Van Meter Fire Department

10/03/2026

Today, VMFD had the honor of being at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery for the procession of 16 unclaimed Veterans, organized by The Final Salute.

It was a powerful reminder that no Veteran should ever be forgotten. We were grateful to be there to show our respect and help honor these men and women for their service to our country.

We are also incredibly thankful to have the Iowa Veterans Cemetery right here in Van Meter. It is a special place in our community, and we’re proud to be able to support moments like this.

Thank you to these 16 Veterans for their service and sacrifice. May they rest in peace and always be remembered. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

10/02/2026

Congratulations, Luke! One of the amazing paramedics at Dallas County EMS!

09/23/2026

🚨 Not everything you see or hear during an emergency is accurate.

When an emergency happens, information can spread quickly through social media, text messages, group chats, and word of mouth. While sharing information can help keep people informed, sharing information that hasn’t been verified can create confusion, spread fear, and make it harder for people to know what to do.

Before you share:
🔎 Verify the source — Is the information coming from a trusted, official source?
📢 Look for official updates — Check emergency management, government agencies, and other reliable sources.
⏸️ Think before you share — If you can’t confirm it, don’t pass it along.
✅ Share confirmed information — Help your friends, family, and neighbors stay informed with accurate information.

When emergencies happen, pause, check, and share responsibly. 🛑📱

09/18/2026

A few VMFD members took advantage of the evening to get in some extra training on hose line deployment. Shortly after wrapping up and getting everything cleaned up, we were dispatched to a structure fire.

A great reminder that training—and extra training—truly matters. The work we put in beforehand helps ensure we’re ready when the call comes.

Great job by everyone involved! 🔥🚒

09/18/2026

09/11/2026

🔥 We are still looking for passionate individual(s) to fill this gear locker! Willing to help your community & neighbors in times of need? Don’t hesitate to contact Chief Schmitt at [email protected] for more information of you’re interested!

🔥 This gear locker could be yours! We’re looking for passionate and motivated volunteer firefighters to serve our community.

🧑‍🚒 No experience necessary! Training/certifications are free! Minimum training requirements are Firefighter I and EMR or EMT certifications.

Email Chief Schmitt at [email protected] for more information or questions!

09/11/2026

25 years. Never forget. 🇺🇸

09/09/2026

Always a fun time training with our neighbors to the west! 😄

🌧️🚒 The rain didn’t keep us from training!

Tonight, members of the De Soto Fire Department and Van Meter Fire Department came together for some hands-on drafting and water supply training.

Crews worked through everything from pulling up to the scene to initial drafting setup and operations to establishing an extended drafting operation for incidents requiring a sustained water supply.

Training together helps both departments stay sharp, improve communication, and ensures our crews are ready to work seamlessly when the call comes in.

A little rain never hurt anyone — especially when you’re already playing with water! 💦🔥

09/06/2026

🚒 The work doesn’t stop when we leave the scene.

After a fire or EMS call, our firefighters still have plenty of work to do before the trucks are ready for the next emergency.

That can include washing and cleaning the apparatus, disinfecting equipment, restocking medical supplies, refueling the truck, putting equipment back in service, and completing the required reports from the call.

Whether the call ends at 3:00 AM on a weeknight or 6:00 PM on a weekend, the standard is the same — everything needs to be cleaned, stocked, documented, fueled, and ready to go for the next person who calls 911.

We take immense pride in caring for the apparatus and equipment our community and taxpayers have provided. Keeping our trucks clean, maintained, and ready for service is part of being responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to our department.

Pictured is one of our firefighters getting ready to wash Rescue 842 after an EMS call — just one of the many things that happens behind the scenes after the emergency is over.

We’re proud of our volunteers who put in the extra time after every call to make sure Van Meter is ready for the next one. 🚒

09/04/2026

Don't labor over finding a sober ride this holiday weekend- Use this voucher from Doll Distributing!

Voucher is valid from 9/4-9/7 in Iowa and has limited quantities available. Plan ahead, have fun, and get home safely!