P.O. Box 64 Brownsdale, Minnesota 55918. Phone 507-567-2616

The Brownsdale Volunteer Fire Department is a volunteer 501 c (3) organization founded in 1948 and contracted to provide life and property protection from natural and accidental disasters within the City of Brownsdale, Red Rock and Waltham Townships in conjunction with the Brownsdale Firemen's Relief Association. Our department is one of only 30 in the state of Minnesota to be independent of the City or Townships relying only on its contracts for service, fund raising, and donations from its citizens for its day to day operation. 

In 2012 there were some changes in our personnel.  With the retirement of Gary Lonergan and Scott Hallan we welcomed Zach Peterson, Aaron Oakland and Travis Root.  We believe each of these men bring a unique talent and enthusiasm for the tasks that lie ahead.

We continue to improve our equipment and were able to make some purchases in 2012.  We received funds from Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services for one new set of turnout gear.  With additional FEMA funding we were able to purchase 10 new pagers to replace our older units.  As part of this project, we were also purchased five 800 Mgz mobile radios to be used for interoperation with neighboring counties and Gold Cross Ambulance.  We also have begun a scheduled replacement of three sets of turnout gear per year to replace the gear purchased in 2003.  And finally we added traffic control signs and cones to be used at emergency scenes to control traffic flow more safely. 

We worked hard in 2012 to update our fleet of vehicles.  With the help of the Austin Fire Department we were able to purchase their 1996 Pierce/Freightliner pumper that they had taken out of service as part of their replacement schedule.  We were able to purchase this truck for a wholesale price through their bidding process. 

It also was a busy year for training.  All of our current (including our most senior members) were able to complete the certification process to test to the level of Firefighter I to validate our training and experience.  We are proud of this because we are the only department in our county to achieve this certification and accreditation.  This certification came along with our monthly training from Riverland Community College to include LP Burn, Hazardous Materials Operations, Right to Know, BBP, Confined Space and “It’s in the basement”.  Our officers attended regional fire school training in the areas of Firefighter Safety, 1st Arriving Officer and Firefighter Safety.  Our members also trained at various other locations around our area.  This included training Akkerman Inc in the area of Confined Space Rescue, Mayo One Ride along and helicopter safety training, Emergency Vehicle Operation in Adams, Pipeline Safety with Austin Utilities and a controlled burn with the Austin Fire Department. 

Public relations and fire safety remained a priority for the department in 2012.  Our department worked with the school system and preschools during Fire Prevention Week. We sponsored a fire prevention poster contest. Prizes were awarded for the best poster in each of the grades. These posters were displayed in the school during the fish fry. We also conducted an educational demonstration for the school. We set up a mock emergency response to demonstrate what would happen in the event of a fire at the school.  We also participated in community events thorough the year such as the National Night Out, parades in Hayfield and Austin.

Last year we brought back the popular Bingo game the community remembers from years past. This was a success and we plan on doing more in the future, including the next one in April.  We call it Tax Time Bingo! Please note the dates of our fund-raising events in 2013. These events will be held at the Brownsdale Elementary School with the exception of Brownsdale Fest and Bingo which will be at the fire hall. Our scheduled events for 2013 are as follows: March 22th, Fish Fry, April 13^th Tax Time Bingo,  May 5th Firemen's Breakfast, August 2^nd & 3rd Brownsdale Fest,  a Fish Fry at the end of Fire Prevention Week on October 12^th and Nov 9^th Turkey Time Bingo. We count on and appreciate your attendance at our events throughout the year.

We educate the public about our Personnel, Apparatus, Safety, History, and Fund Raisers on our website.  Please visit us at http://brownsdalefire.tripod.com. In 2013 we continue to partner with GiveMN.org. GiveMN provides the ability to record all contributions and store receipts. You can make an online donation quickly and easily to the Brownsdale Volunteer Fire Department by credit card. You can also choose to schedule a monthly donation to support our efforts. Simply go to GiveMN.org and search for the “Brownsdale Volunteer Fire Department” and follow the instructions.  We are a registered non-profit 501 c (3) charity which allows you to deduct your contribution on your taxes. Our EIN is 77-0594089.

As in the past, the Brownsdale Volunteer Fire Department very much appreciates your help in maintaining the quality of our services. We hope that you will be as generous to the Fire Department as in years past.

Thank you for your continued support

Chief David K. Pike