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Press Release

Missing Juv - Jackson, MN May 25th , 2026

Missing Juv - Jackson, MN May 25th , 2026

Missing Juv - Jackson, MN May 25th , 2026

The Estherville fire department was requested by the Jackson fire department to assist in the search for an 11-year-old child who wandered off near the Des Moines River yesterday. 


The Estherville fire department deployed their boat and UTV at Neppl’s bridge to search the West Bank of the river. 

Aerial support was also provided to aid the search and rescue efforts. 


The child was found safe and sound next to the road approximately an hour into the search.

Building Fire - 385th St Feb 9th, 2026

Missing Juv - Jackson, MN May 25th , 2026

Missing Juv - Jackson, MN May 25th , 2026

Yesterday afternoon at approximately 4:12 p.m., the Estherville Fire Department was paged to a structure fire at 1485 385th Avenue, just north of Estherville. Upon arrival, fire officers observed heavy smoke coming from the eaves of a large shop, with the north-central portion of the roof showing signs of imminent collapse.


Due to limited water supply and fire conditions, additional water support was requested from the Wallingford and Gruver Fire Departments. As the Estherville Fire Department’s main pumper was setting up, the roof collapsed, allowing increased fire involvement. Incident Command then requested additional resources from the Spirit Lake and Dunnell Fire Departments. 


Because of the rural location, water shuttling operations became the primary method of water supply. The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Estherville Police Department assisted with coordinating tanker routes. 


Due to the contents of the building, including vehicles, equipment, and flammable materials, the fire load was significant, and the structure quickly became fully involved. 


There were multiple explosions inside the building that preventing fire crew from entering the building.  Fire crews remained on scene for approximately five hours conducting overhaul operations and extinguishing hot spots.


The Estherville Fire Department was assisted by Emmet County Dispatch, Estherville Ambulance, Wallingford Fire Department, Gruver Fire Department, Spirit Lake Fire Department, Dunnell Fire Department, Estherville Police Department, Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, and Jeff Tirevold with heavy equipment.

Currently, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported. Picture were provided by firefighter on scene. 


Estherville Fire Chief
Travis Sheridan

2025 Call Summary

Missing Juv - Jackson, MN May 25th , 2026

2025 Call Summary

 

In 2025, the Estherville Fire Department responded to 92 calls for service in our area. Our 27 volunteer firefighters dedicated 1,257 hours responding to and managing emergency incidents throughout the year.


This number does not include the many hours volunteers spend training and working at the fire hall to ensure equipment is ready for every call. In 2025, members logged an additional 1,099 hours in training and station duties.

In total, our volunteers contributed 2,356 hours protecting the City of Estherville. These figures do not capture the time given up for community events such as RAGBRAI, Sweet Corn Days, or public education efforts like fire prevention and other outreach activities.


2025 Call Summary

10 Structure Fires

16 Grass Fires

27 Alarm Calls

17 Natural Gas / CO Calls

7 Motor Vehicle Accidents with Injury (requiring extrication)

1 Vehicle Fire

1 Water Rescue

1 Hazardous Materials Call

12 Miscellaneous Calls


The Estherville Fire Department thanks the community for its continued and unwavering support. We also thank the Wallingford and Gruver Fire Departments, along with surrounding departments, for always answering the call when mutual aid is requested.


We extend our appreciation to Emmet County Dispatch for being a constant voice of support, and to the Estherville Police Department, Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, and Estherville Ambulance Service for helping protect scenes and putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives.


A special thank you goes to Estherville Public Works and Emmet County Roads for responding when equipment and technical support are needed.


This teamwork is what keeps our community safe during emergencies.


Travis Sheridan
Fire Chief
Estherville Fire Department

16th Annual Firefighter Waterfights

Firefighter Waterfights

1st Place -

2nd Place - Steve 

3rd Place - 

Firefighter Spouses Waterfights

Ist Place - Tera

2nd Place - Sydney

3rd Place - Julie

2025 Awards Banquet

2025 Firefighter of The Year

Congratulations to Firefighter Ryan Van Wyhe, who has been selected by his fellow firefighters as this year’s Firefighter of the Year. This honor reflects Ryan’s dedication, reliability, and the strong commitment he brings to every call and every training.


His peers chose him for the way he consistently steps up, supports the team, and represents the values of the Estherville Fire Department. Ryan’s hard work and positive attitude make a difference every day, and we’re proud to recognize him with this well‑deserved award.

20 Years of Service

Assist. Chief Brian Mack proudly recognize Chief Travis Sheridan for an incredible 20 years of dedicated service to the Estherville Fire Department. Throughout two decades, Chief Sheridan has demonstrated unwavering commitment, steady leadership, and a deep passion for serving our community. 


