Kabetogama Fire Department

12/26/2025

Wishing All the Surrounding Communities a very safe and peaceful Holiday Season!

12/19/2025

The algorithm for thin-ice (and indeed all water rescue) is "Reach-Throw-Row-Tow-Go." These are done concurrently, not sequentially. While one team is attempting to "reach" the subject (hand, pole, stick, etc.), another team (or often the same team) is setting up to "throw" (buoy, throw-bag, floaty toy, beachball, whatever). At the same time, another team should be gearing up to "row" (canoe, boat, etc.). We don't stand up or make a transfer until we're on stable ice or in calm, shallow water (if feasible), thus the "tow." Finally, teams may have to "go," meaning enter the water to perform the rescue. A drowning person will drown YOU in their struggle to keep their face out of the water, so we plan and practice for combative subjects.

Tonight's excellent Ben Hartley (callsign 7280) photo shows two teams executing a "reach" rescue on simulated subjects Colonel Mike (7354) and Joey (7348). Closest to the camera is Jarrid (7267), coach for the near team, while kneeling at right is Bear Fat Pete (7299), coach for the far group.

Friends, NO ice is totally safe. Last night we discovered a transition line of a clear, solid four-inch (10 cm) shelf to wafer-thin ice that had formed that afternoon after we had reconned the site. Solid ice "here" does NOT mean solid ice "over there." Dress warm, keep a change of clothes in the vehicle in case you go "sploosh," leave a "panic button" time to call 911 with loved ones, and carry ice picks to speed your climb-out should you take an unplanned bath. Finally, save the alcohol for the cabin or fire ring at the end of the day. This is a great time to be in the backcountry, but be safe out there, eh?

12/07/2025

Annual reminder 🙂

11/18/2025

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
SHOUT OUT TO OUR WINNERS!
John Possin - Double Bull Surround View Max hunting blind
Mike Finley - 1/2 day fishing with Carlson's Guide Service
Mike Dady - 1/2 day fishing with Voyageurs Adventures
Carolyn Pribula - Benelli Nova Max 7 12 gauge 26"
Tom Hatfield - Generac 2500i Generator
Jeff Samardzijq - R***r Mini 14" 5.56 NATO
Mariah Nelson - 4 night Ebel's Voyageur Houseboats trip
Todd Gabriel - Tokarev Bull Pup 12 Guage 18"
Suzette Hopkiws - Savage 110 Trail Hunter Lite in 308 Win

11/18/2025

Hunters Supper - Raffle Winners
Thank you all for your support in ticket sales and Dinner Attendance. We had a great turnout and as always wonderful camaraderie, baked goods and memories. We Appreciate your Faith and support in our Team!!

10/28/2025

Thank you!!

10/27/2025

Folks can drop off their baked goods donations on Friday November 7th from 1-3 or Saturday November 8th starting at 2. Please label the baked goods! We still have raffle tickets that will be available at the door! THANK YOU!

10/07/2025

, when we highlight a line-of-duty death from this date in history.

Today we remember U.S. Park Ranger Kevin M. Grossheim from the National Park Service, who drowned after receiving a call regarding stranded boaters on a lake in Voyageurs National Park. Ranger Grossheim navigated through stormy weather to access and rescue the boaters. During the operation, the vessel began to fill with water causing the boat to sink. Ranger Grossheim became trapped and drowned and his body was later recovered. The boaters were able to reach land safely.

Please consider supporting us in our mission to honor the more than 24,000 law enforcement heroes whose names adorn our sacred , including U.S. Park Ranger Grossheim, who died on October 6, 2024.

Donate today: https://bit.ly/4cXEuEX

10/04/2025

Mark your calendars-buy your Raffle Tickets!!
Thank you for your Support!!

09/11/2025

We must never forget...24 years ago tonight, 246 people went to sleep prepared for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep prepared for work in the morning. 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00 AM Sept 11, 2001. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

08/26/2025

Nice to see more rescue equipment available when needed. Thank you MN State Patrol!

New video shows the Minnesota Air Rescue Team responding to a call for help from a remote campsite in Voyageurs National Park along the Canadian border. See it in the full story: https://cbsloc.al/3Vj07J0

08/16/2025

If anyone is interested in an EMT Certification, we will support your education through testing, we will only ask for 2 years of service to Kabetogama in return.
Great opportunity, close to home.

Please reach out if you are interested!