07/19/2025
You may have observed that your fire department has a significant number of new personnel. On July 1, the city council approved the addition of three new positions, one per shift, to expand the department in response to the growing demand for our services. We extend our gratitude to the city council for this decision.
You may notice more than 3 new members on the department. Since January, 9 members have departed, and we have subsequently hired 9 new members to replace them.
We would like to acknowledge and express our appreciation to those 9 members for their years of dedicated service to the Altoona Fire Department and the citizens of Altoona.
* Lieutenant Smith, 8 years
* Firefighter/Paramedic Retzlaff, 8 years
* Firefighter/Paramedic Dishinger, 6 years
* Firefighter/Paramedic Simoni, 5 years
* Firefighter/Paramedic Monley, 4.5 years
* Firefighter/Paramedic Sieve, 4 years
* Firefighter/Paramedic Curran, 2.5 years
* Firefighter/Paramedic Duckett, 2.5 years
* Firefighter/EMT Badker, 2 years (Paramedic certification anticipated this fall)
The cumulative total of 42.5 years of experience lost to Bondurant Emergency Services, Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District, Waukee Fire Department, and Des Moines Fire Department is significant.
This loss not only affects experience but also results in a reduction of Advanced Life Support Providers. Achieving Paramedic certification typically requires 8-14 months.
Please be assured that we remain capable of providing Advanced Life Support. However, our resources may be stretched thinner, and we may require assistance from neighboring cities.
We remain committed to delivering the exceptional service our citizens expect and deserve.
We extend our best wishes to these nine members as they embark on new opportunities with their respective departments and wish them continued safety.
