IRONTON — The State Fire Marshal’s office recognized William “Bill” and Vonda Bongs of Ironton for their 50 years of service with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as Township Fire Wardens.
The Bongs were recognized Thursday, March 14, during the annual Township Fire Warden Appreciation Dinner and Training at the Deerwood American Legion.
Contributed / Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
“It’s fairly infrequently that someone reaches this length of service milestone — 50 years,” said Craig Schultz with the DNR Division of Forestry in Backus. “Minnesota DNR Forestry is grateful for having so many township fire wardens spread across the state doing what they do, but to do it for as many years as they have is really spectacular. It’s a task that doesn’t fit everyone, and Minnesota DNR Forestry is grateful for those individuals who have and continue to serve the citizens of Minnesota.”
Vonda Bongs said they moved to the corner of Highway 210 and County Highway 12 in 1969 and operated a nursery greenhouse from the 1970s to the 1990s. In 1974 they were asked to join the DNR as Township Fire Wardens because they were in a centralized location with easy access, she said.
Bill Bongs said it was easy as they were always outside with the nursery greenhouse and it gave them a chance to meet the neighbors from around the area.
“They always came to the house and it was kind of interesting,” Bill Bongs said. “All we had to do was put their name and where they live. And that’s all we needed. So my thought was, well, that’s simple enough, we can do that. And in those days, we did have a lot of permits that we were writing. Now we don’t because they can call them in and get it on from their computer. “So we don’t have very many anymore.”
Now the Bongs issue around 12 permits a year, although they still get calls asking about burning restrictions and permitting questions.
“We have people that come over every year, a couple two or three times, to get a permit and just to talk,” Bill Bongs said.
1/4: William “Bill” Bongs talks about filling out burning permits on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
2/4: A wall of awards for the Bongs’ years of service as Township Fire Wardens.
Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
3/4: William “Bill,” left, and Vonda Bongs talk about their time as fire wardens at their home on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch
4/4: William “Bill,” left, and Vonda Bongs were recognized Thursday, March 14, 2024, by the DNR at the Deerwood American Legion for their 50 years of service with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as Township Fire Wardens.
Contributed / Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The Bongs said they attend annual meetings every March with the DNR, where they learn about the previous year’s fires, any changes in the program and receive a new permit book. This year, they were recognized for their 50 years of service to the state.
“I enjoy this. We’re here to help people,” Vonda Bongs said.
To inquire about fire permits in the area, reach out to the Bongs at 218-546-5853.
TIM SPEIER, staff writer, can be reached on Twitter
call 218-855-5859 or email
.
