FOX CROSSING — Despite sustaining minor injuries when the July 7 tornado demolished their fire station, three Fox Crossing firefighters climbed out of the rubble and jumped into action to help the community.
The department posted photos and shared their story Monday about the events of that day.
On the day of the tornado, three members of the Fox Crossing Fire Department were on duty at Fire Station 41, on Valley Road in Menasha.
The driver, lieutenant and firefighter were inside the apparatus bay as the tornado approached and attempted to seek shelter.
As the tornado struck, the fire station’s roof was torn away and parts of the building collapsed.
All three firefighters sustained minor injuries, but despite the collapse, all three firefighters were able to escape the damaged station safely.
The fire apparatus inside the station also sustained severe damage.
The fire trucks were covered by concrete debris from the collapsed walls and twisted metal from the station’s roof. Despite the conditions, the firefighters were able to retrieve a medical bag from one of the damaged trucks.
All three members quickly began to check on neighboring businesses and residents for injuries.
The injured firefighters were evaluated at a local hospital later in the day, where they received stitches for their injuries.
Fire Station 41 and all the fire apparatus housed there sustained severe damage and are currently unable to be placed back in service.
Through partnerships with the Grand Chute Fire Department, Red Power Deisel Services and Reliant Fire Apparatus, a Pierce dealer, the Fox Crossing Fire Department was able to secure two fire apparatus to maintain emergency response capabilities.
The Village Utility Department also provided a building on Airport Road to serve as a temporary fire station, allowing the department to continue providing fire and emergency response coverage to the east side of the community.
“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our firefighters and the members of our community,” Todd Sweeney, Fire Chief of the Fox Crossing Fire Department said in a news release. “We are extremely grateful that all three firefighters were accounted for following the collapse of the station and that our crew were able to quickly transition from surviving the storm to assisting others in the community.
“We are also incredibly thankful for the assistance and support we have received from our neighboring Fire Departments, Village Departments, business partners, and the community. Their willingness to step forward and help us maintain emergency services during this difficult time demonstrates the strength of the partnerships we have built and the commitment of our community to taking care of one another.”
The July 27 tornado caused significant damage throughout the Fox Crossing area, but the response from firefighters, emergency responders, Village departments, neighboring agencies, businesses, and community members has demonstrated the resilience and strength of the Fox Crossing community and the entire Fox Valley Region.
