There were also calls for tougher enforcement, more awareness, more education for drivers.  Esko Fire Chief Jeff Juntunen and Kim’s widow, Aliina, made it a personal crusade, a very noble one at that.

   Today, however, you don’t hear state lawmakers talking about the issue.  They’re concerned with the state budget, program funding, economic development, road and bridge construction, etc.  If safety for emergency responders is on their list, it’s been downplayed to a “dull roar”.  In the recent election season, you didn’t hear much.  Folks like Jeff and Aliina will be back at it come the start of the legislative session.  Others will join the fight and the issue will likely roar to life, only to quiet down when the session is over and the lawmakers are back home.  But, the “roaring” has to start now and continue and continue until something is done!!

   Drivers still aren’t slowing down at emergency scenes.  This summer, members of the Virginia Fire Department and Ambulance Service put themselves at risk when there was an accident on a rain slick bridge on Highway 53.  Greenwood Township personnel were confronted with an out of control driver on an accident call on County Highway 77.  Unfortunately, the list goes on and on.

   The push for improved driver education, incident scene traffic enforcement and stiffer penalties is still paramount.  We must never give up this fight.  We must continue to put the pressure on our lawmakers to improve the laws we now have in place and to introduce new legislation if needed.  Otherwise, a tragedy like the one, which took the life of Kim Granholm, will claim another dedicated emergency responder.  

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Remembering A Good Person And Making His Memory Last

By Peter Makowski, Editor-The Northland Fire Wire

 

The untimely death of Ted Garver has greatly saddened a number of people.  His friends and co-firefighters at the Chisholm Fire Department still remain in shock.  Those of us who were and are active members of the Arrowhead Regional Firefighters’ Association will be in mourning for a long time.  Ted Garver was a unique person.  The Arrowhead Regional Firefighters’ Association has a huge gap to fill in its executive corps.  Ted Garver will be very hard to replace.  For that matter, you simply won’t be able to replace a person of his caliber.  The person who takes the Secretary/Treasurer’s slot will have some very big shoes to fill.

   We all remember different things about those special people who have filled our lives.  I’ll remember Ted Garver trying to keep reigns on Arrowhead President Bob Brown during the organization’s meetings.  Bob’s a great person, but he needs help with organizational skills (he is getting better).  I’ll also remember Ted’s concern over how the Arrowhead spent its money.  Ted watched over those funds like they were his own.  Well, he did have the major responsibility of seeing how that money was used and whether our finances could be secure in the future.  For those things, we are truly grateful to Ted for all of his hard and dedication.

   Many things could be said about Ted’s firefighting abilities.  I didn’t see that side of his life, but the folks at the Chisholm Fire Department have many memorable stories to tell.  Rather than even try to repeat those stories, some of which are legendary, I will leave that task to those who were alongside of him during those days when Ted was at the height of his firefighting career.

   When we lose a good person like Ted, we reflect upon our own lives and how we will be remembered when we go from this world.  We question the impressions and memories that we leave with people.  We may also wonder how we will be remembered in the years to come, when our good deeds and acts of kindness are all but forgotten.  In Ted’s case, a way has been found to preserve his memory.  A scholarship has been set up in Ted’s name.  I really can’t think of a finer way to remember a person.  Can you?  And, with that in mind, I would encourage all of you who read this to contribute to the Ted Garver scholarship fund.  As a matter of fact, the next time you hear a Ted Garver story, reach for your checkbook or your wallet or your purse and make a contribution.  I am sure that Ted would appreciate it.  For more information, contact Chisholm Fire Chief Bob Brown at (218) 254-7921, Chisholm firehall.

   At a recent meeting of the S.E. Fire Chiefs’ Association, Hastings Fire Chief Mark Holmes told the group about a response involving a man with a heart attack.  The incident occurred at a campground south of Hastings.  Upon arrival, the ambulance crew noticed the man on the ground was receiving CPR and the person administering CPR was State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl.  Jerry continued to provide assistance to Hastings firefighters until the patient was transferred to the hospital.  Sadly, the man did not survive.  He had been waiting for a heart transplant and a later autopsy showed that not much could have been done to save him.  Chief Holmes said it was quite a surprise to the crew when they found out who was providing emergency assistance.  But, for those of us who know Jerry, we weren’t surprised at all.  

Senator Wellstone Will be Missed by the Firefighters of America

Editorial by Peter Makowski, President-East Range Fire Department Coalition

Firefighters across Minnesota and the nation have lost a “true friend” with the passing of U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone.

It was just last year that Mr. Wellstone stopped in and paid a visit at the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs’ Convention in Duluth.  He heard first hand about the concerns of  firefighters from the rural to the metro communities.  When he left the meeting, Senator Wellstone vowed that he would do whatever he could to make sure that the firefighter’s concerns were heard in Washington.  It was not surprising when he was endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and viewed as a “champion” for all firefighters.

