The Clear Lake Fire Dept. recently promoted two new captains and two new lieutenants, Captain Colleen Knafla, Captain Chad Koren, Lieutenant Chad Nelson and Lieutenant Ryan Peterson.
A 10-year veteran of the department, Knafla has lived in the Clear Lake – Palmer area most of her life, and saw becoming a firefighter as an opportunity to give back and support the community.
“As you get older you realize what’s important in life,” she said. “Being able to provide support at times when someone is at their worst moment is very rewarding.”
As well as being a firefighter, Knafla is also a certified EMT (emergency medical technician) and helps with EMR (emergency medical responder) training.
One of her goals as captain is to become more of a leader and work with the department on achieving results. She’s thankful for her family’s support, without which she wouldn’t be able to be on the department.
Koren has been with the Clear Lake Fire Dept. for nine years. His dad, Ron Koren, has been chief since before he was born, so he grew up watching him get called to fight fires. It was natural for him to follow in his footsteps.
“Ever since I was a little kid and was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up I said firefighter,” said Koren. “It never faded.”
As captain, his goal is to keep taking the department to the next level, as he’s seen how it has grown over the years and wants that growth to continue.
Nelson and Peterson joined the fire department in 2012.
Nelson served in the Navy for over 10 years, and during that time was a member of two different fire departments. He enjoys helping people and the community.
“I’ve been in parts of the world where things are pretty bad,” said Nelson. “I like to help people not be in those situations.”
As lieutenant, his goals are to ensure the people under him are well trained and get home at the end of the day.
Peterson is the first in his family to become a firefighter. He knew people on the department, saw what they were doing and thought he’d try it out. He’d also begun farming again and had more time available.
“I like helping people and have enjoyed getting to know everyone on the department,” he said. “I’ve made a lot of great friends.”
Peterson decided if he was going to be on the department he might as well step up and take on more responsibility, which is why he applied for lieutenant.
His goal in his new position is to be a good leader and role model.
All four firefighters stressed making sure everyone on the department comes back safely is a priority.
“We train a lot together which makes us stronger as a unit,” said Knafla. “We set clear expectations and priorities to reach our goals as a department.”
“We’ve got a really good group of people,” she added. “We support each other in good times and bad.”
Although the Clear Lake Fire Dept. has welcomed five new members this year, they’re always looking for more. Anyone interested is asked to call Clear Lake City Hall at 320-743-3111 for more information.
