Latest news with #MuscatineFireDepartment
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa task force names Muscatine firefighter Hazmat Technician of the Year
Lt. Spencer Ripperger of the Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) has been named the 2024 Iowa Hazmat Technician of the Year by the Iowa Hazmat Task Force, recognizing his outstanding contributions to hazardous materials response and training. He is the second MFD firefighter to receive this prestigious honor and will attend the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Hazmat Conference in Baltimore, June 12–15. 'Spencer has demonstrated exceptional skills and expertise in the hazardous materials field,' said Captain Pat Gingerich, who nominated Ripperger for the award. 'He has consistently produced outstanding work that has earned him a great reputation within the department.' Interim Fire Chief Mike Hartman agreed the award was well deserved. 'It is people like Spencer that make this place so special,' Hartman said. Ripperger joined the MFD nine years ago, earning his Hazmat Technician certification in 2017. He currently serves as a member and instructor for the department's Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2022. Since then, he has taken on a leading role in advancing the department's Hazmat capabilities. Gingerich, who received the same award in 2015, praised Ripperger for helping maintain the department's Hazmat program at a high standard. 'This is a well-deserved recognition,' he said. In his role, Ripperger oversees both shift and department-wide Hazmat training. He has coordinated specialized sessions, including a rail safety class with Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Rail and training focused on lithium-ion battery fires—both critical given the increased risks posed by rail transport and emerging technologies. 'Canadian Pacific brought their training trailer here, allowing our team to get two weeks of hands-on experience,' Ripperger said. The trailer includes a variety of valves, tank car components, and other equipment responders may encounter in rail-related Hazmat incidents. He also led a full reorganization of the Hazmat truck two years ago to improve efficiency and accessibility during responses. Beyond internal training, Ripperger is an active member of the Hazmat Outreach Program, delivering refresher training to volunteer fire departments across Muscatine, Louisa, Henry, Washington, and Keokuk counties. 'We set a date, travel to their location, and teach a four-hour class,' he explained. 'It's incredibly beneficial for these departments, and not many teams provide this kind of outreach.' Ripperger has also built relationships with outside agencies, including the Iowa National Guard's 71st Civil Support Team, which handles hazardous materials and WMD emergencies across the state. At the upcoming Hazmat Conference in Baltimore, Ripperger will engage in advanced training on a wide range of topics, from transportation safety to bioterrorism and mass decontamination. Captain Gingerich reflected on the similarities between his own path and Ripperger's. 'Spencer has followed a similar route to mine,' he said. 'He's incredibly dedicated and confident in his role, and we look forward to his continued leadership.' In 2015, Gingerich was nominated by Gary Ronzheimer after filling in for Ronzehimer when he was deployed overseas and was honored with the Iowa Hazmat Technician of the Year award. The award also recognized Gingerich for his work with the Iowa Hazardous Materials Task Force during the avian flu outbreak. Gingerich, along with other firefighters, assisted the USDA with monitoring bio-security, cleaning, and decontamination at infected sites and landfills. The Muscatine Fire Department is designated as the regional team for Region 16 and provides services to Muscatine, Louisa, Henry, Washington, and Keokuk counties in Iowa. CAPTION FOR PHOTO: Muscatine Fire Captain Pat Gingerich (left), the 2015 Iowa Hazmat Technician of the Year, and Muscatine Fire Lieutenant Spencer Ripperger, the 2024 Iowa Hazmat Technician of the Year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Explosion at Muscatine home under investigation
An early-morning explosion at a Muscatine home on Saturday remains under investigation, according to a news release from the City of Muscatine.. No injuries were reported among the occupants or emergency responders. Shortly after 6:15 a.m., the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call reporting a loud boom and visible smoke at a residence on the 1000 block of East 8th Street. Similar reports were received from across the surrounding area. When fire crews arrived on the scene, they found the residents safely outside and saw light smoke in the vicinity. 'Visible damage to the front door of the home appeared consistent with an explosion,' the release says. Firefighters quickly cleared smoke from the interior of the residence. Because of the nature of the incident, the Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office was requested to assist with the investigation. Investigators remained on site until about 9 a.m. While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, officials believe it was an isolated event. The Muscatine Fire Department is being assisted by the State Fire Marshal and the Muscatine Police Department. Preliminary fire damage is estimated at $1,000. Fourteen firefighters from the Muscatine Fire Department responded, along with personnel from the Muscatine Police Department and the State Fire Marshal's Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community invited to celebrate fire chief's years of service in Muscatine
