PARADISE OF THE NORTHWEST
WACONIA
COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2023
Fire protection for a wide area
The dedicated members of the Waconia Volunteer Fire Department have been protecting the citizens of Waconia and surrounding communities for more than 135 years , since 1883 . The department has a well-deserved reputation for its commitment to providing exceptional fire safety , education and protection to the citizens of Waconia , visitors , and contracted service areas in Waconia and Laketown townships as well as its mutual aid partners in nearby cities . On average , the Waconia Fire Department responds to nearly 600 calls every year .
The fire station is located on the west side of downtown , enabling the department to respond to any area in the city within six to 10 minutes . The city is in the process of building a new , centrally located fire station on 10th Street West .
Officers include Chief Justin Sorenson , Mike Dressel ( Assistant Chief-Operations ), Drew Guldan ( Captain ), Devin Noeldner ( Training Captain ), Aaron Sorenson ( Captain ) and Rickard Dahlo ( Captain ).
The department prides itself on its exceptional firefighting and rescue services and is committed to providing its members the best opportunities to develop in the areas of safety , training , technology , and understanding fire behavior . In 2014 , the department acquired a new SUV that is staffed voluntarily by an officer seven days a week , 24 hours per day . This vehicle and the dedication of officers reduced response times to emergencies by more than one minute . It also maximizes the efficiency of deploying additional resources to the emergency to improve safety and reduce overall operating costs .
The department also promotes fire prevention and education through a variety of programs and other means , such as classroom visits and fire station tours .
A Pancake , Sausage and French Toast Breakfast is held twice a year , once in the spring and once in the fall . The breakfasts are sponsored by the Waconia Fire Department Relief Association and typically attract 1,000 + visitors . The fire station is located at 26 S Maple Street . For information , contact ( 952 ) 442-2316 or email fire @ waconia . org .
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023 | WACONIA | Page 19