IVFD recounts 2020, notes its members’ contributions

    At the annual Imperial Volunteer Fire Department awards night program, the new hall from which the department now operates came up more than once.
    Fire Chief Doug Mitchell said the department continues to “feel very fortunate” that the IVFD was able to acquire the building at 3rd and Broadway Sts. for its fire hall. The department moved to the new location in June 2020, and that’s where the meal and awards program on Saturday were held.
    The evening provided Mitchell the opportunity again to express the department’s thanks to the city of Imperial and rural fire board for their financial support over the years.
    He also acknowledged the work of their members, many of whom donated time in the remodeling which included the kitchen and meeting room. The IVFD used some of its Helen Fanning Memorial funds for the project, he added.
    Mitchell reviewed the 2020 year of activity when the IVFD answered 66 calls, the vast majority to the rural parts of its district.
    Broken down, the 66 calls included:
    6 mutual aid calls
    8 alarms/fires/accidents in city limits
    12 vehicle accidents (rural)
    40 rural calls (other)
    In responding to those calls, the department logged 1,574 man hours in 2020, he said.
    Due to COVID last year, Mitchell said the department’s training hours were half of normal when they recorded just under 500 hours.
    Thanks were given to members of the IVFD auxiliary, who assist the department when needed.
    The latest addition to the IVFD vehicle fleet is the Excursion acquired from the Forest Service, Mitchell said. It is used as a second command car if needed, for travel to trainings and by the auxiliary to bring food/water to fire scenes.
    Five retired firefighters attended—Bob Bartels and Dick Bartels, each serving 25 years; Byron Hust, 20 years; Johnny Miller 15 years; and Ray Wright, 10 years.
    Line officers for 2020-21 include Mitchell, chief; Brad Wheeler, first asst. chief; Kelsey Weiss, second asst. chief; Daryl Sharp, first lieutenant; and Rick Elliott, second lieutenant.
    Business officers are Wade Courter, president; Aaron Greene, vice president; Dustin Harris, secretary; Jake Burke, treasurer; and Marissa Smith, sergeant at arms.
Awards given
    Mitchell announced the department’s awards, and presented plaques and gift certificates.
    Bob Allen Memorial Firefighter of the Year—Wade Courter.
    Officer of the Year—Kelsey Weiss.
    Lineman of the Year—Aaron Greene.
    Driver of the Year—Mike Rowley.
    Francis Nichols Memorial Training Award (most hours)—Aaron Greene.
    Francis Nichols Memorial Attendance Award—(tie) Aaron Greene and Wade Courter.
    Top responders—Wade Courter, Mike Rowley, Duane Todd, Doug Mitchell, Aaron Greene, Brad Wheeler, Kelsey Weiss, Doug Wright, Dustin Harris, Daryl Sharp, Mark Bomba.    Courter was at the top, making 55 of 66 calls (83%).
    Years of service—Nick Schultz, 40 years; Rick Elliott, 25; and Todd Courter, 5.