Bancroft Community Volunteer Fire Department

08/18/2026

08/12/2026

Let’s help out our neighboring departments! Having a good relationship with the departments around us isn’t just a good thing—it’s important.
You never know where you’ll be or what you’ll be doing when the call comes in. Having the ability to call on for help at a scene is a huge advantage that we all rely on.
So, show your support for a fire department near you. It may not be the town you live in, but there’s a good chance that when help is needed, we’ll all be willing to show up.

08/08/2026

⛳️ Just over a week to go!

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the 4th Annual Heart of the Border Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 8th at North Kossuth Golf Club

Whether you’re golfing, bidding in the silent auction, joining us for the free will donation meal, or coming for the live auction. We’d love to have you there as we rally around Lyla Beadle and her family.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post!

07/16/2026

Throwback Thursday!
April 7, 1987
"A Bancroft grain warehouse caught fire early Tuesday and was destroyed, but no injuries were reported. Fire departments from seven communities fought the blaze at the Lone Rock Co-Op Exchange Elevator, said Sheriff's Deputy Jim Smith. The bean oil-fed fire continued burning into the evening hours authorities said. "We'll be here all night and then some," said Bancroft Fire Chief Ed Schiltz.

Lost in the blaze was a 70-foot high wooden elevator, an adjacent storage building, a feed mill, and a dryer. The cause of the fire is unknown. The elevator contained about 160,000 bushels of grain and authorities said they hoped to save nearly 80% of it."

The elevator was located just south of where Car-Go Express is located today.

07/14/2026

🎉Raffle Winners Announced! 🎉

On the 4th of July, we held the drawing for our 250th Anniversary Edition AR and Beretta 12-gauge raffle.

Congratulations to our winners!

🏆 Jeremy Ostander of Grafton, Iowa was the first name drawn and earned the first choice. He proudly selected the 250th Anniversary Edition AR.

🏆 Trevor Amy of Ledyard, Iowa was the second name drawn and was thrilled to take home the Beretta 12-gauge.

We would like to thank everyone who participated and to those who have supported our department.

07/09/2026

Resilience. Commitment. Drive. Never Quit.

These aren't just words—they're the foundation of the fire service.

If you were out Monday evening, you may have noticed a group of firefighters crawling around the playground. While it may have looked like grown men reliving their childhood, every obstacle, every crawl, and every challenge had a purpose.

Emergencies don't happen in perfect conditions. The fireground is unpredictable, chaotic, and unforgiving. When visibility is gone, conditions change in an instant, and every second counts, there is no time to wonder what to do. That's why we train the way we do.

Led by our in-house Training Officer, Brody Vaske, firefighters were pushed through scenarios designed to prepare them for the possibility of that happening.

One of the challenges were for the crew to navigate uneven obstacles while following a charged hoseline in complete darkness. With no visibility, they relied only on their sense of touch, their training, and the ability to build a mental picture of their surroundings—all while wearing full protective gear.

Another was focused on firefighter survival and self-rescue. Brody demonstrated that even when trapped by what appears to be an impossible obstacle, there is still a way out. Using proper techniques, he successfully pushed and pulled his way through a 16" × 16" opening, proving that determination, training, and staying calm can make all the difference.

07/08/2026

Nearly a year ago, several members of the department set out with one goal in mind: to successfully complete the Iowa Fire Fighter II (FF2) certification requirements by the June 30 deadline.

Today, we are proud to announce that every member who accepted the challenge successfully completed all of the requirements and earned their Iowa Fire Fighter II certification.

This achievement was no small task. The certification process included a 100-question written exam covering advanced fire service knowledge, an in-person practical skills evaluation, a public education/fire safety presentation, and a business fire safety walkthrough. Each requirement demanded time, dedication, and a commitment to becoming better firefighters for our department and the community we proudly serve.

Congratulations to our newest Fire Fighter II certified members (Pictured Left to Right):

•Firefighter Grant Vaske
•2nd Captain Scott Shillington
•Training Officer Brody Vaske
•Assistant Chief Lee Vaske
•Chief Brad Arndorfer
•Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Broesder
•Firefighter Devan McDonald

Their accomplishment is a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork that define our department. By continuing to learn and challenge themselves, these members have strengthened not only their own skills but also the safety and effectiveness of our entire department.

Congratulations to each of you on this outstanding achievement. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for your continued service to our community. We are proud to serve alongside you.

07/06/2026

Our Assistant Chief Lee Vaske entered our Quick Attack Apparatus into the Titonka Firemans Car Show on June 28. Lee won the fireman’s choice award! Thank you to Titonka Fire Department for hosting the car show every year, they do an excellent job!!

07/02/2026

Make sure to come to Bancroft this weekend for a great Independence Day celebration! We are working on getting the fireworks show wired up! This will be the biggest show we have ever done! See you July 4!

06/30/2026

Come join us for some fun! The forecast says 85° - perfect for some water fights!