When the Esko Fire Department tragically lost Captain Kim Granholm this past summer while fighting a car fire near Duluth, Senator and Mrs. Wellstone were there to offer their condolences and support.  It was something that the region’s firefighters never forgot and always cherished. 

This past week, Senator Wellstone was working on what he had promised, a helping hand to the nation’s firefighters.  He was preparing to author legislation that would have put fire departments at the top of the list for receiving excess federal government property.  Undoubtedly, he also would have been there pushing for the “Hometown Heros” bill which would  provide extra death benefits to fire personnel killed in the line of duty.

Ironically, and tragically, it was the firefighters and emergency response personnel who first came to Senator Wellstone’s side when his plane went down in the woods of  northeastern Minnesota.  They had come to do their duty, a duty which Senator Paul Wellstone fully understood and supported.  

Fire/Rescue Training Resources of Northeastern Minnesota To Offer Training Videos
Virginia - Fire/Rescue Communications of Northeastern Minnesota is proud to announce that it will start a new division aimed at serving some of the training needs of area fire and rescue departments. Over the last 10 years, Fire Wire Editor Peter Makowski has videotaped a number of fires and rescues in the Arrowhead Region. As one can imagine, this collection has become quite large and now Pete wants to share these videos with the region's public safety organizations. Some of these videos are excellent training aids and can be used to supplement any organization's training program. The tapes have been edited for length and will be available at a nominal charge to any public safety organization. A complete listing will soon be available on this Web Site. The new division will be known as: Fire/Rescue Training Resources Of Northeastern Minnesota.

In addition to providing videos of actual fires, Fire/Rescue Training Resources also plans to develop several videotape, slide/tape, and computer generated training programs for area fire, EMS, and rescue organizations. "We'll be contacting area fire departments and public safety groups to see if they are interested in participating in these projects," said Makowski. "We will tap the resources and skills of these departments as we feel they have a lot to offer in the way of training."

For more information about Fire/Rescue Training Resources of Northeastern Minnesota, contact The Northland Fire Wire at: (218) 741-5957 or rs766@rangenet.com.

We need more personnel!

By Peter Makowski of The Northland Fire Wire

   The other day I had a rather disheartening phone conversation with Duluth Fire Chief Dan Haus.  I respect and admire Dan, but what he had to say was just plain depressing.  Dan is happy that Minnesota lawmakers restored funding for the Duluth Haz Mat Team.  Nearly every fire department in the region is happy with that decision.  However, Dan is upset with the fact that while fire departments could stand to get lots of dollars for bio-terrorism and counter-terrorism equipment, there is no money for people to run this equipment.  I agree with Dan.  We need people or the financial resources to bring more people on line. 

   Since September 11, the state and federal governments have expressed a real interest in providing funding for bio-terrorism and anti-terrorism training and equipment.  The fire service appreciates this and any money that we receive would be put to good use.  However, we need people to take the training and operate the equipment.  For some departments, it’s a real struggle just to get firefighters.  Then, let’s add EMS training, wildland fire training, Haz Mat and a few other things and the people, who are already on tight time constraints, run for the door!!  We have put some of this burden on the state’s career departments, but they are also strapped for personnel.  Chief Haus tells me that recent cuts in state aids could spell cuts in his department.  So much for all that extra money for training and equipment!

   I would like to say that I have a solution to this problem, but I don’t.  With the State of Minnesota in a budget crisis, we don’t have money there.  As for the federal government, they may have the funding, but how can we use it??  Yes, some of money could go to the career departments for hiring more personnel, but what about the smaller, rural departments??  How to we fix the problem??  If you have any ideas on this, let me know.  I’ll publish your suggestions.   

Fire Service Day 2002 – Was the effort worth it?

Editorial by Peter Makowski of The Northland Fire Wire

    The 2002 Minnesota Legislative Session is history.  I call it a “mixed bag” when it comes to results.  Yes, the fireworks legislation became law, but we did regain funding for our Haz Mat teams.  So, we lost and we won.  Now, we can start planning for next year’s session and gearing up our efforts.  Part of that planning involves our Fire Service Day, when we travel to St. Paul and tell lawmakers how we feel about the issues, which impact our profession.

   The Arrowhead Regional Firefighters’ Association is evaluating Fire Service Day and for good reason.  It costs the organization about $3,000 to buy the shirts, send in the registrations and rent the bus.  I’ll be honest with you; I have raised the question about the effectiveness of this effort.  No, I don’t want to see this activity eliminated or the region’s participation diminished.  I do believe we have to look at the results achieved and not achieved and also, the huge cost of this effort.  Can we reduce expenses and still send just as many people?  I believe we can do this, but it will mean that either the individual firefighters or their departments will pick up some of the costs.  Perhaps the Arrowhead organization should pay for two registrations for participating fire departments and also charge a small fee to offset the bus rental expenses.  Those departments sending more than two people would have to pay for the registrations, the shirts and part of the bus rental.  These are ideas that should at least be explored before we head back to St. Paul.

