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   Citizens and visitors of Longville will say a collective thank you to the everyday heroes and the families of the Longville Area Fire Department (LAFD)as Grand Marshals of Longville’s July 4th parade. As a reminder of their service to our community we may see a member with a LAFD t-shirt, a maltase cross on a license plate, or in person on a call, the yellow fire trucks and the members are always ready, willing and prepared to serve at a moments notice. The LAFD does so much more than fight fires...members are an integral part of our community, hosting or assisting with nearly every Longville event held. Some examples include the annual BBQ Smoke Out Challenge, fish fry, purse bingo, ice bocce, 4th of July fireworks and the fly-in pancake breakfast.

   The Longville Area Fire Department (LAFD) consists of 25 active members and several retired members that help with day-to-day activities. The LAFD is led by Chief Nathan Lange and Assistant Chiefs Matt Daudt and Jamey Gross. The department receives around 50 calls a year covering 300 square miles and nine townships. Many of these men have lived in the area their entire lives and give back to their community in many ways. They not only protect the community, but foster it as well.

   New firemen must follow 160 hours of training to become certified. This includes tying knots, hazmat, book, hands-on and other forms of training. Then, 50 hours of continuing education are completed every year. This training ensures that every man serving for the fire department stays safe and operates as a team member.

   Right now, the LAFD has a fundraiser underway in partnership with the Longville Bottle Shop. During the months of July and August, when you purchase a 24 pack case of Coors Banquet or Coors Light, $1.50 will be donated directly to the LAFD. Another way to support the LAFD is to attend the third annual BBQ Challenge on July 27 at the Longville Fire Hall. On August 17 from 2 to 5 p.m., The Docksider will host a tap takeover with a cornhole tournament, raffle and silent auction in which all proceeds will go to the LAFD. Much of this money being raised now will go towards a brand new fire truck that was recently purchased by the department.

   “I honestly just want to thank the community, they have always been so generous whenever we have a need,” stated Chief Lange. Creating and maintaining a strong connection with a community is beneficial for both parties, and few are a better representation than the relationship that the Fire Department has grown with Longville.

   Next time you see someone on the Longville Area Fire Department, make sure to thank them and their families for their sacrifice of time and skills to grow and strengthen the community so many of us have grown to love; a community that we call “home.”

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