Six members of the Becker Fire Department recently decided to retire from the force. Curt Hennen, Wade Johnson, Toni Cox Knutson, Steve Reid, Kevin Rieland, and Jena Cox Backes all have recently retired or plan to retire from the department soon. The Patriot reached out to these individuals for comment on their years of service. Firefighters Curt Hennen and Wade Johnson were unavailable for comment. 

Years of Service

Knutson, Reid, Rieland, and Cox Backes are all from the Becker area, with Reid coming a little further away from Zimmerman. The four have nearly 80 years of combined service as firefighters, with Knutson, Rieland, and Cox Backes each serving 20, Reid serving for 17 (two of which were with the Zimmerman Fire Dept.)

Rieland shared how excited he was to join the moment he turned 18. His father had served as a police officer and firefighter as well, but Rieland said it wan’t just a desire to follow in his dad’s footsteps, but a calling he felt inside himself. 

Knutson said her time with the department was the experience of a lifetime, with lots of highs and lows during her 20 years. 

Reid related that he absolutely loved his time with the department and the opportunity to serve the community. He knew that answering a call didn’t always mean saving a life, but he could change lives by being there for people in their most difficult moments and putting a hand on their shoulder in comfort. 

Cox Backes said she couldn’t believe that she would be retiring soon, at times. “Everyone is like a father, uncle, or brother,” she said of the other firefighters in the department. “We’re family.” She also mentioned the immense support she felt from the community and how grateful she was for it. 

Retiring

The four firefighters all seemed to agree on their reasons for retiring: life happened, and it changed their priorities. 

“As a firefighter, our time is never free,” Knutson said on the time commitment required to be a good firefighter. “We pay for it all, emotionally, mentally, and physically.”

Rieland related that his decision to retire came from the need to focus on his own health. Rieland was diagnosed with cancer, and with his surgery coming up in June to hopefully make him cancer free, he wanted to focus on his own health and having as much fun as he can, building a muscle car and taking on other projects, and finally growing a beard! He’s excited to make way for new firefighters to join the department and have their own exciting experiences. 

Reid decided to retire when his son became sick and died of brain cancer. He is refocusing his efforts on spending time with his family, and has moved to Florida. 

Cox is also focusing on family, as she gave birth to her daughter back in December. She said the fire department was a little more than she could handle with a baby and a full time job, but she could see herself rejoining some day. For now, she’ll enjoy her time with her daughter and work to grow professional roots in Becker on top of the personal ones, working as a financial advisor with Edward Jones.

Positions Open for New Firefighters

With so many firefighters on the way out, the department is in search of new talent. Fire Chief Doug Kolbinger says there are five open positions (the department has already made one hire). Informational meetings will be held June 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and June 11 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Becker residents over the age of 18 are welcome to apply, and can do so by filling out an application at Becker City Hall. 

Cox encourages those who are interested to check out the fire department. 

“It will change your life in so many ways,” she stated. “It’s a commitment, so commit to years of doing it,” she advised.

Rieland agreed, saying, “Don’t go into at 50%.” He suggested that potential applicants prepare themselves for some really good times and some very challenging times ahead. 

“Make sure you’re at a place in your life where you can handle having a second job,” Reid said. Training and calls can take up a lot of time and firefighters need to be able to drop things at a moment’s notice, and having the support of one’s family is crucial.

Knutson said, “Those of you considering being a firefighter, do the research. The first 2 years are filled with education and many hours away from family. Remember ‘FAMILY IS FIRST.’  If the fire service is for you, I say ‘GO FOR IT!’ As for me, I am honored to say Becker Fire was the best department and best brotherhood to be involved with.”

Thank You

Becker Fire Chief Doug Kolbinger thanked the retiring firefighters for their years of service, stating they should be very proud of all the service they provided the community. 

The Patriot staff would also like to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation for the many hours and sacrifices these six firefighters have made in order to keep the community safe. Thank you, and congratulations to you all on your retirements!