Monticello Fire Department

Black helmet. With the MFD, this symbolizes a firefighter who has completed all of their necessary certifications to be a firefighter with no restrictions on the fire grounds. This symbolizes a firefighter who has spent the necessary time as a reserve until a spot opens up on the active roster, and then has committed their 12 months of probationary time. Recently, Ethan Kellner & Bennett Barker were voted on by the department to the active roster! These guys have shown to be a benefit to our department and look forward to having them around for years to come!

With that said, the MFD will be looking for a few more firefighters to join our team later this year. Keep your eyes open for additional information to come!

Two days away! Join us at our Open House on Saturday, July 13th from 3:30-5:30. It will be a fun filled day! We will be joined by several community safety partners. Events and activities include: meeting your firefighters, exploring our fleet of trucks, a live auto extrication demonstration, a climbing wall, a helicopter landing, a free carseat check lane, and several other community partners with fun and interactive booths set up, and great food from Tacopolis MN!

Wright County Sheriff's Office Minnesota State Patrol Life Link III Minnesota Army National Guard, Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association, Wright County Public Health, Wright County Frontline Outreach

If you're not able to make it out, our firefighters will be busy all weekend for RiverFest so make sure you say hi!

7/11 5-8pm Party in the Park @ Ellison Park
7/12 5-8pm Family Fun Night @ Pioneer Park (Monti Fire going for a FOURTH year in a row with winning the pie eating contest!)
7/13 - Providing EMS at the 5k and the street dance
7/14 - Parade and providing a pop up splash pad at MCC 2-4pm

On Monday, April 29 (weather permitting), the Monticello Fire Department will be doing a controlled burn for natural resource management at Par West Park, and along the pathway from Prairie Road to West River Street. There is not a specific time for the burns, but please don't be alarmed if you see smoke, fire trucks, and firefighters in the area of these public spaces. https://www.ci.monticello.mn.us/AlertCenter.aspx

Why Fire?
Did you know fire is an important aspect of vegetation management? Fire has several natural benefits for our environment. According to the DNR, prescribed fires help with w**d control, after the w**ds are controlled, it allows native plants that can out-compete w**ds and make it harder for them to get established.

Native plants also have deeper root systems, which helps with water quality. Deeper root systems also prevent erosion and filter storm water runoff. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snap/prescribed-fire-natural-areas.html

On Wednesday, April 24 the Monticello High School will have a Mock Crash demonstration for junior and senior students. In the event of inclement weather, the backup date for the Mock Crash is Thursday, April 25.

The Mock Crash demonstration will have simulated emergency response including lights and sirens. The goal of the event is to educate and continue the conversation around the dangers of drinking and driving, texting while driving, and other distracted and reckless behaviors. While increasing student focus and emphasizing the importance of and commitment to safe driving habits.

The Mock Crash is being organized and coordinated through the efforts of the Wright County Sheriff's Office (WCSO), Wright County Emergency Management, Monticello Fire & Rescue, CentraCare Medical Center Ambulance, North Memorial Air Care, District 882, the City of Monticello, Safe Communities, as well as staff, student, and community volunteers.

If you have any questions, please contact Monticello High School Administration at (763) 272-3000.

Final reminder of a blood drive happening at our fire station tomorrow 3/30 from 10am-3pm. We are still looking for more donors!

Please sign up below:
https://www.mbcherohub.club/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/72933?fbclid=IwAR22i0BSwXe54WJRMkBEgaY3J-x-KSv82EPvMFBgqWBBvxPL9Qvegxp9QfE_aem_AReGT7TxKnmwo-79Pa4C7tK4r1veJ81rQDvuYsoUlX3o5pP7Ck_MOlXjvPCw0_bsvL5fmXd0ETcEH_i2wHiYXEcz

Donor Portal - Memorial Blood Centers Want to maximize your donation? Give the right type for your type! Learn more about giving whole blood, double red cells, platelets, or plasma donations. You can also review eligibility guidelines before scheduling or download the 16-year-old Parental Consent form.

Celebrate Life at the Monticello fire station on March 30th from 10am-3pm. This is a blood drive put on by Alicia Northernscold who knows the the amazing benefits of donated blood all too well. You can read more about her story below. We will be offering tours of the fire station for anyone who donates blood on this day.

Sign up here:
https://www.mbcherohub.club/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/72933?fbclid=IwAR3dM-bRhpq8wnABDrKY4B7EkVsLci6jWP9_tVJhsuWJySnXlzJ_qaRIBJ8

Several members of MFD spent their morning climbing 53 flights of stairs at Capella Tower. This group participated in the Fight for Air Climb to raise money for the American Lung Association. All members finished the climb, but more importantly were able to raise more than $2,000 for this great cause! Well done!

