MFD promotes new chief

Monticello has a new fire chief. 

Joe Bayne, who’s been on the Monticello Fire Department since 1993, was voted chief by the members of the MFD. 

He was nominated by the voting members on the department and voted into office at the beginning of January. 

“I had people tell me I’d make a good chief,” Bayne said of the nomination. 

Bayne initially started volunteering on the MFD by the urging of former chief Clarence Goedken and his father-in-law Bob Holmes. 

“That sparked my interest,” he said. 

In fact, Bayne and Holmes served on the department together for several years. Bayne’s grandfather also served on the Anamosa Fire Department. 

Last year, Bayne was named captain of the MFD, having been promoted by then-chief, Don McCarthy. 

“The chief, assistant chief, and treasurer are all elected by the members,” explained Bayne. “The officers are appointed by the chief.” 

Rounding out the leadership roles on the MFD are Bill Norton, assistant chief; Josh Kelchen, treasurer; Ron Kelchen, captain and safety officer; Nick Kahler, lieutenant; Don McCarthy, captain; Paul Warner, training officer; David Husmann, assistant training officer. 

When Bayne first got on the fire department, he was newly married, starting a family. His three daughters all volunteered with the junior firefighter program when they were in high school. Now that Bayne’s youngest is graduating in the spring, he said the timing is right to dedicate more time to serve as chief. 

“This brought about a closeness with my girls,” he said fondly. “It was neat for them to see what their dad did. The experience taught them life skills, a sense of security for themselves, and knowing the department always has their back. 

Bayne also served on the Sacred Heart school board for six years, working with the budget. He feels he has some background in running a department. 

“I feel my experience covers a lot,” he said. 

As chief, other than overseeing the department, other duties that fall on the chief include ordering supplies, maintaining equipment and gear, delegating duties, and setting the budget. In addition, there is also a lot of paperwork and fire reports that have to be sent to the state. 

By the end of February there will be a full roster of 35 firefighters on the MFD. Four retired at the end of 2019. 

Bayne said the MFD is unique in that there has always been a waiting list to join the department. He said it has to do with the department’s reputation, integrity, and commitment to the community that makes it attractive. He also credits the Monticello community for always supporting the MFD. 

“We’ve also had a lot of our members’ family members serve over the years,” Bayne said of keeping the job within the family. “A lot carry on that tradition.” 

Bayne said the applicants just want to be a part of something great when it comes to serving their community. 

“I encourage anyone who wants to do this to put their application in,” urged Bayne, “male or female.” 

When Bayne isn’t at the fire station, he works full-time for Irontite Products out of Cedar Rapids. The job is quite flexible, allowing him to work from home most days.