On Saturday January 12th, 2019 the Epworth Community Volunteer Fire Department held it's annual appreciation Presidents Party. Active Firefighters, Honorary Members, City Council & Rural Board Members were in attendance for dinner and awards. In 2018 the members of the department responded to 239 calls for service which requires numerous volunteer hours donated by our members. We also thanked the spouses and the families of the members who also sacrifice their time with the members so they can respond to emergencies. In addition to the calls, there are also numerous hours volunteered annually fund raising, training, attending meetings and other work details to keep the organization alive, well and ready to respond to the needs of the community.

Kyle Mueller was awarded the 2018 Fire Fighter of the Year. Kyle has been a member for almost 12 years and is a Firefighter/Parmedic. Kyle also serves as President of the non profit corporation, the Epworth Community Volunteer Firemen, INC.

Lieutenant Dave Theisen was honored for 30 years of service and was given Retirement Axe. Dave retired in 2018 and was an extremely dedicated officer and board member.

Dan Kramer & Tom Berger were given a length of service award for 30 years of service to the Epworth Fire Department. Tom has served as fire chief since 2003 and a Paramedic for the department, Dan is a Secretary of the board and an EMT for the department. Lieutenant Dan Neenan was awarded for his 25 years of service to the department in 2017.

Also welcomed and recognized during the evening were new members who joined the department in 2018. Austin Schmit, Josh Rankin, Joe Lawler, Andrew New, Kelly Langel and Cody Udelhofen are all new members. We welcome them as well as their families and thank them for volunteering to serve their community.