(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department held its annual banquet Saturday evening at the Willow Creek Golf Course Country Club. During the banquet, Fire Chief Dave Schipper acknowledged those retired members of the
local fire department. Several members of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department were awarded pins and certificates for having completed a Fire Training Instructor course, which means they can teach other firefighters the techniques about battling fires.
Firefighting Instructors: Pictured above are the members of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department who have completed their course training that qualifies them to be an instructor of fire fighting techniques. Front row: (left to right) are Charlie Mohning, Kevin Bolton, and Brett Herbold. Top row (left to right) include Ethan Mitchell, Mark Hentges, and Steve Schwartz.
Several members of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department were award “Special Anniversary Service Certificates” that included Steve Ahrendsen – 25 years, Kevin Ernst – 25 years, Kevin Bolton – 15 years, Nita Dreckman – 10 years, Ethan Mitchell – 10 years, and Don Bockelman – 5 years.
The “Firefighter of the Year” award was presented to Charlie Mohning.
Le Mars Assistant Fire Chief, Mike Wise (left) and Fire Chief Dave Schipper, (right) present the 2018 Firefigher of the Year award to Charlie Mohning (center).
Mohning joined the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department as a
reserve member in April of 2016. He has assisted with upkeep and maintenance of the fire apparatus over the last few years. Mohning is one of the firefighters who covers the overnight and weekend shifts. He is certified as a Firefighter 1, Hazardous Materials Operations, Confined Space Rescue Operations, and recently completed his emergency medical technician training
and became an EMT. He is currently working on becoming a national certified fire instructor. Mohning responded to over 60 percent of the rural and city fire calls this past year. Mohning also attended 81 percent of all the offered training sessions in 2018. Our congratulations go to Charlie Mohning for being named the 2018 “Firefighter of the Year.”
Special appreciation awards were presented to Nate Kass of Bob’s Drive Inn, (top photo) Troy Clouse with the Iowa Department of Transportation, (middle photo) and to Scott Taylor and Total Motors (bottom photo).
The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department also acknowledged
the retirement of Firefighter Mark Garnatz. Garnatz served with the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department for 24 years. Assisting with the presentation of the award to Garnatz was Retired Fire Chief Wayne Schipper.
Comedian and ventriloquist Kevin Horner of Kansas City provided the entertainment for the evening. Several of his antics had the gathering laughing.
