Hudson Fire Department Annual Report: Mike Cartney Named Firefighter of the Year

“Each year we award a member of the department for his or her duties, actions, and accomplishments.  I ask the members for their recommendation, and then I make the final decision. This year’s recipient  has been a member for almost 35 years. In their time here they have shared their experience and  knowledge and performed tasks above and beyond what is asked of them. They respond to calls in all  hours of the day and night and devote many hours to the department. This year’s recipient of  Firefighter of the Year is Mike Cartney”  

-Fire Chief Gary Jochumsen 

To All Rural and City Members:  

Dear Citizens,I have the honor of submitting to you my Fifth annual report for the year ending December 31,  2025. This report lists the general alarms and ambulance calls to which we responded this past year. The  Hudson Fire Department provides fire protection and ambulance service to the City of Hudson, Black Hawk  Township, Lincoln Township, Orange Township, Eagle Township, and part of Grant Township. In 2025 we had  a total of 91 general alarms (fires, accidents, and storm watches) and 166 ambulance calls.  

We currently have 33 active members on the Hudson Fire Department. We have 5 EMT-P; 1 EMT-P-CCP; and  11 EMT to staff our ambulance. We also have 22 firefighters who are certified as Firefighter 1, and 5 certified  as Firefighter 2. If you are interested in becoming a member of the department, please contact a member of the  department and fill out an application.  

We continue to be a Certified Provisional Paramedic Service. Both of our ambulances are certified as advanced  care units. Again this year, several thousand volunteer hours were donated to the community of Hudson and  surrounding townships by Hudson Volunteer Firefighters. These hours included general alarms and ambulance  calls, along with general maintenance work to keep the department in operation. We also had countless hours  donated by our members for training purposes. This is something the community can take pride in.  

The support and cooperation of the Mayor, City Council, Rural Trustees, City Clerk and Staff, Police  Department, City Crew, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Dispatch Center, and the local businesses  makes the operation of the Hudson Fire Department run smoothly.  

To all members of the Hudson Fire Department, thank you for another busy and successful year. Every year  seems to be busier than the previous year through new training requirements, continuing education, calls, etc.  Because of the dedication and efforts of the personnel we are able to respond to calls with the latest techniques  and education.  

In closing I want to thank everyone for the support given to me throughout my role as Fire Chief. I have  enjoyed my time and look forward to serving our community more in the future.  

Respectfully Submitted,  

Chief Gary Jochumsen 

Hudson Fire Department