From answering calls in the toughest moments to guiding our department forward with integrity and vision, Chief Sheridan has been a constant source of strength. His leadership has shaped the culture of our department—one built on teamwork, professionalism, and pride in protecting the people of Estherville. 

Honoring 20 Years of Service

This year we proudly recognize Captain Jay Chrestiansen for an outstanding 20 years of dedicated service to the Estherville Fire Department. Over two decades, Captain Chrestiansen has been a steady, reliable presence—someone his fellow firefighters can count on in every situation. 


His experience, leadership, and commitment to training have helped shape the strength and readiness of our department. Whether on a call, mentoring newer members, or supporting the team behind the scenes, Captain Chrestiansen leads with professionalism and pride.


We are grateful for his years of service, his calm leadership, and the countless hours he has devoted to protecting our community. Congratulations, Captain Chrestiansen, on this remarkable milestone.

5 years of Service

Chief Travis Sheridan had the honor of presenting Firefighter Nicholas Steinle with his 5‑Year Service Award.


Nicholas has shown steady dedication, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to growing within the Estherville Fire Department. Over the past five years, he has become a dependable member of the team, always ready to step in, train hard, and support his fellow firefighters.


Chief Sheridan’s presentation of this milestone reflects the respect Nicholas has earned within the department and the pride we take in recognizing the continued service of our members.

10 years of Service

Chad Myers began his service with the Estherville Fire Department in 2015, committing himself to a decade of dedication, teamwork, and community protection. Throughout his 10 years on the department, Chad brought steady reliability, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for helping others.


In recognition of his commitment, Chad was honored with a 10‑Year Service Plaque, presented by Fire Chief Travis Sheridan—a meaningful moment that reflected the respect and appreciation of the entire department. 


Photo Coming Soon.


After retiring from the Estherville Fire Department, Chad continued his calling to serve by pursuing a career in paramedicine, carrying forward the same compassion and professionalism that defined his time in the fire service. 


We thank Chad for his years of service and wish him continued success in his paramedic career.

2024 Awards Banquet

2024 Firefighter of The Year

Estherville Fire Department hosted its annual awards banquet. Each year, members cast their votes to select the Firefighter of the Year. 


This year's recipient of the Firefighter of the Year award is Doug Burton. 


Doug received this recognition because his peers acknowledged his exceptional work ethic and dedication demonstrated throughout the year.

 

Thank you, Doug, for your commitment to the Estherville Fire Department and the community.

5 years of Service

The Estherville Fire Department would like to recognize Jason Kollach for his 5 Years of Service to the Estherville Fire Department. 


It's members like Jason who keep the Estherville Fire Department thriving and providing excellent services to our community.  


 Thank you, Jason, for all you do, sir. 

2nd Annual Mud Volleyball

1st Place

Fireball - 

Ryan Van Wyhe, Sydney Whitacre, Wiley Whitacre, Skylar Clarke, Mike Sathoff, Tanner Van Wyhe

2nd Place

Busta Spike-

Brittany Steele, Brianne Anderson, Laura Thein, Jacob Thein, Mark Anderson, Kyle Crees, Dustin Crees  

3rd Place

Big Tippers-

Adain Swanson, Jermey Brandt, Kristy Mann, Atleigh Cody, Donivon Swanson, Pete Haukoos  

14th Annual Estherville Fire Dept. Waterfights

Women's 1 1/2 Hose

Women's 1 1/2 Hose

Women's 1 1/2 Hose

1st Place - Elinor  

2nd Place - Sydney Whitacre 

3rd Place - Julie Steinle

Men's 1 1/2 Hose

Women's 1 1/2 Hose

Women's 1 1/2 Hose

1st Place - Russ Bell

2nd Place - Travis Sheridan

3rd Place - Bryan Morisch

2023 Awards Banquet

Firefighter of The Year

2023 Firefighter of The Years was presented to Chris Thiel from Fire Chief Travis Sheridan

5 years of Service

The Estherville Fire Department would like to recognize Ryan Van Wye for his 5 Years of Service to the Estherville Fire Department. 


Ryan is a dedicated Firefighter and serves his community well. 


The Estherville Fire Department thanks you Ryan for your service and looks forward to many more years to come.

Purchase New Brush Truck

Estherville Fire Department  replaced one of our Brush Trucks. The old unit served the Estherville Fire Department for thirty years. 


We would like to thank the City of Estherville, the Estherville Firefighters Association and the community for their donations. 

