The Twin Cities Fire Service in the News – March 16

While Twin Cities Fire Wire primarily focuses on coverage of fires and other emergencies, we are aiming to provide you with more extensive coverage of stories related to the fire service around the Twin Cities Metro.

Each week we are going to provide you with stories that feature local firefighters, departments and other interesting news.

FEMA Resources Brought in Arden Hills Ahead of Flooding

According to KARE-TV, 95 trailers are staged for the pending spring floods at the former ammunition plant in Arden Hills. They are filled with water, food, generators and other supplies to keep communities running during should flooding get serious.

“This is called an incident support base,”  FEMA Public Information Officer Tom Kempton told KARE. “FEMA and the federal government are making sure commodities are pre-positioned.”

The supplies are not only for the Twin Cities, but are ready to roll throughout the Midwest.

• Read the story here.

Minneapolis Takes Hot Wing Challenge

A Minneapolis firefighters downed more chicken wings than his St. Paul counterpart during yesterday’s Wing Challenge at Buffalo Wild Wings in Southeast Minneapolis.

KARE-TV reports that Minneapolis Fire Equipment Operator Dan Nalepka beat the St. Paul firefighter in eating 20 Blazin’ Hot Wings during the Salvation Army’s Minnesota FoodShare Month competition.

Kowalski’s donated 500 pounds of food for the event. The winning team received 300 pounds to donate at the end of the event, while the losing team received 200 pounds.

• Read the story here.

Former Robbinsdale Firefighter Heads Anoka County Emergency Services

The Star-Tribune published a feature on Anoka County Emergency Services Manager Terry Stoltzman today.

The article looks at an award-winning program to supplement his staff of two during major incidents.

• Read the article here.

Ramsey, St. Francis Fire Departments Receive Special Donation

The Anoka Winter Knights Snowmobile Club has donated $750 to both the Ramsey and St. Francis Fire Departments, the Anoka County Union reported.

The Ramsey Fire Department will use the funds to purchase a cold/ice water immersion suit. The money will help St. Francis obtain an immersion suit and ropes.

• Read the article here.

Emergency Apparatus Maintenance: Repairs Up Due to Economy

The Quad Community Press has written a feature  Emergency Apparatus Maintenance (EAM) in Lino Lakes.

The founder talks about the economy and how that has slowed the sale of fire apparatus, while increasing the amount of repairs and updates being made the existing fleets.

• Read the article here.

Ramsey Firefighter Retires After 21 Years

After 21 years of service, Ramsey Firefighter Bob Simpson has retired from the fire department, according to the Anoka County Union.

“Seeing the department evolve has been unreal,” Simpson told the paper. The department grew from one station and one piece of apparatus to three stations.

Simpson tells the paper about the highlights of his career, but also shares the tragedies.

• Read the article here.

If you see something that you would like us to cover, please send us an e-mail to twincitiesfirewire@yahoo.com.