If one has lived in Big Lake for some time, one probably knows a man by the name of Dwayne Skoog. 

And if one has lived here long enough, Skoog probably even delivered one’s mail as he traversed the streets of this place he calls home as a member of the U. S. Post Office.  He also served as a firefighter, garnering over 30 years of service to the community!

Last year, at his granddaughter’s housewarming party, Skoog told friends and family that he wished he could have one more ride in a firetruck as he missed those days when he served the Big Lake community. 

Last Friday, Dwayne was consigned to hospice care. Over the weekend, numerous friends and family members had the pleasure and honor of escorting Skoog as he took a ride on the fire department’s brand new engine 22 as it wheeled around the lake. The drive route featured several people giving this wonderful man a wave or salute for his many years of service here in Big Lake. 

The route took Skoog down Minnesota Avenue in front of the schools past the church where Skoog once lived for many years across the street from the Catholic Church. The parade w then headed towards Hwy. 10 where they took a right at Holiday and then a right on Lakeshore Drive. The truck carried on to Hiawatha to Eagle Lake Road and back to Minnesota towards the fire station.

Skoog served a s a firefighter from 1962 to 1993.  He is a Legacy Member of the department and is well known to most people in the community.