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CENTENNIAL FIRE DISTRICT SWEARS IN NEW OFFICERS

Chief Jerry Streich of the Centennial Fire District led a swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, January 9 to confirm the appointment of existing and new CFD officers.


Battalion Chiefs Peterson, Bruder and Rolstad taking their oath from Deputy Chief Olson

As part of ongoing improvements initiated by Chief Streich, all officer positions within the department were posted. Candidates were interviewed by Chief Streich as well as current CFD leadership and officers from nearby fire districts.

"Our officers represent the most experienced and capable firefighters in the department, and they are committed to improving the professionalism and skills of every Centennial firefighter," said Chief Streich during the swearing-in ceremony.

Although they are responsible for many important services provided by the CFD, these officers are still paid-on-call employees.

Several district-wide officers were sworn in, including Bob Stafki, who holds the vital position of Training Chief and is responsible for ensuring all CFD firefighters are provided with ongoing education to improve their knowledge and skills. New Lieutenant Brad Racutt assists Chief Stafki and conducts training, particularly Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification courses required of all CFD firefighters. Lieutenant Tracy Zarembinski is responsible for providing fire prevention education to the community, and is the first female officer in CFD history.

The three CFD fire stations--called "battalions" by firefighters--now have a Battalion Chief, a Captain, and a Lieutenant. Battalion chiefs are responsible for station operations, while captions ensure all aspects of their station and equipment are in good order. Station Lieutenants--a new position created by Chief Streich--assist their captains and serve as a safety officer. Deputy Chief Glen Olson is "second in command" serving as support for Chief Streich and managing CFD operations in his absence.

New station officers sworn in during the ceremony were:

Station 1 (Circle Pines) officers:
Battalion Chief Mike Peterson
Captain Mike Schweigert
Lieutenant Darren Eckart

Station 2 (Lino Lakes) officers:
Battalion Chief Dave Bruder
Captain Mike Mooney
Lieutenant Kent Kogler

Station 3 (Centerville) officers:
Battalion Chief Randy Rolstad
Captain Kevin Stewart
Lieutenant Joe Bibeau

The swearing-in ceremony included the pinning of rank emblems on each officer's uniform lapels. Family members present participated in the pinning.. Each officer repeated oaths to serve the communities in the Centennial Fire District, and then received their new helmets. Different helmet colors help distinguish firefighters on a working scene. Chiefs wear white helmets, captains and lieutenants red, firefighters yellow, and members-in-training are identified by their black helmets.


Captains Schweigert, Mooney and Stewart take their oaths.


Lieutenants Eckart, Bibeau, Racutt and Zarembinski
during the swearing-in.

"All officers have day-to-day responsibilities," said Deputy Chief Olson. "During a working fire or medical emergency, this clear chain of command is what makes it possible for us to respond to emergencies correctly, quickly, and safely."


H1N1 FLU INFO

The Centennial Fire District is closely monitoring the H1N1 Pandemic Flu situation. We have attached the following information for your review. From the information that we receive on a daily basis, some of the common recommendations are to wash your hands on a regular basis, cover your cough, and get the flu shot when it is offered. Should you get flu-like symptoms, contact your local clinic via telephone for instructions.


NEW COURSES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC

The Centennial Fire District is now offering courses for professional certification. Students will receive the State and/
or national certificates upon completion.

Customized schedules can be arranged for large groups.

If you are interested in attending an EMTB or CPR class, see our page for more details. You can also contact Chief Streich directly at or call us at 651-784-7472.


 
Who We Are


2008 Firefighter of the Year Darren Eckart pulls CFD's
Zodiac during a water rescue drill.

 

The Centennial Fire District (CFD) serves the communities of Lino Lakes, Circle Pines and Centerville. The district is located just north of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. Interstate 35W and 35E run through our district.

When you call 911, the Anoka County Central Communications office dispatches police, fire, and ambulance units by radio and pager. Centennial firefighters leave their homes for their fire stations and then drive fire or rescue trucks to the scene. For medical emergencies, Centennial firefighters provide first response care and then assist paramedics, who then transport patients to the hospital by ambulance, if necessary.

No one is billed for calling on the fire department for help. A paid-on-call volunteer department costs our community very little compared to staffing our stations with full-time, career firefighters. The Centennial Fire District's funding comes from property taxes paid in Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, and Centerville. A state rebate for fire insurance premiums helps pay for firefighter pensions.

On average, the CFD responds to 1,000 alarms each year. These include first aid or rescue, reports of fire, gas leaks, carbon monoxide alarms, and various other emergencies.

 

People

The CFD has an administrative staff that consists of a career Fire Chief, Fire Technician II (primarily responsible for inspections) and Fire Technicain I. These three people coordinate and perform daily activities within the district and file all required reports with government agencies. Our fire officers are selected through an interview process and receive a monthly salary for their additional duties. All firefighters are paid an hourly wage for each call to which they respond.


Firefighter Tara Bauer

 
History

The Centennial Fire District was formed in 1985 with a joint powers agreement between the cities of Centerville, Circle Pines and Lino Lakes. The existing fire departments from Circle Pines and Centerville were combined into the fire district as a starting point.

Prior to 1985, the area was covered by three fire departments: the Centerville Fire Department, which covered Centerville and the eastern portion of Lino Lakes; the Circle Pines Fire Departme`nt, which covered Circle Pines; and the Lexington Fire Department, which covered the western portion of Lino Lakes.

The existing stations in Centerville and Circle Pines were used as Centennial stations, and in 1987, a Lino Lakes station was opened in an existing structure.

In 1990, the cities started upgrading equipment and facilities. A new Lino Lakes fire station was built in 1991, a Centerville fire station/city hall was built in 1992 and a new Circle Pines fire station was built in 1999.

The equipment was also upgraded and took place as follows:

1990 Two new rescue units replace three existing units.
1992 Two new tankers replaced 1956, 1962 and 1969 units.
(The chassis for these tankers were purchased with donations.)
1993 Two new light rescues were received.
(One of the light rescues was purchased with donations.)
1994 Three new grass units replaced 1953, 1954 and 1974 units.
1996 A new pumper replaced a 1975 unit.
1997 A new light rescue unit replaced a 1990 heavier unit.
2000 A new pumper with a ladder replaced a 1976 pumper.
A new six wheel ATV replaced a 1965 tracked unit.
2001 A pumper replaced a 1983 pumper.

In addition to the vehicles list above, the Fire District has purchased 12 Defibrillators with donated funds and 4 Thermal Imaging cameras, also with donated funds.

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