“We don’t fight fires like we did 20 years ago,” Parpart said. “Back in the day, we used small lines kind of like a pressure washer. Now we use an inch-and-three-quarter hand lines. It works good.”
There to back him up is newly assigned assistant chief, Cody Dobberstein. As a four-year department member, Dobberstein’s main goal is to bring everybody home at the end of the call.
“This job takes a person that’s always going to be calm and think fast and rationally,” Dobberstein said. “I think I fit that pretty well.”
But Dobberstein doesn’t just fight fires for the NR Fire Department. Basically, if there’s any area emergency, he stops mid-task and is on his way to help.
“I just love it,” Dobberstein said. “We are all friends. We all hang out and do stuff outside of the fire hall.”
One of those buddies is Josh Moen, newly elected lieutenant for the NR Fire Department. Fourth in command, Moen is there to help the department do the best they can, whether it be fighting a house fire or extricating someone from a car.
“I’m the third generation in my family to do this,” Moen said.
“Some people say it’s in your blood. I don’t know. I just really get an enjoyment from helping people out.”
As lieutenant, he hopes to steer everyone in the right direction, answering any questions along the way. The thank yous and words of praise heard through the grapevine always make his efforts all that much better.
“I don’t think there’s anything better than going on a call, and saving someone or a structure with your actual friends,” Moen said. “I consider everyone on this department a friend.”
Long-time captain, Mike Shurson, warmly welcomed all three of these guys to the officer positions. In his 11 years as captain, Shurson has been a constant stronghold for the NR Fire Department. It’s his job to ensure the administrative duties and requirements of the department are met.
“Last year, we answered 109 calls,” Shurson said. “Of that total, there were 12 accidents, 66 medical assists and 17 structural fires.”
Like his fellow officers, he overlooks the overall safety on scene for both surrounding structures and his team of firefighters. Usually, he’s working with a group on one side of the building, reporting to the officer in charge.
“If all the officers are there, I’m third in command,” Shurson said. “It’s just giving back to the community and surrounding area in one small way.”
In all of his 21 years of service to the NR Fire Department, he continues to see the “evolution of the firefighter.” It’s not uncommon to be working with the children of his good friends and acquaintances.
“I’m a second-generation firefighter here in New Richland,” Shurson said. “Right now, we’re looking at additional training sessions that aren’t an absolute requirement. It’s all a part of helping people when they’re in need.”
