Posted: 10/3/07
A conversation on 35 years of service
 Dennis Carlson, left, and Rush City Fire Chief Bob Carlson discussed D. Carlson's many years of service one day last week. |
By MaryHelen Swanson
In 1972, folks were dancing under the disco ball. The peace sign was a common greeting. The professional gear used in fire fighting in Rush City included insulated rubber raincoats, rubber boots, axes and hoses.
That's when Dennis Carlson joined the Rush City Volunteer Fire Department.
Carlson had enjoyed life in Rush City since he was three years old. His family moved there because his dad worked with the WPA in building the Rush City Hospital. Later, Carlson's dad was a custodian at that hospital for 25 years and then, because he was so good at fixing appliances and such, his dad got a job at Robinson's Hardware.
Somewhere between 1939 and the 70s, Carlson learned the importance of community involvement.
He graduated from Rush City High School in 1954. And in 1972 he joined the volunteer fire department.
"It was hard to get on the department then," he said, "nobody retired."
Carlson came to the department from his volunteering with the local ambulance service, operated by Orrin Olson. Unlike today, where EMTs have set hours to work, Carlson was able to stay at home with a pager. When a call came in he would head out in a pink hearse turned ambulance.
Why join the fire department?
"It's our nature to want to help," he said, "it's a desire to be a part of it."
Memorable fires in the years of his service include the Olson Furniture store fire on the southeast corner of 4th and Irving and the bank building fire Oct. 6, 1981.
Carlson was never injured over the years. And he found being on the department meant more than just fighting fires.
"It's been a real good experience," he said.
"The camaraderie... you become pretty well attached to each other.
"I don't think anyone (on the department) would hesitate to put their life on the line for another," Dennis Carlson said.
"It's more than being a huge public servant," said RC Fire Chief Bob Carlson.
"There are personal rewards," he added, "and it's certainly more than financial."
Chief Carlson noted that Dennis has been there for many emergencies and has treated everyone the same, whether family or not. "With respect," the chief added, "with respect."
And he's (Dennis) seen many changes over the 35 years, Bob Carlson said. In firefighting and in equipment.
Dennis Carlson remembered with excitement when the department got the 1963 truck. The red truck. "We thought the world had come to greatness," Dennis Carlson said.
It is still in use.
The two Carlsons talked briefly about when the trucks went to the color yellow, noting the excitement with every new piece of equipment. Besides trucks, gear has been so improved that a firefighter is much better protected today.
Chief Carlson also brought up the number of smoke detectors that have been given to area families as kindergartners visited the fire station.
The two Carlsons figure the department has been handing out smoke detectors for almost the entire term of Dennis' service. "Smoke detectors make a difference," D. Carlson said.
A sentiment echoed by the fire chief who said smoke detectors are responsible for saving lots of lives.
The two also noted one change that has made firefighting more difficult in recent years - the change in materials used to build homes. D. Carlson said chemicals used in making modern materials produce a quicker fire.
"And so deadly," the chief said.
In the days when homes were made of real wood, even plaster, fires burned a lot different, they noted.
Dennis Carlson wound up his firefighter career last weekend. He left a department of 28, many following closely behind in years of service from 28 to 2. The average the chief figured is around 13 years.
They talked about monthly meetings. D. Carlson, he noted, attended most every meeting, meetings that are so important for their training value, and many fires. Chief Carlson noted that injuries over the years have been minor, "due to everybody willing to take orders and follow directions," he said.
"The monthly training sessions have a lot to do with it," said D. Carlson.
"One (house) burn a year is helpful, too," D. Carlson said.
"You can't get that (training) out of a book," the chief added.
The chief stressed that whether it's ours or any community, anyone can get involved in the fire department. "There's always an opportunity." An individual starts by taking a written exam followed by an interview. You must be at least 21 years old.
Dennis Carlson sees a resurgence in volunteering in small communities, including on fire departments. In Rush City the department is looking for those who can serve in the daytime especially.
With Fire Prevention Week approaching, much was said about smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors., their placement and maintenance including what might be a better product. Digital CO detectors are best, the chief said. He encourages the public to ask questions about detectors at the open houses coming up.
Rush City's department has chosen the theme "It's Fire Prevention Week: Practice Your Escape Plan."
As they wrapped up their visit last week, both Carlsons agreed that a volunteer fire department is an integral part of a community.
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