Clear Lake Fire Chief Ron Koren was recently awarded the Clear Lake Fire Dept.’s Firefighter of the Year, a distinction that goes to the person determined by peers to best exemplify the positive characteristics of a member of the fire service.

 

Each year firefighters are encouraged to nominate one of their peers for the Firefighter of the Year award by writing a letter explaining why they believe that person deserves the honor. The chief officers then review the letters to make the final decision.

 

“Ron has led the department through an extreme amount of change,” said Assistant Fire Chief Chad McKay. “Embracing the change and avoiding stagnation is key to leading an organization through it.

 

Over the last 30 years he’s done a great job of this while continuing to bring the department together.”

 

Koren and his brother joined the department in 1977 after another firefighter told them the department was looking for young people to join. They both worked in town during the day and could respond to calls quickly, which was beneficial to a force that at the time consisted largely of farmers who were out in the fields.

 

Seven years later Koren was named assistant fire chief, and in 1987 he became chief.

 

“I saw where improvements were necessary as far as training and equipment,” Koren said, explaining why he applied for the position. 

 

He’s seen a lot of changes during his time on the department, especially in regards to training. 

 

Everyone on the department today is either state certified and/or carrying a license, explained Koren. It’s not a simple process. To be certified a person needs to go through firefighter I, firefighter II, and Hazmat (hazardous material) operations, as well as take a written and practical certification test. 

 

The Clear Lake Fire Dept. requires each of their firefighters take the training, along with EMR (emergency medical responder) training, within their first three years on the department.

 

They implemented ice water rescue, also known as cold water rescue, as well, which they train for every year. 

 

“With all the lakes out here we figured it was a good idea,” said Koren.

 

Along with all the extra training, twice a month everyone trains in firefighting, rescue and medical.

 

There have also been a number of changes in equipment during Koren’s 40 years, including turnout gear, which is a firefighter’s personal protective equipment. In the past it consisted of what they called their “raincoat and big boots;” today it’s a complete triple-layered combination that includes a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). 

 

Koren was part of the group that developed the fire department advisory board, which includes two members each from the Clear Lake City Council, the Clear Lake Township Board, the Palmer Township Board and the fire chief. Together they make decisions on budget and purchasing.

 

Around three years ago the Clear Lake Fire Dept. implemented automatic aid, the first fire department in Sherburne County to do so. With automatic aid, when there is a confirmed structure fire two additional fire departments are paged to come out at the same time as Clear Lake, saving valuable time.

 

The department also has mutual aid with all of Sherburne County, and is part of the response team for the St. Cloud Regional Airport.

 

“We couldn’t do this without the support we get from our families,” said Koren. “I don’t know how many places I’ve left my wife after I’ve gotten a call. The time and commitment needed takes away a lot of family time.”

 

Although he’s been a firefighter for 40 years, Koren isn’t ready to retire. 

 

“I was smart enough to surround myself with good people over the years, and I’ve got really good people now,” said Koren. “I enjoy helping people. I can still do the job and I still enjoy it.”