Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Life of Service at Liberty-Eylau Volunteer Fire Department
Fire Chief Kevin Wesselhoft
For Liberty-Eylau Fire Chief Kevin Wesselhoft, serving the community is not just a job. It’s a lifelong calling rooted in family, faith, and a deep commitment to helping others.
Growing up, he watched his father dedicate more than 15 years to the Liberty-Eylau community as Fire Chief. That example of leadership and selfless service inspired him from an early age. He began his own journey as a junior firefighter in the department’s cadet program and has now proudly served the Liberty-Eylau Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years. For the past four years, he has carried on that legacy as Fire Chief. “Watching my father serve this community inspired me to follow in his footsteps,” he says. “It’s been an honor to continue that tradition.”
Some of the most challenging parts of the job are serving the same community where he was raised. Seeing friends or family affected by emergency calls is something that never gets easier.
Despite those difficult moments, he says volunteering has changed his perspective on life. It has shown him that even on someone’s worst day, there are always people willing to answer the call for help. It has also reinforced how strong the Liberty-Eylau community becomes during times of need.
His greatest inspiration has always been his father, followed closely by the senior firefighters who mentored him throughout his career. They taught him the skills, techniques, and values necessary to lead others and perform under pressure.
When asked what skills are most important for a firefighter, his answer is simple: “Situational awareness, staying calm under pressure, and paying attention to detail.”
Faith also plays a major role in helping him through the difficult calls. “First, God,” he says. “Then the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service. Without that fellowship, those difficult calls would be much harder.”
One of his biggest goals as Fire Chief has been to update aging apparatus and equipment, which will better serve the community and enable the best training for the volunteers. When asked what Wesselhoft was most proud of, he says, “ My department.” In addition to the successful grant funding, Liberty-Eylau has been able to purchase new firefighting apparatus vehicles, along with updated
personal protective equipment, communication equipment, and additional training aids for its volunteers.
Today, the Liberty-Eylau Volunteer Fire Department operates with more than 20 dedicated volunteers, seven fire apparatus, and two stations, responding to more than 1,500 calls each year. Their services include fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical services, technical rescue operations, hazardous materials response, disaster response, public assistance, and many other emergency services. While their primary responsibility is serving the Liberty-Eylau community, they also provide mutual aid to surrounding cities and departments whenever assistance is needed.
The department has humble beginnings. Founded in 1978 by David Wesselhoft, Bennie Cornelius, Delbert Cossey, Buddy McFuall, Bill Nichols, Billy Graffe, and with the help of Perry Demarce, the department started in a small church house on Eylau Loop Road. Early operations were funded entirely through bake sales, garage sales, chili suppers, and generous donations from the local Eylau residents. Today, the department continues that same tradition of community support while remaining one of the few departments in the area that is still 100 percent volunteer.
Its mission has not wavered to protect and enhance the safety and well-being of everyone who lives in, visits, or travels through Emergency Services District No. 2. It is committed to education, prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response.
When asked what the department needs most today, his answer comes without hesitation: “Volunteers and community support.” He encourages anyone who has ever considered volunteering to take the leap. “Do it,” he says. “We’ll teach you every step it takes to become a firefighter, while making some of the best friendships along the way.” The department is always accepting volunteers. They are heavily needed. Wesselhoft likes to say, “There’s a job for everyone in the department.”
Community support extends beyond volunteering. Whether attending fundraisers, making donations, or simply showing appreciation, every gesture helps keep the department prepared to answer the next call.
As for how he hopes the community remembers the work of volunteer firefighters, he points to the department’s motto—a phrase that perfectly captures who they are and why they serve: “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” It’s more than a slogan. For the volunteers of the Liberty-Eylau Fire Department, it is a promise that no matter the emergency, someone will always answer the call.