Story City/Lafayette Twp. First Responders

08/31/2026

This week, we’re excited to introduce our Volunteer, Berry Saunders! Berry has been serving with Story City first Responders for 11 years and has dedicated countless hours to making a difference in our community through his commitment to emergency response and patient care.

Alongside his service with first responders, Berry works as a Federal Technician for the Iowa Army National Guard. His dedication to serving others extends across every aspect of his life, bringing experience, and a strong sense of duty to both his career and his role as a first responder.

When asked what first made him want to join our team, Berry shared: “I wanted to join the team to give back to the community that accepted an outsider as one of their own.” That commitment to giving back has been a driving force throughout his 11 years of service with our department.

Outside of Story City First Responders, Berry enjoys spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, and woodworking. Whether he’s responding to calls, working with his crews, or spending time outdoors, Berry brings the same dedication and passion to everything he does.

This year, we’re proud to have Berry step into the role of EMS Operations Officer, where he will help support our EMS team, strengthen operations, and continue providing outstanding service to our community.

Thank you, Berry, for your 11 years of dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving others. We’re proud to have you as part of the Story City First Responders team! 👏

08/20/2026

🚑 Story City, we want YOU! 🚑

Have healthcare experience, an interest in EMS, or simply want to make a difference in your community? Our neighbors need people willing to step up when it matters most.

Whether you’re an EMT, healthcare professional, driver, or community member—we’d love to have you on the team.

Send us a email [email protected] to learn more!

Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this post and help us spread the word!

08/17/2026

🚑 Member Monday: Dawson Eggman 🚑

This week, we're excited to introduce our Volunteer Dawson Eggman! Dawson has been serving with our department since April 2024 and is dedicated to making a difference in our community. Alongside volunteering, he's currently working through the EMT program at Mercy college, furthering his skills to better serve those in need. Outside of the department, Dawson works as a welder/fabricator and serves as a Blackhawk mechanic with the National Guard. His passion for hands-on work and service carries through every aspect of his life. When asked what motivates him to volunteer, Dawson shared: "Providing support to our incredible community." When he's off duty, you can usually find him working hard—whether it's on the job or tackling mechanical projects in his spare time. Thank you, Dawson, for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving our community. We're proud to have you as part of the team! 👏

08/13/2026

If you have any questions regarding the 911 process, drop them down below. We would be happy to answer!

08/06/2026

August heat is no joke. When you're out in the sun this month, watch for these signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat stroke is an emergency if you are experiencing those symptoms please call 911

08/03/2026

🚑 Member Monday: Celebrating a Lifetime of Service 🚑

Today, we are incredibly honored to recognize Kathy Twedt as she begins her well-earned retirement after decades of selfless service to the Story City community.

Kathy's journey of serving others began in 1993, when she became the first female member of the Story City Fire Department. A few years into her fire service career, Kathy decided to expand her role by earning her EMT certification so she could also serve with the Story City Ambulance. She continued responding to ambulance calls for 10 years until staffing shortages made it difficult to keep ambulance crews together.

Rather than stepping away from emergency medical services all together, Kathy helped create a new path forward. Alongside Lysle Macdonald and Janine Lamb, Kathy met at City Hall to discuss forming a First Responder program that could provide immediate care until Mary Greeley paramedics arrived. With the support of Mark Jackson, that vision became a reality. After recruiting an initial team of 16 members, the Story City First Responders officially launched in 2006. Kathy was a driving force, advocate, and founding member of the group that continues to serve our community today.

Since the very beginning of our department, Kathy has been a cornerstone of our organization. Throughout her years of service, she faithfully served as Secretary and Treasurer, stepped up to lead as Chief, and later returned to the Secretary and Treasurer role, always willing to do whatever was needed to help the department succeed.

As one of our primary daytime responders, Kathy answered countless calls while many others were away at their daytime jobs. Her reliability, leadership, and unwavering commitment ensured that help was there when our community needed it most.

When asked what has been the most rewarding part of being a first responder, Kathy shared: "Helping others in their time of need. I have always been able to keep the patient calm." That simple statement perfectly reflects the compassion, professionalism, and reassuring presence she has provided to so many people over the years.

Outside of emergency service, Kathy is a lifelong member of the Story City community, a devoted wife, proud mother of two daughters, and supportive grandmother to three grandchildren. When she's not serving others, you'll likely find her relaxing with a crossword puzzle or Sudoku in hand.

Kathy, thank you for your vision, leadership, and decades of dedication. Your willingness to serve, your calm presence, and your passion for helping others have left a lasting legacy on this department and our community. Because of your efforts, countless lives have been touched, and the Story City First Responders stand stronger today.

Congratulations on your retirement! We wish you nothing but happiness and fulfillment in this next chapter. You have certainly earned it.

❤️ Thank you for your service, Kathy! ❤️

05/23/2026

Recently, multiple MGMC EMS ambulances were dispatched by the Story County Sheriff's Office to a burn-related incident. MGMC EMS responded with Story City/Lafayette Township First Responders and Story City Fire Department.

Upon arrival, crews identified two teenage patients with significant burn injuries. Both patients were assessed and treated on scene, with one patient being transported by ground ambulance and another requiring air medical transport to a burn center.

We are grateful for the teamwork and support from Story City/Lafayette Twp. First Responders, Story City Fire Department, Story City Police Department, LifeFlight Des Moines, and the dispatchers at the Story County Sheriff’s Office.

This incident serves as a reminder that burn injuries can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Taking fire safety precautions around open flames and outdoor fires can significantly reduce risk. Stay safe everyone!

05/17/2026

Happy EMS Week everyone!

This week we are going to be celebrating everything and everyone in EMS. We are looking forward to showcasing all the different aspects of our agency!

We'll have different posts for every day of the week until EMS Week is over, so stay tuned!

05/13/2026

This Saturday, we remember.

2026 EMS Memorial Ceremony
📅 Saturday, May 16
📍 West Des Moines Station #19 | 8055 Mills Civic Parkway
☕ 10:00 AM Continental Breakfast
🌿 10:30 AM Ceremony

We gather to honor eight Iowa EMS providers whose service to their communities will not be forgotten:

Jeff Pease • Brock Schmidt • Kerry Kleve • Mark Sachen • Dave Sweet • Michael W. Arndorfer • Robert "Rob" Light • Arnold Tiefenthaler

Whether you served alongside them, knew them as family, or simply want to stand with the EMS community, you are welcome.

No registration required. Bring a colleague.

🔗 Full details and memorial video: iemsa.net/page/2026EMSMemorialCeremony

04/14/2026