Victoria Fire Department

06/01/2026

Registration for Fishing WITH First Responders is still open!

This is fun summer event where kids (ages 5-18) can cast a line, learn the basics, and spend time with the people who serve our community every day.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Stieger Lake Fishing Pier

This event is free, but registration is required. Register today at www.victoriamn.gov/register.

05/22/2026

This week’s Firefighter Friday spotlight features Firefighter Rachel Dorff!

Rachel joined the Victoria Fire Department in January 2026. In addition to serving as a firefighter, she also works as the Community Safety Officer for the City of Victoria. Whether she’s out in the community teaching bike safety, fire safety education, or responding to emergency calls, Rachel is proud to serve the residents of Victoria.

Outside of her roles with the City of Victoria, Rachel also proudly serves in the Minnesota National Guard. Despite balancing three demanding jobs, Rachel still finds time for hobbies including golfing, fishing, and hockey. Becoming a firefighter was never originally part of her plan, but after working closely with the Victoria Fire Department in her Community Safety Officer role, she became interested and thought, “Why not give it a shot?”

When asked what advice she would give someone considering joining the fire service, Rachel said, “Give it a shot. You meet amazing people, build great camaraderie, and the laughs around the fire station make it all worth it.”

05/20/2026

Cast a line and connect with local heroes at Fishing with First Responders! Kids ages 5–18 can learn the basics of fishing, explore emergency vehicles and equipment, and spend the afternoon outdoors with the Victoria Fire Department, Carver County Sheriff's Office, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

This FREE event includes all fishing gear, bait, and tackle but space is limited, so register today!

05/07/2026

Fire Station Update!

Spring weather has allowed crews to make significant progress on the new Victoria Fire Station. Exterior architectural elements are now nearing completion, giving the building its final look and character. As that phase wraps up, focus will shift more heavily to site development, including concrete and asphalt paving, installation of curbs, and completion of landscaping features that will finish out the property.

Inside the facility, major milestones have also been reached. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough ins are complete, setting the stage for final system installations. Drywall installation is nearing completion throughout the building, and painting has begun in several areas, marking the transition into the finishing phase. Over the coming weeks, continued interior progress will bring more defined spaces and visible functionality as the project moves closer to completion.

04/30/2026

This week at the Southwest Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual First Responder Luncheon, we had the honor of recognizing Laura Wood. Laura served the Victoria Fire Department with dedication and compassion for 16 years, leaving a lasting mark on everyone she worked with and the community she served. Her husband, Paul, accepted the award on behalf of Laura and their family.

Laura passed away in July of last year after a courageous battle with cancer, a loss that has been recognized as a line-of-duty death. Her passing is a powerful and sobering reminder of the risks firefighters face, not only on the fireground, but in the days, months, and years that follow.

While her absence is deeply felt, Laura’s legacy continues to guide and inspire us. Her commitment to service, her strength, and her unwavering care for others live on within our department and throughout the community. We are proud to honor her memory and remain grateful for the lasting impact she made.

04/21/2026

On Friday, April 17th, the Victoria Fire Department, alongside our public safety partners, collaborated with Holy Family Catholic High School to conduct a mock crash on campus. This exercise was designed to demonstrate the very real and often devastating consequences of impaired driving.

The scenario brought together multiple emergency response agencies to create a realistic, coordinated response, giving students a firsthand look at how these incidents unfold. From initial dispatch and arrival to patient care and scene management, the demonstration highlighted the critical roles each agency plays during a serious crash.

By simulating the impacts of driving under the influence, the event aimed to leave a lasting impression on students and encourage safe, responsible decision-making behind the wheel.

04/15/2026

On Friday, April 17, the Victoria Fire Department, in partnership with other public safety agencies, will be conducting a training/simulation exercise at Holy Family High School.

During this training there will be a presence of emergency vehicles, personnel, and simulated activity in the area from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., please be advised there is no real threat to public safety, and the community should not be alarmed.

04/13/2026

Today kicks of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota.

This week is designed to refresh, remind and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. It is also a great time to make and practice your emergency plan and build or refresh your emergency preparedness kit.

Monday, April 13 - Alerts and warnings
Tuesday, April 14 - Severe weather, lightning and hail
Wednesday, April 15 - Floods
Thursday, April 16 - Statewide tornado drills
Friday, April 17 - Extreme heat

Learn more about Severe Weather Awareness Week at https://dps.mn.gov/.../weat.../severe-weather-awareness-week

Severe Weather Awareness Week is coming up and it’s a great time to review what to do when a storm hits.

Floods, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can happen quickly. Take a few minutes to go over your household safety plans — small steps now can make a big difference.

Follow along next week for daily tips to help you stay safe during severe weather.

Learn more: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/programs/weather-safety/severe-weather-awareness-week

04/10/2026

This week’s Firefighter Friday shines a spotlight on Battalion Chief Jon Diethelm.

Jon is approaching 12 years of service with the Victoria Fire Department, and throughout his time, he has remained deeply connected to both the organization and the community it serves. One of the most meaningful aspects of the job for Jon is the strong sense of community it builds, not only among the members of the department, but also with the residents they serve.

Having grown up in Victoria, Jon takes great pride in continuing to give back to the same community that helped shape him. Some of his earliest memories include attending fire department open houses, spending time around the trucks, and looking up to his family members who were involved in the fire service. Those early experiences sparked an interest that eventually turned into a lifelong commitment.

When asked about his favorite part of the job, Jon shared, “Being part of a team that is dedicated to serving the community, and the people who helped raise me.” For those considering joining the fire service, Jon offers simple but impactful advice: “Do it. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can be part of, and you’ll have opportunities and experiences that most people never will.”

04/06/2026

Last week, the Victoria Fire Department celebrated two special milestones.

First, we recognized firefighters Brad Spoden and Antoin Glenn during their “Black Helmet Ceremony.” This achievement marks the completion of both individuals’ hard work, dedication, and long training days over the past year and a half. Earning a black helmet symbolizes the end of their probationary period and the beginning of their careers as fully certified firefighters. Between fire certifications and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) training, each dedicated over 300 training hours to reach this milestone.

Second, the department proudly celebrated the promotion of Kenn Knapp from Firefighter to Captain. Throughout his career, Kenn has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, leadership, and a willingness to step up when it matters most. He has embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and support those around him, making this promotion well-earned.

Join us in congratulating Brad, Antoin, and Captain Knapp on these outstanding accomplishments!