The Brimson Area Volunteer Fire Department (BAVFD) spent much of last spring responding to the Brimson Complex Fires that kept crews on call for long stretches and strained already limited resources. They did it wearing turnout gear, the protective ensemble firefighters rely on in heat and smoke, that was more than two decades old.
For a small rural crew, replacing gear that costs thousands of dollars per firefighter has been out of reach, even after applying twice for FEMA funding.
“Small departments like ours just don’t compete well for those big federal grants,” said Assistant Fire Chief Diane Dickey. “Small departments like ours don’t usually score high enough to get it.”
The department’s work during the fires was a major factor in being named Minnesota’s Fire Department of the Year last September by the Minnesota State Fire Department Association. Their dedication also drew the attention of the Miller‑Dwan Foundation, leading to a call from Joan Oswald, a longtime member of the foundation.
“She told me they knew about the fires and that we’d just been named Fire Department of the Year, and then she asked if there was anything they could help us with,” Dickey said. “I was blown away. People don’t do that. Especially grant funders.”
Dickey explained the state of their turnout gear, which had exceeded the National Fire Protection Association’s recommended 10‑year replacement cycle. Oswald asked for an estimate. Working with Alex Air Apparatus’s Two Harbors representative, Ethan Cassidy, Dickey was able to return with a reduced cost estimate of about $30,000.
“I told Joan that would partially get us there,” Dickey said, noting that the estimate didn’t include boots or gloves. “She said, well, what would it take to put you over the finish line?”
In the end, the Miller‑Dwan Foundation, a Duluth‑based public charity that supports regional health and community safety initiatives, contributed enough for the boots and gloves as well, helping BAVFD cross that finish line with a $36,000 grant.
“We are just so grateful to Miller‑Dwan and Alex Air,” Dickey said. “They worked with us. Turnout gear is vital to our safety and protection. So, we’re one step better off.”
Dickey also expressed gratitude for the community’s support during the fires and the assistance they’ve received in the months since.
“In this last year, the Brimson Area Volunteer Fire Department has been the recipient of so much generosity,” she said. “We can’t say that loud enough.”
BAVFD currently has 12 members and is always looking for more volunteers. Like many rural departments, they face an aging roster and increasing training demands. After a recent open house, four people expressed interest, all younger volunteers which the department urgently needs.
“We need younger people,” Dickey said. “We are in a desperate situation as members are aging out.”
Those interested in volunteering can reach out to BAVFD through their Facebook page for more information or email brimsonareafirechief1@gmail.com.
