Firefighters from across Iowa are in Manchester this week for the Iowa Firefighters Association’s Annual Fire Convention.
Nearly one hundred fire departments have been rolling in since last Friday, setting up camp at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Dyersville native Brian Platz, who now lives in North Liberty, is there with his fellow firefighters.
Throughout the week, firefighters can participate in waterball competitions, as well as bowling at The Alley and golfing at Hart Ridge. Some are even taking advantage of some trout fishing while they’re in this part of the state. On Wednesday, there were bus tours back and forth to Edgewood – and many of the 1,200 guests are exploring Manchester this week for some shopping, dining and other establishments. Platz says Manchester has been a phenomenal host.
The Holland Fire Department is also enjoying their week in Manchester. Roger Carr says it’s always a good time attending convention.
It’s a week of fun and camaraderie for these men and women who devote their lives to helping their communities – many as volunteers, dropping what they’re doing at any given time to respond to a call. Carr says he joined decades ago when he was just 18 years old.
And one firefighter who KMCH talked to has really taken that mission of helping people to another level with his very own invention. About 15 years ago, Hubbard firefighter John Ziebell created the Rescue Auger to assist with grain bin rescues – and it’s proved to be a life-saving piece of equipment.
Ziebell says about eight to ten members of Hubbard Fire come to convention every year. Last year, they won the sportsmanship award – a trophy that stands about five feet tall that they proudly display at their campsite – so they’ll be passing that trophy onto another deserving fire department this year.
Helping others is part of the spirit of the Iowa Firefighters Association. Gene Evans was proud to have served as president of the Iowa Firefighters Association when Manchester last hosted the State Fire Convention in 2019.
Evans is now a retired member of the Osage Fire Department – he says he loved being a firefighter for more than forty years.
One of the worst days in our nation’s history will be remembered this Friday as we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 – and that milestone is very much on the minds of the firefighters who are in Manchester for this week’s convention.
Manchester firefighter Ed Tibbott says the State Fire Convention will interrupt their downtown competitions for a moment of silence on Friday morning at 8:46 am – the time when the first plane hit the first tower.
audio & photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH