The 2017 Minnesota State Fire Academy, held this past week at Camp Ripley, is now over, but the lessons learned during this grueling training program will impact the Minnesota Fire Service for years. One of those who knows that for sure is Chisholm firefighter Adam Lantz. Lantz, who is basically a rookie firefighter, was part of group of six firefighters at the academy known as Squad Four. For the entire week, Squad Four worked as a team through the various courses offered through the academy. “These men worked and trained very hard this week, from 5:15 in the morning to well after midnight, almost every day,” said Lantz. “We helped teach each other skills. We helped each other with our tasks at hand and we were able to accomplish our objectives.” The team spirit continued to develop with the squad members as the week progressed. “When one of us didn’t understand something or when someone was struggling with anything, there was always another member right there to work with them and help them get to the next level,” added Lantz.
The teamwork and leadership exhibited by Squad 4 did not go unnoticed. Academy instructors were carefully watching and evaluating each of the four squad groups. “We saw a lot of great things emerge from Squad 4,” said Eric Makowski-Burdow, EMS/Fire Program Manager for Central Lakes College. “We saw how they worked together and how they helped each other during difficult situations. They really jelled.”
And in the end, those accomplishments were publicly made known during the graduation ceremonies.
Lantz was recognized as The Most Valuable Firefighter Award and Squad 4 was selected as the Top Squad recipient. Lantz and the rest of the squad were humbled by the awards. “These people worked unbelievably hard and were awesome at it,” said Lantz.
According to Makowski-Budrow, the Minnesota State Fire Academy is gaining a lot of attention. “There’s strong interest in holding similar training programs in other parts of the state,” he said. “The great comments we’ve received speak very well of what we are doing with the academy. We are obviously very pleased.” About 30 attended this year’s academy. Makowski-Budrow says plans are underway for next year and already, former academy students say they want to attend and help out. “These former students see the value of the academy and the concepts we try to instill in them. They really don’t want to leave . They want to be a part of this because they see its value.”
Squad 4-Anthony Lieser, Elrosa FD; Jim Hipple, Virginia FD; Adam Lantz, Chisholm FD; Robert Magnuson Jr., Securitas(U.S. Steel); Paul Brown, Chisholm FD; Shane Harris, Lake Park FD; Jeremy Harding, Hackensack FD.
Propane Burn at the Minnesota State Fire Academy at Camp Ripley
Chisholm firefighters Adam Lantz and Paul Brown proudly show their Minnesota State Fire Academy awards.