Dean Vargo was honored at a private celebration for his 16 years and 9 months of service to MSP Airport Fire on Thursday 14th July 2022.

Dean medically retired on Wednesday 8th December 2021; a bit earlier than anticipated, but is enjoying his next chapter in life. He has recently accepted a job working as a counselor for challenged adults, teaching them life skills.

He is feeling good and really misses working at the Fire Department. We miss him as well and are very happy his health has improved. Dean is planning to attend the Local S-6 retirement celebration this fall.

* pictured: Dean Vargo and Chief Bob Koenig

A fan favorite. A good rig. No party, but a farewell hug by Captain Josh Renneke as Crash 12 is off to Mankato for its next chapter of life in the fire service. Godspeed!

Local S-6 would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Driver Kevin Taaffe on being named the Jon D. Kauffmann 2021 Firefighter of the Year award recipient. Kevin was nominated by his peers for his outstanding work throughout the 2021 calendar year and was presented with this honor at the June ARFF Live Burn certification by Fire Chief Bob Koenig.

"Your commitment to our airport community and the fire service continues to exemplify the characteristics every firefighter should embody. Your work on apparatus design and procurement has proven your high level of professionalism towards our internal and external partners and your attention to detail and accuracy. You continue to strive to educate yourself and others. Your assistance with teaching aircraft familiarization training, apparatus operations and serving as a Probationary Firefighter Trainer are all testaments to this along with your own self-drive to complete the AAAE Airport Master Firefighter designation. Your performance is a testament to your commitment to our department, our personnel and our entire airport community."

God Speed, Brother and know your efforts are appreciated!

Local S-6 would like to acknowledge the hard work and efforts of its membership for successfully completing its annual ARFF Live Burn certification which occurred between the 7th and 9th of June. This year's training was held in-house at MSP Airport by 139FIRE supplying the airplane prop and Lakes Gas of Northfield, MN, supplying the propane. Additionally, a very special thank you to Assistant Fire Chief/Training Officer Greg Fuller for coordinating this event. Well done TEAM!!!