Not long ago, the communities of Loretto, Hamel, and Maple Plain each had their own fire department. Today, they share one — and that’s a good thing for everyone.
West Suburban Fire District was formed in July 2023 when the Loretto and Hamel Fire Departments merged. On January 1, 2026, the Maple Plain Fire Department joined the district, bringing our total coverage to roughly 75 square miles and seven communities: Loretto, Hamel, Maple Plain, Medina, Independence, Corcoran, and Greenfield.
This didn’t happen overnight. It took years of planning, honest conversations, and a lot of hard work from the people involved — firefighters, leadership, and local officials alike.
Why consolidate?
Fire departments across Minnesota are facing the same challenges: it’s harder to recruit and retain firefighters, equipment costs continue to rise, and communities are growing. Combining resources allows us to respond more effectively, operate more efficiently, and plan for the long term.
As Chief Jeff Leuer put it, the goal was simple: join resources, join forces, and become one entity built to last.
What it means for our communities
For residents, the day-to-day experience of calling 911 hasn’t changed. What has changed is what’s behind that response — more personnel operating under shared training and procedures, better access to resources, and a department positioned to grow alongside the communities it serves.
We were recently featured in Firehouse Magazine as part of a statewide look at this trend. It’s a reminder that what we’re doing here isn’t just a local story — it’s part of a larger shift in how fire service is delivered in Minnesota.
What’s next
We’re focused on continuing to build a strong, unified team across all three stations. That means investing in training, recruiting the next generation of firefighters, and strengthening our connection to every community in the district.
The foundation is in place. The work continues.