08/04/2026
We want to thank Kathy for her many years of service to this community. Kathy previously served more than 20 years as a member of the Story City Fire Department, and we’ve had the privilege of working alongside her on countless emergency calls throughout the years. Her calm presence, compassion, and dedication to serving others have made a lasting impact on our department and our community. Thank you, Kathy, for your decades of service. You will be missed.
🚑 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! ❤️
