The Superior Express -

The Nelson Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad's 2022 Appreciation Dinner and Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, at the fire hall in Nelson.

Nearly 70 people attended the banquet, including current and honorary members and honored guests. The meal was prepared and served by members of the department.

Following the meal, awards were presented to honored members and several guests were recognized.

The following firefighters were recognized for their service: Brent Jensen, 5 years; Tammy Frahm, Darren Myers, and Ridge Schutte were each honored for 10 years of service, and Chris and Jeremy McClure were recognized for 20 years on the department. Mike Culbertson was honored for having served 45 years.

Carrie Miller, rescue squad president, recognized Bob Byrkit for serving 30 years as an EMT. Lori Pahl is the newest member of the rescue squad.

Honored guests were the members of the Nelson Rural Fire Board and Nelson City Council for their continued support that make the operations of the department successful and keep the patrons of the district safe and their property protected. Rural board members are Derrick Drohman, Bill McCutchan, Irvin Schleufer, Barry Melvin, and Terre Jacobitz. City council members are Curt Jordan, Doug Porter, Chuck Tuttle, Tammy Frahm, and Mayor Arlan Drudik.

Current fire department officers are: Fire Chief, Chris McClure; Assistant Chief, Ridge Schutte, Oak Chief, Greg Stichka; Secretary, Tammy Frahm-Thayer; Treasurer, Darren Myers; Safety-Training officers, Joe McCutchan and Dakota Thayer, and tax credit record-keeper, John Hodge.

Rescue Squad officers are: President, Carrie Miller; Vice-President, Tammy Frahm, Vice-President; Secretary, Jean Stichka; Treasurer, Sandra Schendt; and training officer, Carol Eckles. Carol also does the E-NARSIS reporting.

The department consists of 27 firefighters and 12 EMS personnel. Six people - Bob Byrkit, Nick Elledge, Tammy Frahm, John Hodge, Jean Stichka, and Kevin Stout - are members of both the rescue squad and fire department.

Events held throughout the year included a "Texas Hold'em" fundraiser in February, fireworks and meal during "Nelson Fun Days" in July, and a street dance fund-raiser featuring a meal and the band Modern Kowboy in August. The rescue squad also helped with standby at the high school rodeos in September and home football games in Lawrence. They also hosted "Trick or Treaters" at the fire hall in October. Many other traditional events were again cancelled because of COVID-19.

Chris McClure, right, Nelson Fire Chief, recognizes Mike Culbertson for his 45 years of service as a firefighter.

In 2021, the Nelson Rescue Squad responded to 38 ambulance calls and 13 standby situations (four L-N football games, two high school rodeos, and seven fires).

The fire department responded to 11 events in 2021 (two grass fires, three auto accidents, three structure fires, one false alarm, and two mutual aid responses - an auto accident in Ruskin, and the massive grassland fire near Guide Rock on Jan. 14, 2021.

All of these events and activities were in addition to normal meetings, dozens of hours of training sessions, and responses to emergency situations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all for the benefit of the people living in, and passing through, the Nelson and Oak area.

The public's continued support is greatly appreciated, especially those that assisted in any way during the major fire events!