Columbia Heights Fire Department

Columbia Heights Fire Department The Columbia Heights Fire Department strives to maintain and improve the quality of life of all whom live, work, visit, or invest in our community.

To provide immediate response 24 hours a day, the City of Columbia Heights is served by a combination fire department, which consists of a Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, six full-time professional firefighters, up to 30 "volunteer" or paid on-call firefighters and two part-time secretarial staff. The Fire Department provides:

Fire suppression
Emergency medical services
Fire code in

spections
Fire prevention and education
Hazardous materials response


In addition, the department licenses all rental property in the City and enforces the City’s Property Maintenance Code. The Fire Department also provides firefighting, emergency medical services, and fire code inspections to the City of Hilltop.

Last week, we proudly recognized Firefighter Grant Dickinson for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and service dur...
06/10/2026

Last week, we proudly recognized Firefighter Grant Dickinson for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and service during a challenging time for our department.

Following the loss of Captain Tony Cuzzupe and during Captain Cuzzupe’s absence prior, Firefighter Dickinson stepped up to ensure continuity of operations. He took on significant responsibilities with professionalism, initiative, and resilience, helping maintain critical functions and providing stability for both the department and his fellow firefighters.

His commitment to service, positive attitude, and willingness to lead exemplify the best of the fire service.

In recognition of his exceptional efforts and dedication, Firefighter Grant Dickinson was awarded the Chief’s Commendation.

Please join us in congratulating Grant on this well-deserved honor!

06/05/2026

Update - June 9 - Service to Siren #4 is complete and is now functioning properly.

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Siren #4, located at 40th Ave NE and Johnson St NE, is undergoing repairs and is not operational.

Alternative severe weather notifications include:
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Built into your smartphone by default. This broadcasts government-issued warnings automatically to your phone based on your current location. Verify that these alerts are turned on in your phone's notification or safety settings.

• Dedicated Severe Weather Apps: Download apps specifically designed for push notifications and storm-based tracking. Standout options include Storm Shield (delivers voice and push alerts for your exact location) and the American Red Cross Emergency app.

• NOAA Weather Radio: A dedicated, battery-operated radio (like a Midland model with S.A.M.E. technology) receives continuous 24/7 National Weather Service alerts. This is an essential lifeline if the power grid goes down.

• Local Broadcast and Digital Media: Local news stations provide real-time, localized meteorologist tracking. Additionally, your local city or county government website often has a free mass-notification opt-in system (such as CodeRED) to send direct calls or texts for your specific address.

It is unknown at this time when the repairs will be completed.

Last night, we officially welcomed Engine 5 to our fleet with a traditional wet-down and push-in ceremony!Engine 5 is an...
06/04/2026

Last night, we officially welcomed Engine 5 to our fleet with a traditional wet-down and push-in ceremony!

Engine 5 is an Impel Pumper manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing and is a twin to Engine 4, which is currently in service. With this addition, all of the department's fire response apparatus now have substantially standardized equipment, operations, and layouts, creating greater consistency and operational effectiveness across the fleet. The Columbia Heights Fire Department is excited to have this new equipment in service!

Today, we’re recognizing the anniversary of the Columbia Heights Fire Department, officially chartered on May 28, 1907.F...
05/28/2026

Today, we’re recognizing the anniversary of the Columbia Heights Fire Department, officially chartered on May 28, 1907.

For more than a century, generations of firefighters, EMTs, officers, and support personnel have answered the call to protect our community. From hand-pulled hose carts and grass fires in the early 1900s to today’s modern fire, rescue, and EMS operations, the mission has remained the same: service to others.

We honor those who built this department, those who continue to serve today, and the strong tradition of professionalism, courage, and commitment that continues to shape the Columbia Heights Fire Department.

On Sat, May 23, the Columbia Heights Police and Fire Departments responded to a vehicle in the water near the Silver Lak...
05/27/2026

On Sat, May 23, the Columbia Heights Police and Fire Departments responded to a vehicle in the water near the Silver Lake boat launch.

