Welcome!

By Deputy Chief Trevor Van Auken

Please join me in congratulating several of our probationary firefighters on completing essential training for the Minoa Fire Department. These dedicated individuals have taken important steps toward protecting our community, and we’re proud to welcome them as fully qualified members of our team.

Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (BEFO): Mike Abbot and Logan Grevelding

Interior Firefighting Operations (IFO): Tylor Cota, Reiley Reese, Josiah Roloson, and Madalyn Rushlo

We applaud their hard work and commitment, and we thank them for stepping up to serve.

What the Training Involves

BEFO, short for Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations, is the foundation for all firefighting service. It trains new members in essential exterior scene operations such as using protective gear, working with SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), understanding fire behavior, and mastering tools like ladders and hoses.

IFO, or Interior Firefighting Operations, takes things further. It prepares firefighters to work safely and effectively inside burning structures — known as IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environments. This training covers advanced skills like search and rescue, tactical ventilation, interior fire attack, and emergency survival techniques.

Together, these programs represent a serious investment of time, effort, and courage, and we’re grateful to each of these new firefighters for rising to the challenge.