Our hearts are heavy this morning with the news of the incident out of Burnsville. The Monticello Fire Department's deepest condolences and prayers are with the families of the officers, paramedic, their agencies, and community. Please keep the families of those lost in your prayers during this tragic time.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We will be conducting training tonight at 207 East River Street at from 7-9 p.m.

Please do not be alarmed and for safety reasons, please avoid gathering to watch the fire fighters at work. Thank you!

The Monticello Fire Department will be conducting training at 207 East River Street at from 7-9 p.m. on February 5, March 4 and 11.

Do not be alarmed by the presence of ‘smoke’ in the area. MFD will be using a fog machine to 'smoke' out the house for some of the training. It may appear that the house is on fire (it won't be) as the 'smoke' leaves the structure when doors and windows are opened.

For safety reasons, please avoid gathering to watch the fire fighters at work. As always, a big thank you to our local fire fighters for working so hard to keep our community safe! https://www.ci.monticello.mn.us/AlertCenter.aspx

The firefighters of your Monticello Fire Department would like to extend warm holiday greetings to our amazing community! As we gather with loved ones to celebrate this joyous occasion, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the year.

May your holiday season be filled with love, happiness, and the warmth of cherished moments. Stay safe and enjoy this special time with your loved ones!

Please help us recognize FF Eric Grant for being selected for MFD Firefighter of the Year! Pictured below is Eric (right) being presented the award from Chief Mike Mossey (left).

Eric was selected for his exemplary service attending calls, often on the first truck out of the station. He was among the top firefighters of MFD in call percentage - always ready to serve his community.

Eric also serves MFD with additional contributions in public relations and fire prevention education. He excels in this role, leading the charge in coordinating events and ensuring our Monticello kids have opportunities to interact with the department and learning to be fire safe.

Thanks for all your hard work Eric!

Please help us commend and congratulate Captain Shawn Leach as he retires from MFD after completing a 28-year career in the fire service!

Shawn was well-known across our department for his steadfast leadership and mentorship of firefighters, which set the standard for excellence. Many of us were told when we started with this organization, to pay close attention to Shawn as an example of what right looks like. He was that guy.

Shawn's calm decisiveness in challenging situations and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of firefighters leave an enduring legacy at MFD.

As he embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his immeasurable impact on our firefighting family.

Best wishes, Captain Leach!

Don’t forget to set your clocks back!

When you set your clocks back on Sunday (Nov. 5), it’s a good reminder to make sure to change the batteries in your home’s detectors! We encourage you to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s a great way to be safe heading into winter!

We had another successful fire prevention run through the schools this week, where firefighters brought our trucks and equipment over to our three elementary/primary schools to teach kids about fire prevention and what to do in the event of a fire. We also conduct firefighter familiarization and activities to ensure kids are not afraid of us in the event of a rescue emergency.

Hopefully some of your kids will come home from school today and tell you about what they learned, but more importantly, that they ask parents and grown ups what their plan is at home in the event of a fire. We encourage all families in our community to consider what your plan is at home - what should kids do (get outside)? Where are the exits in your home? Where is a safe place to meet outside? Preplanning with your kids is one of the best ways to ensure they make safe decisions in the event of a fire emergency.

We want to recognize all of our fire fighters who took time off to participate in this year's events:

FF Josh Samuelson
FF Bo Nelson
FF Ethan Kellner
CPT Dustin Craig
CPT Kurt Liefert
FF Mitch Coopman
FF Chris Barta
FF Eric Grant
FF Cody Robinson
FF Grant Carlson
FF (Ret.) Steve Hanson
Chief (Ret.) Steve Joerg

Also, we want to thank VFW Post 8731, Monticello, Minnesota for their sponsorship of MFD Fire Prevention Week 2024. We greatly appreciate your efforts to support this community and help ensure our kids stay fire safe!

Come out and see us today at the Monticello Fire Station right off Chelsea Rd until 2 p.m. today!

We've got food and ice cream trucks, equipment on display, a climbing wall, community vendors, carseat inspection, coffee & cookies, station tours, emergency response partners, and not to mention, FirePup!

Life link arrival/display - 12:30 p.m.
Vehicle extrication demo - 1 p.m.

Bring the whole family and have some fun!

Blood donation is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries.

On Thursday, September 28th, Monticello Fire will be hosting a blood drive from 3-6pm in partnership with Memorial Blood Centers. You may sign up by scanning the QR code or clicking the following link: https://www.mbcherohub.club/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/72374

We hope to see you on 9/28!

🚨 PSA 🚨
Monticello Fire will be conducting a house training burn today east of town. Smoke may be visible through out the day. These training burns provide real-life, hands on training experience for your MFD.

We will be out & about at our favorite liquor store during several evenings over the next month. Stop by & say hi!

