Ruthven Fire Department launches online fundraiser for new fire station
RUTHVEN, Iowa (KTIV) – A Siouxland fire department is raising money to build a new fire station.
Firefighters at the Ruthven Fire Department launched a fundraising campaign to raise $800,000 for a new fire station.
The department says the current station was built in 1978 and no longer meets the station’s fire and rescue needs. It lacks the space for equipment, training areas, and safe volunteer accommodations.
“We’ve been in tight spots before,” said Ruthven Fire Chief Kevin Bates, “On Mother’s Day 1977, our fire station burned down, resulting in a total loss. We were fortunate; we were able to reconstruct. Fire Departments in surrounding areas donated fire trucks to assist with the rebuild.”
The department’s Assistant Chief, Jake Treybal, says the department knows this is a big ask.
“We know this is a big ask, but broken into small pieces, it becomes achievable says Chief Treybal, ”If 8,000 people reading or watching this story, gave just $100, or 16,000 gave $50 – we’d hit our goal. That’s the power of community.”
The fire department is 100% volunteer-run and serves the City of Ruthven, Lost Island Township, Freeman Township and Lake Township.
According to the latest U.S. Census data, Ruthven has a population of over 750, while Lost Island has over 150 residents, Freeman has 372, and Lake has 188.
Ruthven firefighters say the campaign is hosted through the fire department’s Facebook page and website, which allows the community and supporters to make small, secure donations through Venmo.
“Every dollar truly makes a difference,” said Fire Chief Kevin Bates. “Whether it’s $1, $5, $10, or more, we’re inviting our communities alike to help us in coming together and help us build a safer future.”
How to Donate
- Check out The Ruthven Fire Department’s Facebook page.
- Find the Department’s Venmo or mail a donation to
Iowa State Bank
PO Box 249
Ruthven, Iowa 51358.
Want to get the latest news and weather from Siouxland’s News Source? Follow these links to download our KTIV News app and our First Alert Weather app.
Copyright 2025 KTIV. All rights reserved.