• Article Photo. All past and present members of the Vinton Fire Department in attendance.
    All past and present members of the Vinton Fire Department in attendance.
  • Article Photo. Lots of wisdom in one photo! Five of the last 6 chiefs of the Vinton Fire Department L to R: Chris Staab (current), Charlie Garwood (2018-2023), Gary McKenna (2006-2018), Scott Geissinger (2000-2005), and Rick Erickson.
    Lots of wisdom in one photo! Five of the last 6 chiefs of the Vinton Fire Department L to R: Chris Staab (current), Charlie Garwood (2018-2023), Gary McKenna (2006-2018), Scott Geissinger (2000-2005), and Rick Erickson.
  • Article Photo. L to R: Doug Laughridge (10 yrs), Blake Hesson (10 yrs), Charlie Garwood (30 yrs). Not pictured: Dennis Bramow (35 yrs).
    L to R: Doug Laughridge (10 yrs), Blake Hesson (10 yrs), Charlie Garwood (30 yrs). Not pictured: Dennis Bramow (35 yrs).
  • Article Photo. Asst. Chief Rick Wood recognizes FF Jason Laton on 25 yrs of service.
    Asst. Chief Rick Wood recognizes FF Jason Laton on 25 yrs of service.

"Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other." David Spangler

This past Saturday evening Vinton Fire Department hosted our annual Christmas party at the fire station. This party is many things: a look back on the year with plenty of laughs, recognition of years of service and retirements, a reunion of retired members, and a show of appreciation to other community members (City Council and Rural Board members, and donors) and departments (mutual aid depts, Vinton Police Department, North Benton Ambulance, Benton County, Iowa Sheriff's Office, Benton Co Emergency Management) for their assistance throughout the year.

We celebrated two very special retirements (more on those two in future posts this week - no one ruin the surpise if you know!) as well as recognized several members for their years of service to the Vinton Fire Department:  

Dennis Bramow: 35 yrs

Charlie Garwood: 30 yrs

Jason Laton: 25 yrs

Blake Hesson: 10 yrs

Doug Laughridge: 10 yrs

Thanks to everyone who attended for a wonderful evening!