Fire Chief: Brandon Ehret
Mailing Address: PO Box 444, Lake Park, IA 51347
Physical Address: 21 Avenue A West, Lake Park, IA
Phone: 712-832-3497 or 712-832-3527
EMERGENCY: 9-1-1
Firefighters work to put out a house fire near Lake Park in 2015.Welcome to the Lake Park Fire Department. Since being established on May 18, 1903, the Department has responded to all types of situations including fires, traffic accidents and situations involving hazardous materials. With 26 members, the LPFD protects an area approximately 100 square miles in size bordered by County Road A34 on the south and reaching three miles into Jackson County, Minnesota; and from the Osceola County line to just west of Montgomery. The members of the Department take pride in serving their community.
Firefighters are required to have 24-hours of continuing education each year. LPFD holds monthly training meetings and other specialized trainings throughout the year including rope rescue training in case of a grain bin accident, utilizing the equipment in our recently acquired grain bin trailer. The department regularly utilizes a burn simulator trailer and trains in advanced vehicle extrication utilizing the department's jaws of life.
Equipment Purchases
Firefighter equipment has an expiration date of 10 years from the date of manufacture. Last year, with the help of fundraisers, we were able to purchase ten sets of SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus) which allows firefighters to enter a smoke-filled building. We also purchased several sets of turnout gear which consists of the coat, pants, boots, and gloves that firefighters wear. In the coming years, we are looking to purchase:
- Particulate filter hoods which will help protect firefighters from cancer-causing contaminants
- Turnout gear washer-extractor - similar to a washing machine however this unit is designed to remove cancer-causing contaminants in the fire gear
- Additional sets of turnout gear
Fire Station
The Lake Park Fire Station received a face-lift in the summer of 2016.The fire station is located on Avenue A, one block west of main street. This building houses five fire trucks, a John Deere Gator, grain bin rescue trailer, meeting room, and office.
The building was built in 1979 and over the past couple years, members have volunteered their time to improve the exterior of the building. They installed new siding, energy efficient doors and windows, and a new sign. Several area businesses donated materials to the renovation project.
Fundraising
Lake Park Fire Department has multiple fundraisers throughout the year including but not limited to an omelet feed in the spring, a raffle and cruise-in dinner during Farmer Appreciation Days, and the spaghetti supper in the fall. These fundraisers help the department offset the cost of new equipment and purchases outside of the budget that is set by the City of Lake Park and surrounding townships so we can better serve the members of our community and surrounding communities. We greatly appreciate all those who donate to the department and if you would like to donate to the Lake Park Fire Department, you can mail a check to the Lake Park Fire Department, PO Box 444, Lake Park, Iowa 51347, or drop it off at Mel's Insurance.
What does it take to be a firefighter?
Simply have a desire and heart to help others in their worst moments and to train for moments you pray will never happen. Beyond that it is as easy as talking to any of our current members or Fire Chief Brandon Ehret. Each member is required to be at least 18 years of age, become certified in CPR and pass the Fire Fighter I certification including hazmat certification. It takes a special individual to risk their lives for complete strangers regardless of what dangers may be before them. If this interests you, we encourage you to contact us today!
Mutual Aid
The fire department relied heavily on mutual aid to battle the downtown fire on December 28, 2008. Ten other departments assisted Lake Park that day.Mutual Aid is the assistance that is provided to other fire departments when a situation becomes to large for them to handle on their own. In the past years Lake Park Fire Department has been called to assist with structure fires, grass fires, hay bale fires, and an apartment fire, just to name a few.
Neighboring Fire Departments
• Spirit Lake Fire Department
• Milford Fire Department
• May City Fire Department
• Harris Fire Department
• Round Lake (Minnesota) Fire Department
• Lakefield (Minnesota) Fire Department
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