City of Victoria, MN

Victoria firefighter recognized during the second annual Emergency Responders Luncheon hosted by the Southwest Chamber of Commerce on April 24, 2024.

The event honored local first responders in the four cities — Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, and Victoria — covered by the chamber. It also raised funds for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association and the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association.

During the event, organizers gave special recognition to individuals or groups within each of the first responder agencies or organizations that work within the four cities. From the first responders that serve Victoria, Firefighter Dahl was recognized for his efforts with the Victoria Fire Department. Firefighter Steve Hardek accepted the award on his behalf during the event.

Service in the Form of Safety
Since joining the Victoria Fire Department in 1988, Steve Dahl has dedicated his time to the safety of our community. The Victoria Fire Department was honored to nominate Firefighter Dahl for recognition during the event. Deputy Fire Chief Trenton Klos submitted the following nomination letter for Steve.

Steve Dahl has been a dedicated member of the Victoria Fire Department for over 36 years. In those years of service, he has responded to thousands of calls for service and has touched countless lives. Whenever our firefighters have fire service-related questions or need some advice, they always seek out Steve. With his vast experience as an operator and firefighter, he will have an answer and is always willing to share his knowledge.

Steve has been part of many memorable calls, as he has responded to approximately 70% of calls for service throughout his long and decorated career. One of Steve’s greatest calls was when the Victoria Fire Department was paged to a house fire on a cold January day in 2012. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a working fire, with flames coming from the windows of the house, and a report of a person still inside. Steve and the rest of the first- arriving engine crew made entry into the house, working their way to the second floor where the victim was reported to be. Firefighters were met by heavy smoke conditions, causing low visibility and active fire, creating high heat. The crew was able to knock the fire down, locate the victim in an upstairs bedroom, successfully get her out of the house and to a waiting ambulance for medical treatment and transport to the hospital.

This is just one example of Steve’s dedication and service to the community. On behalf of the entire Victoria Fire Department and all the citizens of Victoria, I want to thank Steve for his 36 years of service with the fire department and our community. We are looking forward to him continuing to serve as a member of the organization for many years to come.

Victoria is honored to have Firefighter Dahl serve our community. Thank you to all of our first responders for your service and commitment to keeping Victoria safe.