When Rick Fuhrman was just four years old, he’d tag along with his dad to the Hazelhurst fire barn, watching the trucks get checked and maintained. That early fascination never faded.
Now, five decades later, Fuhrman serves as Assistant Chief at the Hazelhurst Fire Department, marking an extraordinary 50-year milestone as a volunteer firefighter. In a region where volunteer emergency services form the backbone of community safety, that kind of dedication stands out.
It’s the kind of commitment that keeps small Northwoods towns running, ya know?
A Family Tradition of Answering the Call
Fuhrman didn’t stumble into firefighting — it’s woven into his family’s DNA. He grew up around the firehouse alongside his cousin Jerry, both following in their fathers’ footsteps.
“Jerry and I would be at the fire barn with our dads, checking trucks when we were 4, 5 years old,” Fuhrman recalled. Two uncles also served, along with another cousin.
The Fuhrman family has collectively logged over 200 years of service to Hazelhurst. One uncle passed away after reaching his own 50-year mark, a milestone Rick has now matched.
What Keeps Volunteers Coming Back
Not many people stick with anything for 50 years, let alone a demanding volunteer role that requires dropping everything when the pager goes off. Fuhrman says the sense of purpose makes it worthwhile.
“You feel really good after calls,” he explained. Even the tough ones — and there are plenty — leave him with a sense that he’s made a difference.
Some days bring medical emergencies. Others involve structure fires or vehicle accidents on Highway 51. The calls vary, but the satisfaction of helping neighbors in crisis remains constant.
“You get some bad calls, some tough calls, but you feel good, even on those. Usually there’s something you’ve done that you can help, that you thought you helped in a way and that makes you feel good.” — Rick Fuhrman
The Volunteer Recruitment Challenge
Fuhrman has watched the fire service evolve considerably over five decades. Training requirements are more rigorous. Equipment has advanced. But recruiting new volunteers remains the biggest challenge.
“It’s been hard to recruit new members,” Fuhrman acknowledged. The demands on volunteers’ time compete with work schedules, family obligations, and the faster pace of modern life.
Recently, though, Hazelhurst has seen encouraging signs. New members have joined, bringing fresh energy and ensuring the department’s future.
Chief Nathan Meade credits Fuhrman’s leadership and institutional knowledge as vital to welcoming and training those new recruits. “The way he helps is unbelievable,” Meade said, noting Fuhrman’s deep understanding of both firefighting techniques and life lessons gained over decades of service.
Why Volunteer Fire Departments Matter Up North
Hazelhurst isn’t unusual in relying on volunteers. Most Northwoods communities depend on volunteer fire departments for emergency response.
Wisconsin recognizes this critical need through its Service Award Program, which provides tax-deferred benefits to help municipalities retain volunteers. After 10 years of service, volunteers become vested in the program, with benefits increasing based on length of service.
The program exists because lawmakers understood a simple truth: without volunteers willing to commit years of their lives, many small towns would struggle to maintain emergency services. People like Fuhrman make it possible for places like Hazelhurst to protect their residents without the massive budgets required for full-time departments.
Key benefits volunteers receive include:
- State-matched municipal contributions up to $343.77 per year of service
- Full account balance access at age 60 for those with 20+ years of service
- Partial benefits for volunteers with 10-20 years of service
- Tax-deferred savings that reward long-term commitment
Still Running Toward the Fire
At an age when many people are thinking about retirement, Fuhrman shows no signs of slowing down. He plans to continue serving Hazelhurst for the foreseeable future.
His persistence reflects something special about Northwoods communities — a stubborn dedication to looking out for one another. When someone’s cabin catches fire or a snowmobile accident happens on a remote trail, volunteers like Fuhrman respond, often within minutes.
The Hazelhurst Fire Department continues serving the community from its station at 7020 Highway 51. Behind every response, there’s likely someone with deep roots in the area, carrying on traditions that stretch back generations.
Fuhrman’s 50 years represent more than personal achievement. They’re a reminder that rural communities thrive when people invest themselves in their neighbors’ wellbeing, one call at a time.
Leave a Reply