Grand Marais Fire Department seeking members

At the beginning of the February 24 Grand Marais City Council meeting, the council approved the hiring of a new firefighter, Patty Wilson, for the Grand Marais Fire Department. 
 

In a memo to the city council, Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence wrote that this brings the volunteer fire department roster to 13, far short of the 29 members it is allowed. 
 

WTIP spoke with Fire Chief Silence to find out if this is something that should cause concern for city residents. Silence said no, the volunteers on the fire department are dedicated and very involved. But having a larger pool of volunteers would be much better.

Silence also spoke about mutual aid and how fire departments in the county work together when needed. 
 

Silence added it isn't just his department that needs people. There are opportunities to join the fire departments in Grand Portage, Hovland, Colvill, Lutsen, Tofte or Schroeder. For more information, contact the fire chiefs in those districts. If you are not sure who to talk to, call Fire Chief Silence at 218-370-9959 and he can help make that connection.
 

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer firefighter in Grand Marais is encouraged to contact city hall for an application by calling 218-387-1848 or emailing [email protected].

WTIP's Rhonda Silence spoke with the Fire Chief about all this. Here's their conversation.