‘The devastation was incredible,’ Chief Walker

By Robert Williams

Editor

Six volunteer Frazee firefighters traveled to Bemidji on Monday, June 23 to provide aid and disaster relief to firefighters and residents of the Bemidji area.

While in Bemidji from Monday through Wednesday, each firefighter worked 40 hours on the job, according to Frazee Fire Chief Adam Walker.

Walker was also onsite in Bemidji for a 12-hour shift on Tuesday.

“The incredible work they did and the amount of kudos we got from Bemidji Fire was unreal,” Walker said.

Chief Walker described the devastation in the area as “incredible.”

“The dedication of those individuals and getting up there and getting into some risky situations and clearing those houses—we were able to clear 12 homes,” Walker said.

The team removed trees that had fallen on homes and other structures. The crew cleared 10 homes that belonged to area firemen and a veteran disabled dispatcher so they were all able to get back on the job. 

“It was a challenge and a lot of work,” he said. “Their dedication and selfless service was unmatched and unparalleled.”

Walker also thanked Alpine Mechanical of Frazee for providing a giant Bobcat with a grapple hook. He also noted that the Frazee crew was renowned for their willingness to take on jobs nobody else wanted to touch.

“Send them crazy, redneck Frazee boys out there and they’ll get it done; it was kind of a running joke,” Walker said.

With a shortage of vehicles, the Frazee crew were also able to transport other firemen to code red calls while off duty.

“They left their hotel room after a fresh shower and took four firemen to a structure fire with someone trapped inside and Bemidji Fire was able to save that individual,” Walker said. “Pretty proud of them, to say the least. Very proud of our whole organization for stepping up and doing that.”

The work of the Frazee firefighters was also recognized by longtime Bemidji firefighter Bill Batchelder, who has close ties to Frazee as the cousin of Gary Ware.

“The greater Bemidji community is indebted to the Frazee Fire Department for the help they have offered,” said Batchelder. “The terrible derecho storm that hit the greater Bemidji during the early hours of June 21 has caused unfathomable damage to the area. Members of the Frazee Volunteer Fire Department have traveled to The Bemidji area over several days to help clear trees for retired Bemidji Firefighters and members of the public safety community.”  

After sharing their gratitude for the departments’ efforts, the city council approved the hiring of one new firefighter, Jim Borah.

Austan Schmidt of the Vergas Fire and Rescue Department was also recognized for his efforts in the Bemidji area as part of a strike team consisting of fire trucks from Pelican Rapids and Detroit Lakes, along with firefighters from Fergus Falls.