2022 Awards Banquet

Firefighter of The Year

2022 Firefighter of The Years was presented to Nicholas Steinle from Fire Chief Travis Sheridan

Jr. Firefighter Program

Photo Left to Right

Jr. Firefighter Leader FF Nicholas Steinle, Shelby Brosh, Fire Chief Travis Sheridan, Lt. Don Edwards. 

2022 Probationary Firefighters

From left to Right

Shelby Brosh, Marcus Smith, Nathan Lile, Dustin Nelson, & Phil Rasmussen, 

2022 Annual Awards Banquet

Photo Left to Right:

1st Row Christopher Inman, Thomas Inman, Larry Crees, Tori Nemethy, David Walders, Jay Chrestiansen

2nd Row. Marcus Smith, Nathan Lile, Dustin Nelson, Jamie Tendal Don Edwards, Wiley Whitacre, Chad Prust, Nicholas Steinle Ryan Van Wyhe

3rd Row. Phil Rasmussen, Shelby Brosh, Jeff Enderson, Doug Burton, Chris Thiel, Jason Kollasch, Travis Sheridan, Brian Mack, Bryan Morisch, Michael Sathoff.


Not Pictured. Jim Tendal, Chad Myers

New Student Firefighter

Welcome Shelby Brosh

 

Estherville Fire Department is excited to announce our first member to join the Student Firefighter Program. Please welcome Shelby Brosh to the Estherville Fire Department. 


Shelby will be learning to be a volunteer firefighter in a support roll.

Shelby the daughter of Kevin and Shawna Brosh thank you for trusting in us.


If interested in joining the Student Firefighter Program, please contact Nick Steinle at 507-370-3858 for information.

Welcome Taye Hanby

 

Estherville Fire Department is excited to announce our Second member to join the Student Firefighter Program. Please welcome Taye Hanby to the Estherville Fire Department. 


Taye will be learning to be a volunteer firefighter in a support roll.


If interested in joining the Student Firefighter Program, please contact Nick Steinle at 507-370-3858 for information.

Sound The Alarm Project

Estherville Fire Department, Red Cross, Emmet County Public Health and Holy Family partnered today in Sound the Alarm project.

Sound the Alarm event 9/24/22 Estherville, IA

Prelim numbers:
32 homes
74 people
89 alarms installed
21 volunteers in 7 groups canvassed homes in the southeast corner of Estherville


We will continue this project every year until we knock on every door in Estherville.

2021 Annual Awards Dinner

Tori Nemethy

2021 Firefighter of The Year. 

This award is presented annually to honor a firefighter for his or her professional service and contributions to the fire service. 

Richard Beaver

Richard Beaver was presented his Retirement Plaque and Fire Helmet. Beaver served the Estherville Fire Dept with 38 years of service with retiring as our Fire Chief of 16 years.   

Clint Howard

Clint Howard was presented his Retirement Plaque and Fire Helmet. Howard served the Estherville Fire Dept with 38 years of service with retiring as our Assistant Fire Chief. Along with many years of Fire Education with the Fire Prevention Week.

Press Release

Central Bi Products & Redwood Farms Donates $1000

Central Bi Products & Redwood Farms Donates $1000

Central Bi Products & Redwood Farms Donates $1000

Toby Polkinghorne with Central Bi Products and Redwood Farms. Presents a $1000 Donation to Fire Chief Richard Beaver Wednesday April 28th. 

Estherville Fire Dept. would like to say thanks to Toby and all the employees at Central Bi Products and Redwood Farm

Strube Memorial Flag

Central Bi Products & Redwood Farms Donates $1000

Central Bi Products & Redwood Farms Donates $1000

Saturday August 7th, 2021

The Strube Family presented the Estherville Fire Dept with a Wooden Firefighter Flag.  In honor of late firefighter Kevin Strube.
Strube served the Estherville Fire Dept for 20+years. Kevin passed away Aug 15th 2020. Saturday was Kevin's 62nd birthday.
The wooden flag will be displayed at the Estherville Fire Station.
Pictured Kipp Strube's family & Chief Richard Beaver. 

The Alan "Henry" Hanson Memorial Meeting Room

Sunday March 1st,

The Estherville Fire Department Dedicated the Estherville Fire Station Meeting Room In Honor of Alan "Henry" Hanson For 53 years of Service. To honor his love of the fire service and dedication to this department.


He will be forever remembered within these walls.

The Family Of Late Alan "Henry" Hanson

Firefighters join Ardis In honor of the Dedication

Copyright © 2026 Estherville Fire Department - All Rights Reserved.

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