Sheldon, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — All but the largest cities in Iowa depend on dedicated volunteers for fire protection. It’s a commitment to not only turn out when the bell – nowadays the cellphone – goes off, but constant training, equipment maintenance, and the perpetual inconvenience of being on call.

There’s also a phenomenon that once an individual makes the commitment, he or she typically wind up spending most of their lives with their local fire department.

Last Sheldon Fire Chief Brad Hindt recognized a long-time member of that department. Dennis Kruger was given an award last week for forty years of service.