Elgin Volunteer Fire Department

The Elgin Fire Department is currently composed of 18 active members. Over the past 55 years there have been over 150 men and women who have unselfishly served their community with over 40 of those members becoming honorary members of the EFD. Honorary members have served the Department for over 10 years or have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

During an average year the Elgin Fire Department responds to about 40 calls, with about 10 of those being a working structure fire. The firefighters on our department devote more than 50 hours a year to better themselves with training, and attend monthly meetings. 

Our department also has the capability to extricate victims from both motor-vehicle and farm equipment accidents by using our JAWS of Life equipment, and all of our firefighters are trained in HazMat Operations.

It is our goal to strive to provide the best protection possible for our town, community, and surrounding area.

Front row (L-R)Eric Chapman, Derek Schroeder, Tom Martin, Matt Ellis.
Second row (L-R)Steve Gisleson, Brian Thomas, Mark Borcherding, Justin DeWitte, Alex Popenhagen. Third row (L-R)Greg Johnson, Dean Rocke, Justin Kahler, Matt Reierson, Erik Johnson, Kenny Hanson. (not pictured Lyle Batterson, Randy Cronin, Ben Frieden, Matt Gil)

Elgin, Iowa is located in Fayette County which is in the northeast part of the state. The majority of the fire district covered by the Elgin Fire Department is rural countryside that includes homes, farms, business, and an abundance of wild land. We also provide search and rescue along the Turkey River.

The EFD responds to fire calls, motor-vehicle accidents, search and rescue operations, severe weather, and assists with medical calls. Automatic Mutual-Aid is provided whenever the Wadena Fire Department is called for a fire. A strong M/A agreement is also in place with Clermont Fire Department.

Our department is always looking for individuals wishing to volunteer their time and effort in service to the community by becoming members of the department. Individuals interested in becoming a member of our department can contact any current member of the Elgin Fire Department. All necessary training and equipment is provided by the department.

Who We Are

Our Department is composed of 18 men who are trained to the level of Fire Fighter 1. These men devote countless hours to training, prevention, fire calls, and natural disasters.

Chief: Matt Ellis                                                                                                              Assistant Chief: Mark Borcherding                                                Training Officer: Erik Johnson                                                                                   Safety Officer: Brian Thomas                                                                       Maintenance Officer: Greg Johnson                                                Secretary/Treasurer: Alex Popenhagen

Firefighters: Lyle Batterson, Eric Chapman, Randy Cronin, Justin Dewitte, Ben Frieden, Matt Gil, Steve Gisleson, Justin Kahler, Tom Martin, Derek Schroeder, Brian Thomas, Matt Reierson, Dean Rocke.