The City of Muscatine invites the community to celebrate Fire Chief Jerry Ewers and his 36-plus years of dedicated public service at an open house reception, according to a news release. Ewers, who recently announced his retirement effective April 30, will be honored from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, in the City Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore St. Ewers becomes just the eighth individual to serve as fire chief since the Muscatine Fire Department became a paid department in 1916. His predecessors include J.J. Brown (1916-1941), Harold Bierman (1941-1947), Paul Meerdink (1947-1954), Alex Bender (1954-1975), Paul Ziegenhorn (1975-1984), James Pumfrey (1985-1991), and Steve Dalbey (1991-2009). Ewers began his career with the Muscatine Fire Department on July 18, 1988, advancing through every rank: Firefighter, EMS coordinator, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, and finally fire chief. His promotions included lieutenant in 1996, captain in 1999, assistant chief in 2001, and fire chief in 2009. Throughout his distinguished career, Ewers has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to professional excellence. He holds an associate of arts in fire science, a bachelor's degree in fire administration, is a credentialed fire officer, and a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. His accolades include being named Firefighter of the Year by the Muscatine Journal and Career Individual of the Year by the Iowa EMS Association. He also contributed to the International Association of Fire Chiefs' document, 'Enhancing Fire-Based EMS.' Beyond his work within the department, Ewers also served as interim city administrator and interim deputy city clerk for the City of Muscatine from October to December 2019 and as Interim Emergency Management Agency manager for Muscatine County from June to October 2018. An active advocate for the fire and EMS professions, Ewers has been a member of the Iowa EMS Association Board since 2008, serving two terms each as president and vice-president, as well as immediate past president. He also served as secretary/treasurer of the Iowa Association of Professional Fire Chiefs from 2017 to 2020. 'The City of Muscatine thanks Chief Ewers for his decades of service and leadership and invites all community members to join in celebrating his outstanding career,' the release says. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Muscatine honoring retiring fire chief at open house at City Hall
Muscatine invites the public to celebrate Fire Chief Jerry Ewers and his 36-plus years of dedicated public service at an Open House reception on April 29 from 4 – 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street. Ewers recently announced his retirement effective April 30, 2025. Ewers was the eighth Fire Chief since the Muscatine Fire Department became a paid department in 1916. His predecessors include J.J. Brown (1916-1941), Harold Bierman (1941-1947), Paul Meerdink (1947-1954), Alex Bender (1954-1975), Paul Ziegenhorn (1975-1984), James Pumfrey (1985-1991), and Steve Dalbey (1991-2009). Ewers spent his entire career with the Muscatine Fire Department, starting on July 18, 1988, and advancing through every rank: Firefighter, EMS Coordinator, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and finally Fire Chief in 2009. He holds an associate of arts degree in Fire Science, a bachelor's degree in Fire Administration, is a credentialed Fire Officer and graduated from the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. He was named Firefighter of the Year by the Muscatine Journal and Career Individual of the Year by the Iowa EMS Association. He also contributed to the International Association of Fire Chiefs' document, Enhancing Fire-Based EMS. He also served as Interim City Administrator and Interim Deputy City Clerk for the City of Muscatine from October to December 2019 and as Interim Emergency Management Agency Manager for Muscatine County from June to October 2018. He has been a member of the Iowa EMS Association Board since 2008 and served two terms each as President and Vice-President, as well as Immediate Past President. He also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Iowa Association of Professional Fire Chiefs from 2017 to 2020. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Familiar face to serve as Muscatine Interim Fire Chief
Following the announcement of Fire Chief Jerry Ewers' upcoming retirement, Mike Hartman has been named Interim Fire Chief of the Muscatine Fire Department. Hartman, who officially retired as Assistant Fire Chief on April 1, will step into the interim role. According to Muscatine City Administrator Matt Mardesen, the change will be effective May 1, when Hartman will be formally sworn in during the Muscatine City Council meeting. 'Since Chief Ewers' announcement, I've spent time meeting with our Fire Department leadership to ensure continuity of service,' Mardesen said. 'Their dedication to the department's mission was evident in every conversation. Mike brings a wealth of experience, passion, and historical knowledge. With several known retirements ahead, he is the ideal leader to help prepare and mentor the next generation of Muscatine Fire leadership.' Hartman, originally joined the Muscatine Fire Department on November 21, 1994 and has served as Fire Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Fire Chief. 'One of the proudest moments of my life was the day I was hired as a Muscatine Firefighter,' Hartman said. 'I'm honored to have the opportunity to once again serve the department and the community I care deeply about.' Throughout his 30-year career, he has been instrumental in developing key programs, including the department's highly respected fire investigation team and the establishment of the regional HAZMAT team serving multiple counties. An advocate for fire prevention and safety education, Hartman has always emphasized training and community outreach. He carries the memory of fallen firefighter Mike Kruse and the heroes of 9/11 with him, honoring their legacy through his service. City of Muscatine According to Mardesen, a search for a permanent Fire Chief will begin soon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