   As far as effectiveness is concerned, we should start a “scorecard” system with our lawmakers. It would simply be a rating system to see if our elected officials are aligning themselves with our issues.  At the end of the session, the Arrowhead Region would issue this report and send it out to all of the members.  Right now, we go to St. Paul, talk to the lawmakers and then head home.  With the scorecard, we are holding legislators accountable.  When election time comes, we can bring out the scorecard and remind the lawmakers how they voted.

   Finally, we need the Arrowhead organization and its members to be more politically active.  We should consider a “response team” of 6 to 12 people who can leave their jobs at a moment’s notice and head to St. Paul to testify or lobby our lawmakers on issues.  From time to time, we need to get people to the capitol in a hurry when a major fire service issue needs support or defeat.  This idea of a response team, which isn’t mine by the way, should definitely be considered.  I give credit to Steve Skogman of the Mountain Iron Fire Department for coming up with it.  And, if the Arrowhead has to put out some expense money for this team, I feel it would be money well spent.

   I really hope that the members of the Arrowhead Regional Firefighters’ Association will consider these ideas and act on them soon.  Let’s not wait until the next session is already underway!       

Grand Rapids trying to maintain Class 5 ISO rating

Fire Chief says the department fell short on manpower and additional engine needed

Grand Rapids Fire Chief has told the Grand Rapids City Council that his department needs city support in order to maintain the city’s Class 5 ISO rating.  According to Anderson, the most recent ISO assessment reported that the fire department fell short on personnel and an additional fire engine would be needed.  Anderson has asked ISO for a 90 day extension in order to present a plan which addresses the various concerns brought forth by the assessment.  During this time period, the chief wants to meet with city officials to discuss short and long term solutions aimed at keeping the Class 5 rating.

On March 1^st, 2001, the Partridge River Plant in Hoyt Lakes was destroyed by fire. Hoyt Lakes Fire Chief Steve Stoks estimated the damages around $20 million. The owner of the company said he would rebuild the wood products operation. Now, he says he won’t because of economic reasons. As a result of this decision, around 100 people will end up losing their jobs or transferring to the closest plant in Superior, Wisconsin.

With the permanent closing of the nearby LTV Steel Mining Company, the decision not to rebuild Partridge River was a double blow to the economy of the eastern Iron Range. It came at a very bad time for the region and its people. And, sadly, it serves as a terrible reminder that having a fire goes way beyond dollar loss and the destruction of a business. Fires impact people. In this case, 100 people and their families will feel the effects of this devastating fire for years to come. Indeed, what a terrible cost!!

The other day, while looking through some local weekly newspapers, I noticed an article about the Eagles Nest Fire Flies. The story said that this group raised over $1,400 to help replace and improve firefighting equipment for the Eagles Nest Township Fire Department. This fundraising accomplishment was the result of the organization’s annual spaghetti dinner. These dedicated women, along with their husband volunteers, fed over 250 people in three hours!! What a feat!! What a commitment!! And, that’s not all. The Fire Flies also hold a yearly flea market, again dedicated to helping the fire department.

These folks are to be commended for their support and dedication. Sadly, $1,400 doesn’t buy a lot of fire equipment these days, but that doesn’t really matter. The Fire Flies are willing to try to help out and that’s what it is all about. Every dime and every dollar raised will benefit the fire department. And, in the end, the entire community benefits from this untiring dedication!! So Fire Flies!! Keep going!! Your efforts are paying off!!

The Arrowhead Regional Firefighters’ Association has come out in strong support of the state’s Hazardous Materials (Haz Mat) teams. In a resolution adopted at its December 2^nd ,2001 meeting in Grand Rapids, the association unanimously opposed the possible elimination of three Emergency Response Teams (ERT) and one Chemical Assessment Team (CAT). The action stems from reports of potential funding cutbacks in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, with several of the teams being targeted for the cuts. Governor Jesse Ventura had recently informed state department heads that he wants them to trim their budgets by two and a half percent, thus sparking proposals for funding cuts. In northeastern Minnesota, the Duluth Fire Department operates an Emergency Response Team and a Chemical Assessment Team, while the Grand Rapids Fire Department operates a Chemical Assessment Team. "These teams play a vital role in the area," said Arrowhead President Bob Brown. "We can’t afford to have them eliminated or reduced. Fire departments in this region simply don’t have the resources to contain Haz Mat incidents, it’s as simple as that. While these cutbacks may be mere proposals at this time, we have to take any reductions very seriously."