"My dad, Larry, was a volunteer firefighter with Roseau Fire Department, so I grew up with the fire department," explained George Bjerk. "Dad joined in 1966, was Assistant Fire Chief 79-81, Fire Chief 82-91 and retired from the department in 1992. I remember his pager going off. He'd be out the door and squealing tires down the driveway! It was exciting to see Dad take off like that!

My younger brother, Tim, and I joined the fire department in March 1998. Tim is 11 years younger, so he's staying on as a volunteer. My brother, Les, was a truck driver for Marvin Windows, so not around enough to...