Local fire department holding open house in honor of Fire Prevention Week

Postville and the Postville Fire Department, along with the entire nation, is celebrating Fire Prevention Week October 8-October 14.

The Fire Prevention Week theme this year, “Every Second counts: Plan Two Ways Out.  The theme is a powerful reminder that fire escape planning saves lives. Every family should have an escape plan and an alternate in case they are faced with a fire.

In honor of the event the Postville Fire Department is hosting an open house Thursday, October 12 from 4-8 p.m. at the fire station.

All who attend will be treated to a meal of turkey tenders, maid-rites, potato salad, beans, chips, cake and beverages.

Along with the meal, guests will be able to register for door prizes, interact with the firefighters and receive free fire extinguisher training.

A free will donation will be held to kick off the local department’s annual fund drive.

Members of the Postville Fire Department are Chief Jeff Bohr, Assistant Chief Jerry Bissell, Captain Dominick Schnuelle, Captain Rick Heins, Captain Brian Bohr, Captain Zach Burns, Safety Randy Plaht and Secretary Training Officer Darwin Johnson. Other members of the department are Tyler Anderson, Tom Benson, Brett Bodensteiner, Chad Bohr, Jayce Bohr, Zach Eberling, Anthony Flores, Larry Frey, Brendan Guider, Mike Halse, Josh Harms, Ben Heitland, Bob Jacobs, Kirk Johnson, Kevin Kohrs, Robbie Kruse, Reggie Lubka, Terry McNally, Kevin Palas, Bob Reierson, Mike Rogalla, Leonardo Roman, Hector Salinas, Milo Sebastian, Mark Seegmiller, Logan Timp, Jim Trappe and Eric Winter.

President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week on October 4-10, 1925, beginning a tradition of the President of the United States signing a proclamation recognizing the occasion. It is observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began October 8, 1871, and did most of its damage October 9.

The horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.

Postville, too, has had its share of devastating fires including the fires that destroyed Iowa Turkey Products, Inc., the Postville Bakery and the Postville Veterinary Clinic. 

Without our local fire fighters all of these conflagrations could have caused much more destruction.

Our fire fighters are all volunteers, attend the open house and thank them for the ongoing protection they provide for our community.

Special Section

In honor of Fire Prevention Week, the Herald is publishing a special tabloid section  which is inserted inside today’s paper to honor local fire fighters and EMT’s. Along with Postville, the following fire departments are featured: Castalia, Clermont, Farmersburg, Frankville, Luana, McGregor, Monona and Waukon.

Emergency services honored include: Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Service, Postville Emergency Services, MFL Ambulance Service and MarMac Rescue.

More area fire department photos and information can be found in the October 11 edition of the Postville Herald.