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GREENFIELD, Iowa – The Greenfield Fire Department is back in business after pausing service when a tornado damaged their building. Other departments covered for the unit, not only in the city of Greenfield, but several townships around that part of Adair County.

On May 21, when the tornado struck, several of the Greenfield fire units were out storm spotting. When they saw the tornado, they scrambled to get out of the way. One of the fire trucks was able to make it back to the station.

“They were trying to get out of the path we had one truck make it back to the station and the guys backed it in, and we all took shelter,” said Greenfield Fire Chief TJ Oder. “The only reason why the station is still standing is because the west wall leaned up against that truck and it didn’t allow it to completely blow everything off.”

When it became obvious the fire station was still standing, but not usable, the team began to look for a new place to park the fire equipment.

“We ended up making a phone call to Bill Hohertz, he owns this building, ” said Brett Stender, of the Greenfield Fire Department. “They almost immediately came down here and started moving equipment out. There was really no hesitation on their side.”

Chief Oder says the hope is to build a new fire station, and they say people can support that effort through the Greenfield Fire Department Foundation.

“The Greenfield volunteer fire department has a foundation, a 501(c) three nonprofit, we’ve set up with our local bank,” said Lance McFarland of the Greenfield Fire Department. “We use here in town First National Bank, can make donations directly to the bank and they’ll get it to us.” 

Donations can be mailed to the Greenfield Fire Department Foundation PO Box 146 in Greenfield, Iowa, 50849.