Montezuma Volunteer Fire Department

08/28/2026

We would like to send a huge thank you to Kozy Campground for allowing our department to use a couple of houses this week for hands-on training!

Opportunities to train in real structures are hard to come by, and having the chance to practice in a realistic environment is invaluable. This type of training allows our members to build skills, gain confidence, and be better prepared when we’re called upon to serve our community.

Thank you for helping us train for the moments that matter! 👨‍🚒🔥🚒

08/22/2026

Montezuma FD is sending our thoughts, prayers and support to Parker and his family, teammates and coaches 💚 You’ve got your community behind you!

08/22/2026

🚒 Firefighter Spotlight Series 🚒

This week, we’re proud to feature Patrick Forsthoefel!

Patrick has been serving with our department for 16 years. After seeing members of his own family enjoy being part of the fire department, he decided he wanted to join in and help out as well.

What he enjoys most about being a firefighter:
“Being able to help others when it’s needed and pushing yourself to do things you didn’t think you could.”

Favorite part of the department:
“The camaraderie. It’s like having another family you can rely on.”

Most memorable moment:
“The infamous rescuing a cat from a tree.” 🐈🌳🚒

Advice for anyone thinking about joining:
“It’s a decision that may seem hard, but once you take the leap, it’s a decision that you’ll be glad you made and wonder why you didn’t join sooner.”

Thank you, Patrick, for 16 years of dedication, service, and commitment to our department and community!

07/29/2026

👨‍🚒 Firefighter Spotlight Series 🚒

This week, we’re proud to feature President Nicholas Laffin!

President Laffin has been serving with our department for 10 years. He joined the fire service with a desire to give back to the community and has continued to make a difference through service, teamwork, and leadership.

What he enjoys most about being a firefighter:
“Helping give back to the community and learning.”

Favorite part of the department:
“Bonding with fellow members and helping people.”

Most memorable moment:
“Driving through a garage door before handing out chicken dinners.” 🚒😂

His advice for anyone thinking about joining:
“It is very rewarding to give back and help the community when in need.”

Thank you, President Laffin, for your 10 years of dedication and service to our department and the community!

07/14/2026

👨‍🚒Firefighter Spotlight Series 🚒

This week, we’re proud to feature Captain Aaron Fortkamp!

Captain Fortkamp has been serving with our department for 7 years. Inspired by his father, he joined the fire service to follow in his footsteps and continue a tradition of serving the community.

What he enjoys most about being a firefighter:
“Helping others.”

Favorite part of the department:
“The camaraderie.”

For Captain Fortkamp, being part of a close-knit team while making a difference in people’s lives is what makes the fire service so rewarding.

Advice for anyone thinking about joining:
“It’s one of the most rewarding things to do and experience when you help someone.”

Thank you, Captain Fortkamp, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving our community!

07/13/2026

Congratulations Mark!

We would like to congratulate Mark Seitz on his retirement from the Chickasaw Volunteer Fire Department! He served on the fire department for over 42 years, with 24 of those years as Chief! His dedication over the years has made a lasting impact on the department and the community that he served. We wish Mark the best as he begins this new chapter of his retirement. Thank you for your many years of service! You will be missed! Seitz Mark Lisa

07/13/2026

06/30/2026

👨‍🚒Firefighter Spotlight Series 🚒

This week, we’re featuring Captain Mitch Kanney!

Captain Kanney has been serving with the department for 5 years. Although he had thought about joining the fire service since he was a kid, he finally decided to take the first step and reach out to the department—a decision that has allowed him to serve and give back to the community.

What he enjoys most about being a firefighter:
“There is always something to learn.”

Favorite part of the department:
“We have a great group of guys.”

One of the things Captain Kanney appreciates most about the fire service is the opportunity to continually learn new skills and grow alongside fellow members.

Advice for anyone thinking about joining:
“The hardest part of joining is walking through the door for the first time.”

Thank you, Captain Kanney, for your dedication and service to our department and community!

For anyone interested in volunteering with the Montezuma Fire Department, stop by the firehouse on Thursdays at 7pm.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day! 🚒🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate all the dads who make a difference both at home and in our community.

The fire service is often a family tradition, and our department is fortunate to have several members who followed in their fathers’ footsteps. From one generation to the next, the values of service, dedication, and helping others continue to be passed down.

To all of the fathers in our department, and to the fathers who came before them and helped shape the department we know today, thank you. Your leadership, dedication, and example continue to inspire future generations.

From all of us at the Montezuma Fire Department, we wish you a safe and Happy Father’s Day!

06/10/2026

👨‍🚒 Firefighter Spotlight Series 🚒

This week, we’re featuring Captain Justin Stachler!

Captain Stachler has proudly served with the department for 19 years. Following in his father’s footsteps, he joined the fire service to continue a tradition of helping others and serving the community.

What he enjoys most about being a firefighter:
“The adrenaline rush and helping people.”

Favorite part of the department:
“The guys at the station.”

Most memorable moment:
“The house explosion on 716A.”

Advice for anyone thinking about joining:
“It’s very rewarding to be able to help our community.”

For nearly two decades, Captain Stachler has been a dedicated member of our department, serving alongside his fellow firefighters and answering the call when our community needs help most.

Thank you, Captain Stachler, for your years of service, leadership, and commitment to our community! 👨‍🚒🚒