Greenfield firefighters return to work after tornado

GREENFIELD, Iowa (WHO) — The Greenfield Fire Department is back in action after interrupting services when a tornado damaged its building. Other departments covered the unit, not only in the town of Greenfield but in several townships around this part of Adair County.

On May 21, when the tornado struck, several Greenfield fire units were out storm scouting. When they saw the tornado, they rushed to get out of the way. One of the fire trucks was able to return to the station.

“They were trying to get out of the way. A truck came back to the station and the guys backed it up, and we all took cover,” Greenfield Fire Chief TJ Oder said. “The only reason the station is still standing is because the west wall was leaning against that truck and wouldn't allow it to completely blow the whole thing up.”

When it became apparent that the fire station was still standing, but unusable, the team began looking for a new place to park firefighting equipment.

“We ended up calling Bill Hohertz, he owns this building,” said Brett Stender, Greenfield Fire Department. “They almost immediately came here and started moving the equipment. There was really no hesitation on their part.

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

“The Greenfield Volunteer Fire Department has a foundation, a 501(c) three non-profit organization, that we started with our local bank,” said Lance McFarland of the Greenfield Fire Department. “We use First National Bank here in town, we can make donations directly to the bank and they will deliver it to us.”

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