The City of Callaway has taken possession of its new fire hall. Fire Chief Keith Heinlein and his crew are set to move the trucks and equipment on January 19, according to Clerk-Treasurer Shelly Dillon.
A commercial extractor and dryer are currently being installed, which will allow firefighters to thoroughly clean their gear after each fire. The equipment, funded through a grant from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, is part of a statewide push to improve firefighter safety and reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals.
The new building also includes an upgraded air exhaust system and on-site showers to protect crews from contamination.
The Fire Hall Project is funded entirely through revenue from charitable gambling at the city liquor store. Dillon says the city saved for about five years to complete the project, so taxpayers won’t see an added cost.
Callaway’s volunteer fire department has 21 members — unusually high for a department of its size. Dillon credits part of that growth to a 2016 train derailment and tanker explosion that forced the town to evacuate. No one was hurt, but the incident inspired more residents, especially younger adults, to join.
The department serves Callaway Township and five surrounding townships and also provides mutual aid to Becker County and the cities of Mahnomen, Ulen, Hitterdal, and Hawley.
Dillon says an open house for the public will be announced this spring.
Story By Karen Downing