Congressional Fire Service Awards
March 7, 2005 — Congressman Jim Oberstar honored four northeastern Minnesota firefighters with awards from the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI). Former Ely Fire Chief Gary Klun was honored for his nearly 40 years of service to the Ely Fire Department. Congressman Oberstar noted that it was Klun and a fellow firefighter who built a water tender from the ground up. Klun was also cited for his endless work in the fire department and obtaining community funding for the "Jaws of Life" rescue equipment. Former St. Louis County Sheriff's Department Fire Investigator Steve Skogman of Mountain Iron received an award for his years of service to the sheriff's department and the Mountain Iron Fire Department. During the presentation, Congressman Oberstar said Skogman played a key role in a murder/arson case and was awarded the 2003 Fire Investigator of the Year by the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. Former Mesabi Range Community and Technical College Fire Training Director Therese Elverum was honored for her work in developing Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) in the region. Elverum was instrumental in bringing the program to a number of fire departments in northeastern Minnesota. Former Chisholm Firefighter Ted Garver, who passed away last year, was given high praise for his dedication to the Chisholm Fire Department and the Arrowhead Regional Firefighters' Association. Garver had been on the department for 24 years and was known for his "love" of the fire service. Accepting the award on his father's behalf was Jon Garver of Superior, Wisconsin. Pictured (l-r): Therese Elverum, Congressman Jim Oberstar, Steve Skogman, Gary Klun, Jon Garver, Julie Garver and Tracey (Garver) Eichten.
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