Thursday and Friday we will have a fire engine and crew from the Monticello Fire Department at the store, giving tours and helping us raise money for a worthy cause!!! Stop in and donate if you can.

Ladies and gentlemen, our very own Ethan Kellner brought home the pie eating champion trophy! His performance secured 1st place for MFD 3 years in a row and running! Let's GO!!!

Come on out to Pioneer Park this evening from 5-8pm for the start of Riverfest with family night. You can visit with your Monticello firefighters and take a picture with Firepup!

Good evening Monticello! Just a heads up that we will be out and about the town in a few neighborhoods conducting training and hooking up to hydrants.

No need to be alarmed, and if you have interested kids around they are more than welcome to watch us train from a safe distance!

Monticello Fire trained on propane fires yesterday evening. Thank you to Customized Fire Rescue Training Inc. for the use of the propane tank prop.
A huge shout out to retired Monticello firefighter Jeff Michaelis with Land O'Lakes Oil & Propane for his donation of propane and time to make this all possible.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with John Bauer and Don Anderson, both of which have dedicated the last 20 years of their lives in service to the city of Monticello. Both of their pictures will be placed behind them in the station along with their fellow firefighters they've served with in the past, and their expertise and wisdom will be carried on by those of us who were lucky enough to work alongside and learn from them.

We owe a debt of gratitude to John and Don, for their unwavering service and sacrifice. Their commitment to duty, their unwavering courage, and their compassionate hearts have made our community a better and safer place. As they embark on a new chapter in their lives, we wish them a well-deserved retirement filled with joy, fulfillment, and the knowledge that their legacy of heroism will forever be remembered. Thank you for your incredible service, and may your retirement be as rewarding as your years of selfless dedication.

Join us Sunday, June 4 at the Monticello Country Club for our Annual Golf Tournament!

There will be raffles, door prizes, and more! The event starts at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

Join us Sunday, June 4 at the Monticello Country Club for the 2023 Monticello Fire Department's Annual Golf Tournament! There will be raffles, door prizes, and more! The event starts at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

MFD is now accepting hole sponsors and teams! Interested in participating? A hole sponsorship is $250. A hole sponsorship & team is $500. Tickets cost $100 per player - teams of four. Questions? Contact Eric at [email protected].

Almost the entire state of Minnesota is under a Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 p.m. today (May 2), including Wright County. The combination of strong sustained winds and low humidity are ideal conditions for wildfires to start and spready quickly. The Red Flag Warning, which is put out by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, is prohibiting burning of any kind and 76 of Minnesota’s 87 counties are under the warning. Winds are expected to die down later today, which is why the warning will be in place for just eight hours.

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. Today's theme is tornadoes – the most dangerous and deadliest of storms that hit Minnesota. As part of tornado preparedness there are going to be two statewide tornado drills where sirens throughout the state will sound at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

The purpose of the two drills is to allow schools and businesses to have a tornado drill in place for first and second shift workers and also for families to conduct a tornado sheltering plan in their homes. To learn more about tornado safety tips depending on your location when severe weather strikes, click here: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-awareness-preparedness/Pages/severe-weather-tornadoes.aspx

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. Today's theme is tornadoes – the most dangerous and deadliest of storms that hit Minnesota. As part of tornado preparedness there are going to be two statewide tornado drills where sirens throughout the state will sound at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

To learn more about tornado safety tips click here: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-awareness-preparedness/Pages/severe-weather-tornadoes.aspx

To learn more about Severe Weather Awareness Week, click here: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-awareness-preparedness/Pages/severe-weather-awareness-week-program.aspx

Please join us for our 2023 Monticello Fire Department Golf Tournament on Sunday, June 4th. We are now accepting four person teams and hole sponsors. We are always so grateful for the support from the community and look forward to seeing you all on June 4th. Contact Eric at the contact information listed to get your team and/or hole sponsor in for this event.

We are proud to have recognized two of our own for their role in a call for service earlier this year that assisted in saving someone's life. Protecting human life is one of the core tenats of the fire service, and thankfully Eric and Josh were able to fall back on their training and experience to execute and get the job done.

Pictured below are both Eric Grant (left) and Josh Samuelson (right) shortly after being presented their awards from Chief Mike Mossey. It's worth mentioning that Chief Mossey also played an important role on this call, but was too modest to present himself with his own award.

Monti Fire would like to recognize the generosity of these two young gentlemen who took it upon themselves to shovel one of our firefighter's driveways as a way to pay it forward. These guys deserve a pat on the back as a great example of our generous community. Nice job boys!

Given the current weather outlook, this is another great opportunity to remind folks that they too can look after their neighbors by finding a nearby fire hydrant and clearing the snow 3ft around each side, leaving access to the road. Stay safe Monticello!