Lake City Fire Department

Jim Huettl named Honorary Firefighter

Jun 3, 2026

Jim Huettl received a rare honor from the Lake City Fire Department on May 28. Huettl, who owns Huettl’s Meats in Lake City, became the department’s ninth Honorary Firefighter. An invitation signed by active, retired, and honorary members of the department reads, in part: “This recognition is...

Fire boat sinks somewhat after bilge pump fails

May 27, 2026

A faulty bilge pump put the Lake City Fire and Rescue boat out of service temporarily this week. An overnight bilge pump outage caused the boat to take on water and partially sink in its berth Tuesday morning at the Lake City Marina, according to Lake City Fire Chief Dan Patterson. None of the...

Lake City Sportsman’s Club contributes $3,000 for new dry suits for Lake City firefighters

May 27, 2026

The Lake City Sportsman’s Club (LCSC) recently presented $3,000 of support to the Lake City Fire Department to help purchase new dry suits for water rescues. At the recent LCSC meeting, the firefighters provided a demonstration of putting on the suits and explained their purpose and use in the Lake...

Future firefighter attends first training

May 6, 2026

Ten-year-old Weston Bartsh didn’t always plan on becoming a firefighter. That changed on a cold day in February when he and his mom, Elizabeth Potter, were on a walk. Weston witnessed the Lake City Fire Department (LCFD) responding to a critical house fire. Moved by their hard work, Weston turned...

Fire department pays tribute to longtime supporter and honorary firefighter Tom Heffernan

Apr 1, 2026

For decades local auto dealer Tom Heffernan of Tom Heffernan Ford donated a vehicle to serve as the grand prize of the Lake City Fire Department’s annual fundraiser raffle. The raffle, held in conjunction with the department’s Fireman’s Dance, raised money for equipment, training and other needs of...

Fighting fire in a blizzard

Mar 18, 2026

Firefighters current and retired battled snowbound streets and highways Sunday in blizzard conditions to clear a path for fire crews to reach their destination. At about 9 a.m. that day the Lake City Fire Department responded to a call of a building on fire at 48Forty Solutions, formerly JB Pallet...

House fire leaves one person dead, another injured

Feb 18, 2026

A house fire on the 400 block of North Washington Street Sunday morning left one person dead and another injured, according to officials. Lake City Fire Department Chief Dan Patterson posted the following message on the Fire Department Facebook page Feb. 16: “On Feb. 15, at 6:54 a.m., Lake City...

Firefighters past and present gather for Christmas party at VFW

Dec 24, 2025

The Lake City Fire Department held its annual Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Lake City VFW. The event brought together current and former firefighters for an evening of holiday cheer and a meal provided by Rebel Fire Que’N Company. Above, attendees pose for a photo.

VFW supports Fire Prevention Week efforts

Oct 8, 2025

In support of the Lake City Fire Department’s annual program for the community during National Fire Prevention Week, Lake City VFW Post 8729 Commander King Marking presented promotional material, a challenge coin to each active Lake City firefighter and a $1,000 check to Chief Dan Patterson....

Fire department garrison flag flies on 9-11

Sep 17, 2025

The Lake City Fire Department continued its tradition of flying its enormous garrison flag on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which claimed the lives of almost 3,000 people, including hundreds of first responders. This year the department’s ladder truck was parked in the...