Coulter Fire Department Raises Money for Fire Station Through Fish Fry

The Coulter Fire Department held a fish fry on Saturday, March 22, to raise money for their new fire station. 

Locals stopped by the Coulter Community Center from 5 to 8 p.m. for their fill of fried fish, au gratin potatoes, macaroni salad, green beans, a diner roll and ice cream. 

Fire Chief Kevin Erickson and five crew members staffed the fryers in the old fire station, while about a dozen more volunteers helped out at the community center.

The event was originally set for Wednesday, March 19, but was rescheduled due to the bad snow storm earlier in the week. 

According to Erickson, who’s been in his role for the last 15 years, the city has held the fish fry for more than 75 years. The fire department is currently made up of nine area residents. The old fire station, which was originally a creamery, has been in use since the ‘70s. 

“When the creamery closed, it was turned into a fire station, and it’s just way too small,” he said. “We don’t have enough space. In the new station we would have room for the trucks and room to train. It’s needed.” 

Erickson estimated that the fire station project is about halfway complete, but another approximately $200,000 will be needed to finalize the project by their fall 2025 target date. He said they plan to move into the fire station in the fall, even if it isn’t completely ready. 

The firefighters will complete most of the interior renovations at the new station themselves. Now that the ceiling is done, their next goal is to put steel inside of the building. There are also plans of adding new restrooms with showers in them, along with a kitchen and a meeting room. One item they will not be leaving behind at their old station: the big bell, which was once used to notify firefighters. It will be moved to the new station, once they’re ready, said Erickson. 

“The community has been great for donations and really supportive of us,” said Erickson. “But we’re going to continue to fundraise so watch out for upcoming events.”

If you couldn’t make the dinner but you'd like to make a contribution, you can send a check to: Coulter Fire Department PO Box 60, Coulter, Iowa 50431.