Maple Grove FD Loses Five Firefighters, 125 Years of Experience to Retirements
It’s been an unusual past couple of weeks for the city of Maple Grove Fire Department. On Monday, Fire Chief Tim Bush announced the retirements of five firefighters with a combined experience of 125 years.
The retiring firefighters include: Tim Kidd, 24 years; Bruce Trafas, 25 years; fire captain Dean Noren, 25 years; Scott Sable, 25 years; and fire captain Paul Hanson, 25 years. All of them were recognized at Monday night’s Maple Grove City Council meeting.
“Four of them retired on the 30th of September, and one is retiring the 16th of this month. That’s 125 years of service walking out the door,” said Bush in an interview with CCX News.
Bush says the department anticipated the retirements. He didn’t think the department will have a hard time finding new firefighters because Maple Grove has had success with yearly recruiting.
“We’ve been very successful in finding residents, citizens who live in this city who want to serve the city,” said Bush. “Joining the fire department is a great way to give back to your community.”
Still, the city is always looking for new firefighters. The hiring process will open again in May.
Maple Grove Firefighters during a training drill in August.
Fighting fires is not an easy job. Most Maple Grove firefighters work part-time and are paid-on call. Prospective candidates undergo a physical and ability test to see if they can handle the job.
“There could be additional stressors, you spend time away from your family,” explained Bush. “You’re serving the community. We want to make sure when we hire people, and they’re the right fit.”
The Maple Grove Fire Department is one of the largest in the northwest metro. They have five fire stations and more than 95 men and women serving their community.
