Fire
DEPARTMENT
About the HLFD and Ambulance Service
Today ’ s fire department provides far more services than fighting structure and grass fires . Members of the Howard Lake Fire Department and Ambulance Service ( HLFD ) protect human life and property during critical times of need . Whether it ’ s fighting fires , storm watches , natural disaster response , traffic accidents , medical emergencies , and even missing persons reports – the HLFD is ready and responsive .
The HLFD currently services the City of Howard Lake ; and Middleville , Victor , Albion , and Woodland Townships . Additionally , the ambulance service area covers the City of Waverly and Marysville Township . For larger or special circumstance responses , the HLFD receives and offers mutual aid to all other Wright County Fire Departments .
Serving beyond our borders
Throughout the past year , the HLFD has responded to some unique and challenging calls including the Becker Northern Recycling Metal Fire , and two US Highway 12 tanker fires . HLFD members take great pride in being active members and supporters of our community .
The HLFD raises funds and food for the Wright County Food Shelf , hosts annual Christmas Toy Drives , delivers pizzas for the Fallen Fighter Fund , participates in Good Neighbor Days , National Night Out , and countless other civic events . The HLFD stayed engaged with the community even during the COVID-19 pandemic , providing driveby parades for youngsters on their birthdays .
Changing faces
Like many small , rural departments the HLFD welcomes additional volunteers willing to step up and serve their community . Members of the HLFD receive hourly pay for
HOWARD LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND AMBULANCE SERVICE 2020 Officers
Acting Chief : Keith Bobrowske
Chief 2 : Craig Loebertmen
Captain : Eric Stoll
Captain 2 : Alex Mages
Captain 3 :
David Peterson Ambulance Director : Jake Drusch
Members : Tim Berg , Kurt Bobrowske , Seth Bravinder , Eric Cleasby , Chris Diers , Joe Drusch , Glenn Hofer , Brian Kittock , Nicole Kittock , Amanda Lobertmann , Damien Olson , Jeremy Peterson , Joe Sherod , Mical Sprya , Kurt Strub , Mark Stueven , Kyle Weich , and Andrew Yokiel .
Fire Chief Daryl “ Taddy ” Drusch , a 30-year member of the Howard Lake
Fire Department , died in the line of duty early in 2020 . A procession brought Drusch home from Minneapolis to Howard Lake , where he was honored with a full Line of Duty funeral . He is deeply missed by his family , department , and community .
calls , and a retirement fund that is based upon years of service . This year , HLFD welcomed new members Nicole Kittock , Amanda Lobertman , and Seth Bravinder .
Saying goodbye ...
The HLFD started the year with heavy hearts , when Fire Chief Daryl “ Taddy ” Drusch passed away in the line of duty . Drusch had served as Howard Lake ’ s fire chief since 2013 . A large procession of fire and law enforcement accompanied Drusch home to Howard Lake , where a full Line of Duty Funeral Service took place .
The Howard Lake Fire Department and Ambulance Service members make Santa ’ s nice list every year . Santa visits the Howard Lake area during the holiday season , and rides a fire truck around to collect items for a holiday toy drive . He makes time to visit with little ones along his route .
Photos courtesy Howard Lake Fire Department and Ambulance Service
12 | OFFICIAL GUIDE TO HOWARD LAKE 2020-21