LP Fire Department, on its toes

Firefighting techniques have changed, but the Lester Prairie Fire Department has maintained its commitment to protecting the community since 1892, and has developed so well that it has achieved a class six insurance rating for the city.

Located at 36 Redwood Street North, the department has approximately 30 volunteer members, including one chief, two assistant chiefs, one rescue captain, and one fire captain.

Lester Prairie Fire Department 2007 officers are: Jim Hoof, chief; Fred Pawelk, assistant chief; Dave Horsman, assistant chief; Andy Heimerl, captain; Matt Tonn, captain; Jerry Pawelk, fire marshal; Maurice Tonn, secretary; and Don Hoof, treasurer. LP Relief Association officers are: Andy Heimerl, president; Wade Schultz, vice president; Jerry Christenson, secretary; Doug Birkholz, treasurer; Dave Dressler, trustee; and Steve Klobe, trustee.

In addition to responding to fire emergencies, the department is also trained both in first response and hazardous material emergencies.

The volunteer department covers the city proper, the majority of Bergen Township, and a portion of Winsted Township.

In the community, the department has always maintained a policy of prevention over suppression. The department facilitates many activities in the community to make citizens aware of the dangers of fire.

One such activity is a program with school children, grades K-5, which emphasizes prevention and includes a poster contest. Children are taught such techniques as “stop, drop, and roll,” 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.

The members of the department receive training through a vocational system, as well as from in-house instructors Matt Tonn and Chris Bahr. The training includes Fire Fighter I, II, and III instruction, and live burns, which are planned fires set for training purposes. There is additional fire fighter training once per month, First Responder training three times a year, plus special training. The members are required to take three one-day refresher courses every year.

The department has a business meeting on the first Tuesday of each month and training meetings the second Tuesday of each month.

The fire department is funded largely by tax monies. Contributions and donations to the fire department have allowed them to purchase additional equipment for the fire protection area, at little or no additional cost to taxpayers. Recently, a 3,500 gallon Mack water tanker was added, funded by donations. Volunteers continue to work hard to keep the equipment in top working order.

The department also has a Thermal Imaging Camera, which is used to see through any kind of atmosphere to find hot spots and cool spots. The $20,000 camera has been used during house fires to assure that no occupants remained in the blaze.

Anyone may apply to join the department, but he/she must meet physical and training standards, as well as pass a drug test. The candidate must be validated by a committee and go through orientation.

More information is available by contacting any fire department member.