Being a firefighter means you have to be prepared for unpleasant surprises. However, the surprise sprung on Greg Vogelaar at the April 5 meeting of the Sanborn Fire Department was anything but unpleasant. Greg was presented with a plaque in honor of his 50 years with the Department. The plaque read “Greg Vogelaar – 50 Years of Dedicated Service to the Sanborn Fire Department – Presented on 4/5/21.”
Greg mentioned that it was a major fire in his younger days which ignited his thoughts about fighting fires. “When I was growing up in George, the Farmers Elevator burned down and that made me think about becoming a Fireman,” said Vogelaar.
The honoree cited the evolution of equipment used in battling fires as the greatest change he’s seen in his 50 years of firefighting. Vogelaar listed the Sanborn Coop Elevator and the explosion at Dahlen as the fire calls that stand out in his memory. Greg commented that he has enjoyed the comradery with the guys on Department but less enjoyable is all the training that’s being required now.