Royal Fire & Rescue

10/29/2026

Next up is Chris Raveling! He’s been a part of Royal Fire and Rescue for 19 years—and I think we’re going to keep him!

Don’t let the 19 years fool you—Chris has been in service to his communities and country much longer than that! From the Fire/EMS standpoint he’s been a part of Departments in: Box Elder,SD (while in the service), Greenville, Dickens, and Peterson Ambulance. Chris is an EMT and has taken Fire Fighter I.

Chris is currently the Chief Medical Officer for Royal Fire and Rescue as well as being a Medical Examiner Investigator with Clay County for 17 years!

Chris retired out of the Air National Guard after 27 years, has been with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office since 2006—and has been the Sheriff since 2017!

He’s an asset to our community with an ingrained dedication to serving others—and we are proud to call him “one of ours” at your Royal Fire and Rescue!

10/28/2026

Stole this post from the Sheriff! 🫣

Let’s see how long before he notices! 🤣

Comment how soon you think he will see it and tell me —- and I’ll put your name in for a bonus pancake at the breakfast Sunday!!

Thank you for all those that serve as a first responder!

10/23/2026

Please use caution!

🔥 ELEVATED FIRE DANGER FRIDAY ACROSS IOWA! 🔥

Iowans are urged to use extra caution Friday as warm temperatures, gusty winds, and relatively low humidity combine to create an increased risk for rapidly spreading fires, especially across western and northern Iowa.

According to the National Weather Service, southerly winds will increase throughout the day Friday, with sustained speeds of 15–20 MPH and gusts approaching 30 MPH in portions of the state. Afternoon relative humidity values are expected to drop to between 30–40%, while temperatures climb into the 70s.

With harvest activities ongoing across Iowa, these conditions could allow fires sparked by agricultural equipment to spread quickly through dry crops and fields. Farmers are encouraged to regularly check equipment for debris buildup, monitor bearings and other potential ignition sources, and have fire extinguishers readily available.

⚠️ AVOID OUTDOOR BURNING! Even a small fire could spread quickly under gusty conditions. Use extreme caution with anything that could produce sparks or flames.

Elevated fire weather concerns may continue into Saturday, particularly across northern and western Iowa.

10/23/2026

So —time for our second longest member of the Royal Fire and Rescue—today we introduce Matt Goyette!

Matt has been on the department 24 years—he’s held almost every position within the department and has been our Fire Chief for several years!

Matt has his Fire Fighter 1 and his Fire Instructor 1. He serves as the Royal Fire representative on many committees and boards…and is the liaison to Royal City Council.

Matt has a “Fire” and passion for Royal—and for the Fire Department! You will see him looking out for the communities best interests and putting in untold hours to make things happen. We are pretty happy to have him as our fearless leader!

10/19/2026

We are going to be sharing some firefighter highlights… so you can get to know who’s on the Royal Fire and Rescue… And who better to start us off than Dan!

Dan Seavert  is currently the longest tenured on the Royal Fire Department with *46 YEARS* 👨‍🚒

Dan has his Fire Fighter II and has a wealth of knowledge about the mobile equipment—how to use it —and how to help his fellow firefighters get the most from the equipment! His calmness under pressure is appreciated— as is his ability to think things through!

Dan has been welcoming to “the new kids” in the department and always has a story to tell!

And least I forget—YES! He IS the pancake mix guy as well! Be sure to say hello and Thank him at the upcoming pancake breakfast!

09/24/2026

Join us at the Royal Fire Station on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM for an all-you-can-eat feast! All proceeds go directly to support our local Royal Volunteer Fire Department. Tell your friends and family!

Here’s what’s on the menu:
🥞 Stackable, All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes!
🥓 Sizzling Sausages!
🍳 Fluffy Scrambled Eggs!
☕ Coffee & 🍊 Juice!

Come meet your local heroes and enjoy a delicious meal. The public is welcome, and your support means the world to us. Help us spread the word!

Details at a glance:
📍 Where: Royal Fire Station, 404 Main Street, Royal, IA
📅 When: Sunday, Nov 1, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

07/04/2026

03/25/2026

🌪️ Tornado Safety Awareness – Severe Weather Awareness Week

Iowa is no stranger to the power of nature, and at the Royal Fire Department, we want to make sure you're ready when the sirens wail. As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week March 23-27, today we are focusing on Tornado Safety.

Knowing the difference between a Watch and a Warning can save your life:

Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Conditions are right for tornadoes to form. Keep an eye on the sky and stay tuned to local weather updates.

Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Move to your safe place immediately.

🏠 Your Tornado Safety Checklist:

Go Low: Head to the basement or the lowest level of your home.

Stay Internal: Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Think bathrooms, closets, or hallways.

Protect Your Head: Use blankets, pillows, or even a helmet to protect yourself from flying debris.

Stay Informed: Have a NOAA Weather Radio or a reliable weather app handy to receive alerts.

📢 Mark Your Calendars: The annual statewide tornado drill will take place this Wednesday, March 25, at 10:00 a.m. This is the perfect time to practice your family's emergency plan!

For more tips on staying safe, visit:
https://ready.iowa.gov
https://ready.iowa.gov

Stay safe, Royal!

Learn how to prepare for emergencies, build an emergency kit, and understand weather and human-caused threats to Iowans.

03/02/2026

12/18/2025

If you've been wondering how you can help Phil Zeutenhorst, the Hospers Firefighter who was injured during the November 24th training, there will be a benefit for him this Thursday at the Community Center. Stop by to show your support!