Stuart Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department

Currently, the Stuart Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department has 30 total members.
The department's major project for 2006 was replacement of the old S-21 van with a newer S-21 one ton crew cab 4 X 4 pickup with covered utility box for hauling equipment to the scene and also serving as the command vehicle for the department.
Application was made for a FEMA grant to purchase a new box-style ambulance to be used for long distance transfers with the department's anticipated move up to an ALS service. Also in connection with this move, the department, along with our governing bodies, namely the Rural Fire Board and the Village Board of Trustees, have been gathering information and looking at future options for the department. The most significant change being considered at this time by the above mentioned parties would be the merger of the existing bodies into a combined fire district, including the Village of Stuart, and involving the creation of a new unified governing board. This process may extend into the upcoming year before a final decision is made. The process to update the ambulance service from BLS to ALS is continuing and involves several other major changes to the department's structure as well.
Members of our department continued their fire training this past year by attending State Fire School in Grand Island, going to pumper classes and storm spotter classes, and conducting controlled house and grassland fires, as well as fireworks training.
Presently eleven members of the department are EMTs, six of which are nationally registered. As part of their continuing education requirements, these EMTs have attended a variety of classes, seminars, and conferences. Several other members are currently nearing completion of their EMT certification.
The department reimburses personnel for the majority of expenses to attend all the above training sessions, however, each member donates their time away from their jobs and families to better serve the emergency medical needs of the community.

Other departmental activities included:
" Parade entries and fireworks display for the 4th of July
" Barbeque on cruise night of the 4th of July celebration
" Ambulances supplied for home football games, rodeos, and Fun Run
" Fire and ambulance equipment supplied for the Stuart stock car races
" Demonstrations during Fire Safety Week for the students of local elementary schools
" Fireman's Ball in November

Current Officers and Members

President - Dan Malone
Vice-President - Chris Sattler
Secretary - Rick Shearer
Treasurer - Tanya Schroder
Fire Chief - Randy Jardee
Asst. Fire Chief - Ron Batenhorst
Amb. Capt./Privacy Officer - Lou Cadwallader
Asst. Amb. Capt./Security Officer - Keith Larabee
Board of Control - Roy Cadwallader, Keith Larabee, Darby Paxton
Scott Bouska
Dave Jarman
Bob Lockmon
John Tubbs
Pat Riha
Tobias Posvar
Dale Kubik
Scott Dvorak
Jeanne Slattery
Ken Kunz
Dan Malone
Dana Steinhauser
Eric Kohle
Wayne Schroder
Jerry Gubbels
John Korinko
Sarah Paxton
Ron Batenhorst
Deb Olberding
Rebecca Schaaf
Dan Riha

As always, donations from the community are greatly appreciated and help to upgrade equipment and facilities so we can better our service to all area residents.

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