MFD, AFD work together to save lives

Express Editorial

     Late Saturday night, March 18, the Monticello Fire Department was called to a two-story structure fire on Chestnut Street here in Monticello.

     No doubt realizing the severity of the situation upon arrival, the Anamosa Fire Department was called in to assist.

     It needs to be said that both of these Jones County volunteer fire departments work tremendously well together!

     Back on Nov. 28, 2012, Monticello firefighters spent hours putting out, monitoring and surveying the devastating downtown fire on E. First Street. They were called out in the wee hours of the early morning, and remained on scene well throughout the day.

     Among the many fire departments who assisted the MFD that long day was the Anamosa Fire Department.

     When Anamosa experienced its own downtown fire on Feb. 18, 2017, who was there to provide aid? Monticello. Both good and bad, the MFD knew first-hand how to battle a downtown fire.

     A couple of weeks ago in the middle of the afternoon on a Monday, the MFD was called out to a structure fire on Dales Ford Road. After arriving at the address and seeing how close the fire was to the home, the MFD contacted dispatch to have the AFD on notice in case the situation really got out of hand. Fortunately, Anamosa was not needed that afternoon. But, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t have assisted at the drop of a hat.

     For years, there has been a rivalry between the big cities in Jones County. But, our fire departments don’t see those boundaries. They work well with each other.

     The Monticello Police, Ambulance Department, Jones County Sheriff’s Department, and Emergency Management were also on scene on Chestnut Street Saturday until late in the night. While I’m sure it’s protocol for these various entities to respond to a big fire like this, you could just see everyone working together to make sure the homeowner and those fighting the fire were safe during the ordeal.

     We have some incredible volunteer fire firefighters in this county, serving all towns and residents. While some volunteer departments are struggling right now to find quality, dedicated firefighters throughout the State of Iowa, you don’t see that problem here. You see longevity. You see family members and generations serving their local fire departments. You see neighboring towns volunteering their time, talents, and effort to keep people safe. (K.N.B.)

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