Harlan has one of the best Volunteer Fire Departments in Southwest Iowa.  In existence since 1881, it has a long history of dedicated fire fighters and paramedics that have minimized property damage and saved lives for many years with their heroic efforts. The fire department phone number is (712) 755-5354.  The Fire Hall is located at 906 Cyclone Avenue, Harlan IA  51537. Roger Bissen, Fire Chief.

Press Release

The Harlan Volunteer Fire Department received the Iowa Firefighters Association “Outstanding Department Award”; in essence the Fire Department of the Year for the State of Iowa. The department was nominated by Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees with this letter to the Iowa Firefighters Association. 

I would like to nominate the Harlan Fire Department for Iowa Fire Department of the Year for 2015. The Harlan Fire Department is well respected, well trained and a great example of Iowa’s fire service.

The 30 member department responds to a variety of emergencies within their district, county, region, state and at the national level.  In addition to responding to fire calls, the department is a leader for Haz-Mat response in their Tri-County Haz-Mat response area. They have responded to a variety of rescue incidents ranging from ice & water rescue, grain bin rescue, vehicle extrication and extrication saw response to severe weather incidents. The department is also trained in swift water rescue and high angle rope rescue. They continue to train members and instructors alike.

While the department responds to wildland fires and natural desasters within its district, they have sent members nationwide for response to wildfires in California, Oregon and Alaska, and have had team members respond to natural disasters in Iowa and to hurricane response in New York.

The department also has one of the few honor guards in the state and has provided their service when requested for many events and firefighter visitations and funerals. Their unselfish devotion to honoring fellow firefighters does not go unnoticed, and is a touching show of respect to the departed firefighters and their families.

The Harlan Fire Department works within their community for fire prevention and education, and in support of community events.  They are a great asset not only for their local community and region, but for the state and nation as well.

The Harlan Fire Department is also an active member of the Iowa Firefighters Association. They are deserving of consideration for recognition as the IFA Fire Department of the Year, and I am pleased to make their nomination.

Respectfully,
Chief Mark McNees,
Atlantic Fire Department
12-1-15