Delano Fire Department
The Delano Fire Department responded to 486 calls in 2012.
The Delano Fire Department typically responds to calls within a seven-mile radius of the station. In 2012, a majority of its calls were medical-related, and Fire Chief Bob Van Lith said his department assisted the Rockford Fire Department with more fires than it had in its own coverage area.
Dedication and courage
The Delano Fire Department has been serving the community for well over 100 years. Its official creation was in 1896, when the Delano Village Council decided it needed to organize an official fire department.
The organization has continued to grow, and members are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information, call (763) 972-0581. In an emergency, dial 911.
How to become a Delano firefighter
In order to become a firefighter, a person has to go through extensive training, including more than 100 hours of firefighting training, as well as a minimum of 40 hours of first responders training.
The trainees have 18 months to complete the required training. They attend classes twice a week, to learn about the various equipment, procedures, and skills they will need to become a competent firefighter.
Along with the classes, the trainees also can go on calls with the department, to get some experience in the field.
Once one becomes a firefighter for the Delano Fire Department, the training does not stop. The members of the department are required to have a minimum of 24 hours of firefighting level one training, along with eight hours of first responders training each year.
The department trains year-round, perfecting skills, as well as learning new skills and technology. The training allows the firefighters to not only protect the community better, but also to protect themselves. Their training includes such things as live burns, leadership, maintaining virus outbreaks, and working with the “Jaws of Life.”
The department has a regular meeting at 8 p.m. the second Thursday of each month, as well as training at 7 p.m. the third and fourth Thursday of the month.
Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Delano’s Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a volunteer organization that assists the fire department when needed. The group promotes readiness in the community in case of a natural disaster.
Participants in the CERT team range from people in their mid-20s to age 80.
Delano’s active team has had a meaningful impact on the community.
To learn more about the program, e-mail corps@delano.mn.us, or call (763) 972-0581.
More information is also available at www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm.
Fire Department members
Dan Alger
Brian Anderson
Mike Ditty
Jason Dreger
Travis Esler
Mike Frach
Jason Groskreutz
Mike Jensen
Jake Kittok
Mike Larison
Troy Meyer
Jeff Otto
Scott Pivec
Jim Rassatt
Allan Rolf
Jeff Shrode
Willie Staunton
Bob Van Lith (chief)
Matt Van Lith
Randy Weege
Nick Werder
Jerry Wunderlich
Steve Zitzloff
For more information about the fire department, call (763) 972-0581. In an emergency, dial 911.
