Elko New Market’s Fire Rescue Days will be held Thursday, June 22, through Sunday, June 25. During the annual festival people in the Scott County community show support for their local fire department.
Earlier this year, two of the department’s firefighters retired from active duty. The two are Rob Kaufenberg and Chris Flegel.
Rob Kaufenberg In February, Kaufenberg retired after 29 years of service with the Elko New Market Fire Department. During the Feb. 9 meeting of the Elko New Market City Council, acting mayor Bryce Schuenke read the recognition, including Kaufenberg’s history of serving on the fire department.
Kaufenberg joined the fire department Sept. 1, 1993, following in the footsteps of his dad, Mike Kaufenberg, who also served.
When Rob told his dad he wanted to join the fire department, Mike Kaufenberg said, “I was happy. We needed the people.”
“It was great serving together,” said Mike Kaufenberg. “We were the first father and son team on the department.”
He added his son joined the fire department right out of high school. The two served together as members of the volunteer fire department for three years. Mike Kaufenberg retired from the department after serving for 16 years.
Mike Kaufenberg noted when he started, and even when Rob joined, the fire department was much smaller.
“There was not as much equipment then,” said Mike Kaufenberg. He noted when he started with the department the equipment was second hand.
“It’s grown into a great fire department,” he said.
Rob Kaufenberg also worked for his dad in the family business, Home Oil Co., which serves the Elko New Market area. When a fire call came in they both went out.
“We had no daytime help so we had to lock up for calls,” said Mike Kaufenberg. Eventually they did get help at their business and were able to answer calls without closing shop.
Besides serving as a firefighter, Rob completed his studies to become a first responder. He also held multiple certificates, including hazmat operations, and Skywarn training. Rob was also assistant chief for many years.
Chris Flegel Flegel began his service with the Elko New Market Fire Department in March, 2003. He steps down this year after 20 years.
“We’re moving,” he said about why he’s stepping down. “I don’t want to retire. I appreciate the great experiences and the people with great support from the community and my fellow firefighters.”
“I wanted to serve my community and keep my skills up,” said Flegel, who was already a registered EMT when he joined the local fire department. He had been a junior firefighter at 14 in Medina, N.D.. where he joined the ambulance and fire department when he was 18.
“I always wanted to give back to the community,” he said, adding his mom, Val Flegel, was a member of Medina’s ambulance service and continues to serve.
As he went to college to the University of North Dakota, Flegel continued serving as an EMT, although with the Crookston ambulance crew. He said technically he’s been serving for 33 years.
“It’s definitely gone fast. It’s hard to believe,” said Flegel, adding he’s had some great leaders and mentors over the years.
He and his wife, Shannon, have three daughters, Kendra, 22, Erica, 18, and Jenna, 14.
“Some of my best memories are from Eagle View (Elementary School) when as a firefighter we would do demonstrations and I would see my children there,” said Flegel.
He said the support from his family helped as he would have to answer fire calls at all hours.
“I really couldn’t have done it without their support and understanding,” said Flegel. “It can be tough on a family.”
Fire Rescue Days The first event of the festival is June 22, 6 p.m., at Wagner Park with the free family fun night. It will feature...
To see more on this story pick up the June 15, 2023 print edition of The New Prague Times.
ENM Fire Rescue honors two retiring firefighters
