COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
Renville-Sibley Co-op Power Association Journeyman Lineman Clint Olson is a member of the Olivia Area Technical Rescue Team. Olson is in the center front holding the dalmation dog.
HELPING OUT AT NEW HEIGHTS AND TIGHT SPACES Co-op Employees Among Local Emergency Responders Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop
As the chief of the Olivia, Minn., Area Technical Response Team, Renville-Sibley Co-op Power Association journeyman lineman Clint Olson combines some of his experience with the Danube, Minn.-based cooperative with his 15 years as a member of the Olivia Fire Department. Olson joined the OFD after being asked repeatedly by then-members of the volunteer fire department. “To be honest, the main reason for joining the OFD was so I wouldn’t be bugged anymore by past firemen asking me to join every time I saw them in public. Looking back, I am glad I did,” Olson said. Olson was tapped to lead the newly formed rescue team which was established in January 2019. The team is specialized in high-angle and low-angle (confined space) rescues. The team is made up of firemen all from different towns in 8
Cooperative Connections | October 2019
Many rural and small town fire departments throughout the Dakotas and western Minnesota rely on volunteers to fill the ranks of the much-needed service.