Evolution And Building on Strengths

Throughout its history in the United States, the firefighting industry continues to evolve and build upon its strengths. In Colonial American times, insurance companies hired their own fire fighters. The firemarkers were the signals by which help was summoned from a particular insurance company in the event of a fire. This authenic United Fireman's Insurance marker from the Fireman's Hall Museum in Philadelphia hangs on the front of our home as a reminder of the history and evolution of firefighting in the United States.

As time moved on, firefighting became part of the public trust and an intregal part of local governments organized across our great nation. Over the last 233 years, the major evolutions of firefighting have included many positive developments.

• Increased public awareness of fire hazards brought fewer incidents and minimized risks to life and property
• Strengthened building codes and materials have decreased the frequency and severity of fires
• Detailed, frequent firefighter training has decreased injuries and risks for firefighters and fire victims
• Service enhancements including EMS level options have improved community connectedness and assistance given by local fire departments

In Iowa alone, there are more than 20,000 firefighters organized into 871 departments. These career professionals and volunteers serve 3 million Iowans each year in more than 40,000 emergency calls.

The various associations that exist to support fire departments in Iowa have an opportunity to continue to building on this history of evolution and strengths. This opportunity comes in the form of legally organizing as a non-profit corporation and obtaining 501 (c) (3) tax exemotion with the IRS.

Taking this step is an opportunity for local firefighters to formally confirm what they have been focused on all along: contributing to the greater community good through emergency response services. This also gives the incredible supporters of Iowa fire departments the opportunity to deduct their support from their federal and state taxes.

To start the process of your association becoming a legal non-profit, contact FlashPoint Fundraising President Dawn Svenson Holland today.

Honoring the Miracles in Our Lives

The Resurrection celebration of Easter Sunday provided the perfect backdrop today for a personal journey filled with miracles to come full circle.

Following my father's sudden passing in 2005, we tried to follow his example of good work with memorial projects. The final project we decided to implement was at the Iowa Firefighter's Memorial in Coralville. A visit to this special place honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and those who served ten years or more with in the Iowa Fire Service is strongly recommended. The City of Coralville and the Iowa Firefighters Association are to be commended for their partnership in this project.

My father, Gary D. Svenson, was an unassuming Christian servant who applied his skills positively and passionately with the Iowa Fire Service, as well as many other avenues. Dad's greatest joy came from his family. The first pages of his self-produced retirement book after 33 years with the Decorah Fire Department were dedicated to his pride in his brothers Carl and Dave Svenson. Together, these three Svenson brothers represent more than 100 years of dedication to the Iowa Fire Service. Stories like the Svenson brothers abound throughout firefighting in Iowa.

Not every idea in the original architectual plans could be implemented when the Memorial was built in the early 1990's. Thanks to wonderful input from Mike and Joan Reuman of Traer (volunteer treasurers/chairs of this project), we found the perfect project to implement from that original plan.

There are now two benches along the center line of the memorial site handcrafted by an Iowa company. Scott Coberly and the dedicated City of Coralville Parks team even managed to successfully take receipt of the benches in the middle of summer 2008 flooding.

In September 2008, I had the honor of witnessing the pride on my Uncle Carl's face when we let him know of this special project honoring him and his two brothers during the flood-rescheduled annual memorial service. Today, I had the honor of witnessing the same pride when we told Uncle Dave the news as we walked to the Memorial following Easter brunch at the Holiday Inn.

My dad was and my Uncle Carl and Uncle Dave are miracles in my life. I am awed and humbled by their dedication to fighting fires, promoting safety education and helping anyone in need. Throughout it all, they managed to make me feel like the luckiest daughter and niece in the world.

The Iowa Firefighters Memorial will forever be a special place to so many to honor the dedication of volunteer and career fire department personnel. They are miracles to their families and to everyone impacted by their work. On this joyous Easter day, may we all find new ways to honor and support the everyday miracles God grants in our lives.