Firehouse Connection | July 2025
Memo from the Chief
Grounded in Values. Driven by Service. Focused on the Future.
As summer continues at full pace, I want to take a moment to reflect on the foundation that drives everything we do at Grant County Fire District 3—our values.
These values are more than just words; they are the principles that guide our decisions, shape our culture, and reflect our commitment to each other and to the communities we serve. Whether we’re training new firefighters, responding to an emergency, or making budget and policy decisions, our values act as a compass to keep us aligned and accountable.
As we look ahead, we are preparing to launch a new Strategic Planning process—one that will help shape the future of the District for years to come. This process will include input from our career staff, volunteers, residents, and support personnel—but it won’t stop there. We will also be inviting members of the public to participate in the SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to ensure our objectives reflect the needs and priorities of the communities we proudly serve.
To help frame that conversation and ensure we’re all moving in the same direction, the Board of Fire Commissioners recently approved the acronym “SERVICE FIRST” as the official expression of our values. It captures the spirit of who we are and what we stand for:
SERVICE FIRST
- S – Safety for members and communities
- E – Excellence in all that we do
- R – Respect for volunteers as a vital part of our team
- V – Value human and financial resources wisely
- I – Integrity and ethical leadership from Board and staff
- C – Clarity in our decision-making processes
- E – Effective communication among staff and volunteers
- F – Fun and energy in our work
- I – Informing and listening to our communities
- R – Representation of the Fire District in all we do
- S – Strong teamwork across the District
- T – Trust & accountability—holding ourselves and others responsible
As we move forward into this next chapter, I encourage every member of the District to take time to reflect on these values. They will be the foundation of the conversations we have in the months ahead, and the guideposts for the decisions we make together.
Thank you for your continued dedication, professionalism, and passion.
Stay safe, stay engaged, and enjoy the rest of your summer.
David Durfee
Fire Chief
Call Volume - Last Quarter
| Fire | 51 |
|---|---|
| EMS | 192 |
| Other | 97 |
| Total | 340 |
Call Volume - Year to Date
| Fire | 72 |
|---|---|
| EMS | 322 |
| Other | 185 |
| Total | 579 |
Updates from the Shop
Both Chief’s pickup (3171) and the Command pickup (3172) are now completed and officially in service. Annual pump testing has also been wrapped up for the year, with only a short list of minor valve rebuilds needed.
A used military 923-A2 vehicle will be arriving soon for refurbishment, replacing the current 3231 and providing a much-needed upgrade for the district.
In addition, a used Zodiac boat has been acquired through DNR and is currently in the shop being outfitted with the necessary equipment to support fire suppression and rescue operations in remote river or lake areas. It will also be capable of rescuing disabled watercraft if required.
The new rescue truck (3141) has also been picked up from Deep South Fire Equipment in Seminary, Mississippi. Chief Durfee, Jim Stucky, and Jose Chavez flew down for final inspections and made a few adjustments before Jim and Jose drove the truck 2,500 miles home. They report that the vehicle handles very well and looks fantastic in its new color scheme. Once tool mounting is complete, it will be placed into service.
Fire & Injury Prevention Tips
Hello Quincy Valley residents,
As the weather warms up, we're sharing some important seasonal safety tips to help you, and your family stay safe and enjoy the summer to the fullest! Please take a moment to review the following reminders:
Pool and Water Safety
- Whether swimming at the pool, lake or river, keep these tips in mind:
- Always supervise children- NO Exceptions!
- Teach kids how to swim and float safely.
- Avoid alcohol while swimming or supervising.
- Keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby.
Fireworks Safety
- Use only legal fireworks and follow all local laws.
- Light fireworks outdoors away from homes, dry grass and flammable items.
- Never let children handle fireworks.
- Keep water or a hose close by.
- Always soak fireworks in a bucket of water before disposal.
- IMPORTANT; Be sure to check for current fire restrictions, burn bans, firework restrictions for your communities before purchasing.
Mosquito Safety
- Mosquitos can spread serious illnesses like West Nile virus. Help reduce your risk:
- Dump standing water from buckets, birdbaths, tires and gutters.
- Use insect repellent with DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients.
- Wear long sleeves and pants during early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are present.
We're committed to your safety- and together, we can make this a safe summer for all. Thank You for your continued support!
Bob Horst
Assistant Chief–Fire Marshal
From the Desk of Operations & Training
Hello everyone — I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the start of summer. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you continue to show day in and day out.
This past quarter has been one of continued progress and operational improvement across the district. Our training efforts have remained focused and purposeful, with targeted drills in wildland firefighting, apparatus operations, SCBA use, and area familiarization—particularly in the Frenchman Coulee climbing area. These sessions have included valuable coordination with our mutual aid partners, strengthening regional interoperability.
On the operations front, we’ve implemented several key changes aimed at improving response readiness and efficiency. Station 35 is now staffed full-time through a combination of career and resident firefighters, enhancing coverage and reducing response times in that area. Engine 3711 has replaced 3111 as the primary county engine, aligning our resources more effectively with current needs. Our UTV and trailer have been reconfigured for improved functionality, and all rope rescue equipment has been consolidated and upgraded on 3178 for quicker deployment in technical rescue scenarios.
Looking ahead, we’ll be shifting our weekly training focus toward vehicle extrication operations, further broadening our capabilities and readiness. Planning is also underway for the Fall Fire Academy, which will prepare a new group of volunteer and resident firefighters for service in the district.
In terms of recent project completions, district-wide hose testing has been completed for 2025, the SCBA bottle hydro testing plan has been developed, and the new Command Task Book has been completed and distributed for use.
Thank you again for your ongoing commitment to excellence—it’s your effort that makes all of this possible.
Stay Safe and Stay Sharp!
Todd Hufman
Assistant Chief, Operations & Training