The Colvill Area Volunteer Fire Department is holding an open-house-type event on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include food, fun, and essential information for community members of all ages. The Fire Department is located at 3153 East Highway 61, about 10 miles east of Grand Marais.
“We’re honored to be part of this community,” said Frank Newman, Fire Chief. “We planned this event to show our thanks for the opportunity to serve Colvill and Cook County.”
The fire hall meeting room and garage will be open for inspection. Fire-fighting equipment will be on display, providing an educational opportunity for all. Volunteer firefighters and EMS volunteers will be on hand to meet and greet and help make the day special.
Colvill is the only volunteer department with its own drone to assist in fire appraisals and search and rescue operations. Firefighter Jordan Ekroot, an FAA-licensed drone operator, will demonstrate the drone and its capabilities.
Among the activities for kids is spraying a fire hose that is part of the department’s back-road side-by-side.
Colvill resident and former firefighter Crystal Clemons and her business, Johnson Foods in Grand Marais, are donating hamburgers and hot dogs for the event and some fresh fruit.
No barbecue at a firehouse is complete without the Chief’s favorite baked beans. And Chief Newman is making his signature baked beans for all to enjoy.
Cook County Commissioner Ann Sullivan is bringing the chips. A prominent advocate for fire safety, Sullivan will also give out her signature “Go Bags.” These bags should be filled with essential items for emergency preparedness, such as first aid supplies, a flashlight, and non-perishable food. They should be part of everyone’s emergency kit.
Many calls to the fire department are for health emergencies. During the open house, our trained medical responders will perform free blood pressure checks, ensuring your safety and well-being.
Help the department “Fill the Boot” with small donations. This Initiative is aimed at offsetting the cost of turnout gear that the department will need soon. Your support will directly contribute to the safety and effectiveness of our firefighters.
The Colvill Area Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1996 by community members. It provides emergency services within the Colvill Area fire district, which is roughly defined as west of the Brule River, east of Timberwolf Trail, and north of Highway 61, approximately eight miles to Trout Lake. The department consists of firefighting and medical first response units. Its business is governed by a seven-member board of directors.
For further information, email cvfd96@gmail.com.
In addition to the open house with the fire department on the 17th, the Colvill Community Club will be doing brush and building clean-up at the historic Colvill Town Hall from 8 a.m. to noon. The morning will include a tour of the old, historic schoolhouse on the shore.
Community Club leader Theresa Luther-Dolan wrote in a Facebook post, “Make May 17 your Colvill Day and get out in the neighborhood— help out, meet our volunteers and neighbors!”
