Minot firefighter retires after serving community for three decades

MINOT, N.D. – A longtime firefighter announced he will retire after a lengthy career with the Minot Fire Department.

After roughly 30 years of serving with the Minot Fire Department, it’s Assistant Fire Chief Lonnie Sather’s last day on the job.

He said it’s bittersweet to say goodbye.

“I have very mixed emotions. I’m going to miss a lot of things about what I do here but mostly I’m going to miss the people,” said Sather.

After volunteering with the Velva Fire Department in the ’80s, Sather joined Minot’s Fire Department in 1991 and worked his way up through the ranks until becoming assistant fire chief three years ago.

“I’m truly thankful for him, especially through the pandemic having that calm guide to help me navigate through that, and help navigate our team through it I’m really going to miss him,” said Minot Fire Chief Kelli Kronschnabel.

The department and some city leaders thanked Sather for his service in a ceremony Friday.

“It’s a dedication that most people don’t understand,” said Minot Mayor Shaun Sipma.

Sather said he has responded to thousands of calls during his career, and assisting people has always been his favorite part.

“The satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping or at least you’re doing your best to help,” said Sather.

As for what the Sathers will do next, Lonnie’s wife Rhonda said they are still making plans.

“We are going to take the year and kind of figure out what we want to do. Lonnie’s taking the summer off and he’s going to the lake and he’s going to fish and camp all summer, and I hope he enjoys himself he deserves it,” said Rhonda Sather.

Sather also served as the department’s captain and battalion chief.