(Le Mars) — Firefighters Steve Schwartz and Charlie Mohning took the oath of office Tuesday morning at Fire Station #1 as a result of their recent promotions within the fire and rescue department. Mohning is now officially the Battalion Chief, while Schwartz becomes the Assistant Chief. Prior to the official swearing of oath, Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says it is rare and an historic time for the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department to have two promotions at the same time. Schipper read a poem, entitled: “The Special Breed” which he says was presented to him from a former fire chief from Estherville that explains the role of a firefighter.
Le Mars Mayor Dick Kirchoff administered the oaths and swearing ceremonies, beginning with Charlie Mohning as the new Battalion Chief.
Fire chief Schipper then pinned the Battalion Chief Badge on Mohning. Next, was the oath of office for the Assistant Fire Chief position for Steve Schwartz.
On becoming the Le Mars Assistant Fire Chief, Steve Schwartz had Ken Ernst, a 30-year veteran of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department, and step-father to Schwartz, pin the badge on his uniform. In offering an explanation, Schwartz says Ernst has always served as a role model to Schwartz, and was a main reason for him to pursue a career as a firefighter.
