Fall 2019 Hometown Messenger

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CHIEF’S NOTES

IN HONOR OF MAXWERMERSKIRCHEN On Sept. 30, 1959, 28-year-old Shakopee Firefighter Max Wermerskirchen gave his life trying to save a burning building in downtown Shakopee. Max was doing a

job that many firefighters did before him and many have done since; it’s what they signed up to do. Unfortunately, for Max and his family, his life was

Shakopee Fire Department OPENHOUSE

cut short that fateful night. Every year in September, the Fire

Max Wermerskirchen

Department, city leaders and Max’s family gather around his grave site to remember him, pray for him and his family and pray

for the safety of all our firefighters. In doing so, firefighters are reminded of the sacrifice he gave and how important it is for them to learn not only from that incident, but from all other incidents and training opportunities they have before them. After the memorial service, Max’s

Monday, Oct. 7 5-8 p.m. Shakopee Fire Station 1, 2700 Vierling Drive E.

Shakopee Fire Chief Rick Coleman

NEWS & NOTES

family is invited to join the Fire Department for fellowship and a meal at the fire station. This year, we also have the privilege to honor Max and his family at an annual statewide memorial service Sunday, Sept. 29. Every year, hundreds of Minnesotans, including families of firefighters who died in the line of duty, firefighters from around the state, community leaders and the public gather at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial in St. Paul to remember those firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. We encourage you to join us. For more information and to register for this free event, please visit www. mnfireservicefoundation.org/memorial.

Fire Department receives grant for gas monitors The Shakopee Fire Department recently received a $2,000 grant from CenterPoint Energy to purchase four wireless gas monitors. The monitors provide detection and monitoring of oxygen, combustibles and toxic gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide). By delivering real-time readings and alarm status, the monitors will allow firefighters to identify dangerous gases before they become deadly.

Annual Shakopee firefighters dance is Oct. 4 The 136th annual Shakopee firefighters dance will feature the band, Audio Circus, Friday, Oct. 4 at Turtle's Social Centre, 112 Lewis St. S. Doors open at 8 p.m. with music starting at 9 p.m. There is an $8 cover charge at the door. Raffle includes cash prizes, Toro snowblower and more. The dance is an annual fundraiser of the Shakopee Fire Department Relief Association.

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