Upon arrival, CHFD deployed rescue resources on the water while CHPD, Allina EMS, dispatchers, towing services, and additional support agencies worked together to manage the incident safely and efficiently.

The incident involved an individual experiencing a crisis. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the Anoka County Mobile Crisis Response Line at (763) 755-3801.

At times, the Columbia Heights community does not see the full scope of the coordinated response and resources deployed by CHFD, CHPD, and other agency partners to assist those in need. Thank you to all those involved for safely rescuing this individual in a time of crisis.

Please join us in congratulating these four on their new roles with the CHFD!From left: Captain Kyle Hall, full-time Fir...
05/20/2026

Please join us in congratulating these four on their new roles with the CHFD!

From left: Captain Kyle Hall, full-time Firefighter Alexander Katterjohn, full-time Firefighter Quinn Rod, and Captain Jon Aldrich

Captain Kyle Hall has served as a full-time Firefighter since 2020. He currently leads the department’s Fire Explorer program and has played a key role in commercial fire code inspections in recent years. Kyle started as a Columbia Heights Fire Explorer in 2002 before joining the department as a paid-on-call Firefighter in 2009. In his new role, he will oversee the department’s Logistics Division.

Firefighter Alexander Katterjohn joined the department in 2025 as a paid-on-call Firefighter. He is currently completing his Fire Apparatus Operator certification and is active with the Anoka County Special Rescue Team, Honor Guard, Fire Explorer Program, and Firefighters Association, where he serves as Vice President.

Firefighter Quinn Rod joined the department as a paid-on-call Firefighter in 2020 after participating in the Columbia Heights Fire Explorer program in 2019. He is a Fire Apparatus Operator, is a member of the Anoka County Special Rescue Team, participates in the department Honor Guard, and serves as President of the Firefighters Association.

Captain Jon Aldrich most recently served as a Fire Lieutenant while also working as a full-time Firefighter with the Fridley Fire Department. Jon participated in the Columbia Heights Fire Explorer program in the early 2000s and joined the department as a Paid-on-Call Firefighter in 2022 after serving in the United States Navy. In his new role, he will oversee the department’s Training Division.

We are proud to recognize these members for their commitment, leadership, and service to CHFD and the Columbia Heights community. Congratulations on your new positions!

Learn CPR with us!We’ll be hosting Heartsaver CPR & First Aid classes at the Public Safety Building in June. Learn First...
05/14/2026

Learn CPR with us!

We’ll be hosting Heartsaver CPR & First Aid classes at the Public Safety Building in June.

Learn First Aid, CPR, and AED:
• First Aid Basics
• Medical and Injury Emergencies
• Adult, Child, and Infant CPR
• AED Training
• Opioid Emergency Response

Classes will be offered in English or Spanish. Registration is required.

Training in English
Mon, June 8, 5:30-9:30 pm
Register by June 5: bit.ly/4mkTYc4

Entrenamiento en Español
Lunes 15 de Junio, 5:30-9:30 pm
Regístrate antes del 11 de Junio: bit.ly/4tWo8oP

Ages 16+
$10 for Columbia Heights residents / $40 for non-residents

Earlier today, May 5, CHFD responded to a report of ducklings in the sewer at the intersection of 40th Ave NE and Centra...
05/05/2026

Earlier today, May 5, CHFD responded to a report of ducklings in the sewer at the intersection of 40th Ave NE and Central Ave NE. Crews rescued the ducklings and reunited them with their parents at Wargo Court Park.

Thank you for capturing the day, North Metro Fire Buff 🧡
05/04/2026

Thank you for capturing the day, North Metro Fire Buff 🧡

The Columbia Heights Fire Department will be parading around Columbia Heights tonight, Feb 14, from 5 to 7 pm. Be on the...
02/14/2026

The Columbia Heights Fire Department will be parading around Columbia Heights tonight, Feb 14, from 5 to 7 pm. Be on the lookout for a fire truck decorated in celebration of Valentine's Day!

Similar to the annual Holiday City Tour, the Columbia Heights Fire Department will be following the route and timing for this event.

Address

825 41st Avenue NE
Columbia Heights, MN
55421

Telephone

+17637068150

Website

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