MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL REPORT 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF I am pleased to present the Mendota Heights Fire Department’s 2025 Annual Report. The Mendota Heights Fire Department is built on training, professionalism, accountability, and trust. Those values shape the way we recruit and develop our members, maintain our equipment, and serve the community when people call for help. We are a paid-on-call department made up of your neighbors. That model only works because of the commitment of the people willing to answer calls at all hours while balancing full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities. In 2025, the Department responded to 371 calls for service, completed more than 3,850 hours of training, participated in numerous public education and community outreach events, and welcomed five new firefighters. Behind each of those numbers is a team that shows up prepared, takes its responsibilities seriously, and genuinely cares about this community. We are grateful for the trust this community places in us, and we take that responsibility seriously every time we respond to a call. Thank you for your continued support of the Mendota Heights Fire Department. -Chief Dan Johnson
2025 CALLS FOR SERVICE Lilydale
Mendota
Sunfish Lake
Mendota Heights 120 100 80 60 40 20
M H ed az ic ar al do us Si tu at io n Pu bl ic A ss is t G oo d In te nt Fa ls e A la Se rm ve re W ea th er
Fi re
0
Local Calls: 343
Mutual Aid Calls: 28
Total Calls: 371
RECRUITMENT & RETENTION Your neighbors are your first responders. That’s not a slogan — it’s how this Department works. The Mendota Heights Fire Department is a paid-on-call team made up of community members who live and work in the area they serve. Maintaining that model requires continued investment in training, equipment, leadership development, and member support. In partnership with the City Council, the Department has continued working to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts while maintaining the high standards expected of today’s fire service. Serving as a firefighter is demanding, but it is also meaningful work built on teamwork, commitment, and service to others. If you are interested in learning more about becoming part of the Department, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/BecomeAFirefighter.
FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION The Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association supports the long-term strength and stability of the Fire Department by managing retirement benefits for members and supporting projects outside the city budget. Each year, contributions from the City and State help fund the pension program, which recognizes and rewards years of dedicated service while also supporting firefighter recruitment and retention. The Relief Association also helps fund Department initiatives and events, including the annual retirement banquet and community outreach activities. Donations are always appreciated and help support the Department and its members. Checks payable to: Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association 2121 Dodd Road Mendota Heights, MN 55120
DEPARTMENT TRAINING In 2025, firefighters completed: More than 3,850 hours of cumulative training 105 training hours per active firefighter Training included: AHA CPR Recertification Tabletop Fireground Simulations Ice Water Rescue Hazardous Materials Operations Firefighter Survivability and Mayday Drills Emotional & Mental Health Medical Refresher & Scenarios Fire Apparatus Operation Water Supply Operations Ropes / Rescue Sprinkler & Alarm Systems Ladders / Search & Rescue School Pre-plans & Site Visits
Three new firefighters graduated from the Fire Academy: Brandon Rebhan Joe Fabiano Pete Johnson In August, the Department welcomed five new members: Joe Fitzgerald Chris Jones Rachel Miller John Samec Nick Segl Three firefighters completed a 40-hour program to become certified Driver/Operators: Ricky Chodek Christian Douah Anna Molinaro
PUBLIC EDUCATION The mission of the Mendota Heights Fire Department Public Education Program is to educate and train the communities we serve on fire and hazard safety to ensure the protection of life and property. Fire & Life Safety Education Events Annual MHFD Fire Prevention Open House Fire and life safety education programs for elementary students Outreach visits to schools serving students with autism Safety Camp Fire and life safety education for senior living residents Dakota County Youth Firesetter Prevention and Intervention Program Public fire extinguisher, Hands-Only CPR, and AED awareness training Engaged With The Community : Frozen Fun Fest Touch-a-Truck Mendota Days Picnic with Public Safety Night to Unite Trick or Teeing
The following parks have functioning AEDs for public use in the case of an emergency: Friendly Hills Mendakota Kensington Wentworth Marie
DEPARTMENT RETIREMENTS Frank Hazzard Frank joined the Fire Department in 2014 and served until 2025. Frank dedicated more than 10 years to the Department and the communities we serve. Thank you, Frank, for your commitment. We wish you luck on your next chapter!
Jay Taylor Jay joined the Fire Department in 1999 and decided 2025 was the year to hang up his fire gear for the last time. Jay participated in numerous committees over the years including the station expansion committee and the radio communications committee. Thank you, Jay, for your efforts these past 25 years!
Mendota Heights Fire Department 2121 Dodd Road Mendota Heights, MN 55120 651-452-1850
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Fire
SAVE THE DATE FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 2026 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mendota Heights Fire Station