Community Services>Fire Department

Oronoco Firefighters [Click here to view full size picture]

The Oronoco Fire Department was established in 1971 as a service for approximately 700 residents. Today, it services an estimated 933 residents and now has a staff of 24 members.

Our current apparatus includes two tankers, a large pumper, a mini-pumper, and a Blazer (which we use to assist our First Responder team at traffic accidents on Highway 52). We have new turnout gear (courtesty of the Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush committee), SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus), a foam unit for many uses including gas spills, as well as many fire extinguishers, ladders and a wide array of tools and other equipment.

Assistant Chief and Chief of the Oronoco Fire Department [Click here to view full size picture]

The Oronoco Fire Department is a member of the Zumbro Valley Mutual Aid group and the Minnesota Fire Relief Association.

Oronoco Fire Department Pumpers [Click here to view full size picture]

Vehicle extrication training [Click here to view full size picture]

To become an Oronoco Firefighter, one must be recognized by our City Council and also attend classes through Rochester Technical and Community College. Most often, this classroom training is done in conjunction with new firefighters from other small cities in southeastern Minnesota.

Joint training with Pine Island Fire Dept [Click here to view full size picture]

The Oronoco and Pine Island Fire Departments conducted a joint training exercise on May 1, 2004. The departments worked together in the use of their vehicle extrication tools. Oronoco Auto Parts provided the site and the vehicles for this training. With the increasing need for this type of rescue, this was a timely and important opportunity to use recently acquired equipment and to sharpen fire fighter rescue skills.

Our team meets twice per month. On the second Thursday of the month, we have our business meeting. The fourth Thursday of the month is reserved as our training night. Both meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Oronoco Fire Hall. Our training is organized by our Assistant Chief and includes working with our current equipment.

As a member of our team, you are entitled to a pro-rated pension after 10 years of service and a full pension after 20 years or more. Also, as a member, you would be covered under our insurance plan. Although we are volunteers,we do receive a small payment of $7 per training session or fire call.

The Fire Department particpates in Oronoco's Downtown Gold Rush Days by serving food and beverages on all days of the festival. Downtown Gold Rush is held the third weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of August.

Chad Vermeersch [Click here to view full size picture]

Former Oronoco firefighter, Chad Vermeersch, who moved north to become a firefighter for the city of Cloquet, Minnesota.

If you are a resident of the Oronoco area and would be interested in joining our team, please contact the Oronoco City Clerk at (507) 367-4405 or e-mail us at
oronoco6@pitel.net and the city staff can put you in contact with our Chief or Assistant Chief.

Dan Ondler's Retirement Party [Click here to view full size picture]

Thank you for viewing our website. You may direct any comments to our City Clerk at
oronoco6@pitel.net

ALWAYS REMEMBER, IN CASES OF EMERGENCY, CALL 911!

Dan Ondler's Retireement Party [Click here to view full size picture]

Numerous people came out to help Danny Celebrate his retirement!!

A plaque was presentted to Danny by Fire Chief Adam Schaefer and Relief Association President Phil Lien.

A beautiful cake was part of the clebration as well.

Numerous people came out to help Danny Celebrate his retirement!!

A plaque was presentted to Danny by Fire Chief Adam Schaefer and Relief Association President Phil Lien.

A beautiful cake was part of the clebration as well.

Somone has to hold up the counter.

Kitchen workers prepared a wonderful meal.

More people join in the celebration!!