Fire Department
Responding to emergencies is not the only part of being a firefighter. Community service is a big part of what we do. Teaching fire safety to all elementary and preschool students is done on a yearly basis during Fire Prevention Week in October. The Fire Department helps with the 4th of July activities, including the Two-Town-Ten-Trillion Race and fireworks. In December we sponsor Santa Claus.
The Keewatin Fire Department currently apparatus includes Engine 1; 2007 International Crew Cab with a Rosenbauer fire conversion / Engine 2; 2001 GMC 8500 series Crew Cab with a Pemna fire engine conversion / Rescue1; 2000 GMC 7500 series with a Central brand rescue conversion / Brush 1; 2012 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab Crew Cab / Brush 2; 1985 ex-military Chevy Custom Deluxe 10 / and a tracked 2014 Polaris 6x6 used for wildland fire fighting and off-road search and rescue.
Besides fires we also respond and stabilize all medical emergencies in Keewatin until our area ambulance service arrives, and in a very severe case a medical helicopter. We maintain up to date gear and tools to provide the best protection for our firefighters in our community.
The Keewatin Fire Department covers the City of Keewatin, including the US Steel Keetac mine. We also have mutual aid agreement with neighboring fire departments to provide and receive additional aid in the event of a larger scale emergency. If needed additional equipment and manpower are just minutes away.
The Keewatin Fire Department is a member of the Arrowhead Region Firefighters Association, Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association, Arrowhead Emergency Medical Services Association and other emergency organizations.
~The Keewatin Fire Department Roster~
Tawnya Maras (Chief), Randy Nash (Captain), Jeremy Karnes (Lieutenant & Sec.), Dustin Strand (Safety/Training), Buddy Mericle, Steve Washburn, Michael Childs, Branden Stark, Collin Anderson (Treasure), Gunner Graber, Paul Griffin, Jake Szweduik, Joshua Hammons, Braydon Liend, Burandt Liend, Morgan Hanson, Jason Dawson, and Ayden Hammons.
If you are interested in joining the Keewatin Fire Department, please stop by the Keewatin City Hall and fill out an application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in the city limits of Keewatin clear or a background check and have a valid drivers license.