Beltrami County DFL hosts noon Pizza and Programs with fire chief

The Beltrami County Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party will host a "Pizza and Programs" session at noon on Jan. 15 at the county DFL office in Bemidji featuring Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Justin Sherwood. Sherwood will speak about fire department management, operations and safety policies in an informal public discussion designed for residents to engage directly with a local emergency leader.

The monthly series, scheduled during the lunch hour, brings community leaders to the DFL office to discuss topics that shape local services and civic life. The notice announcing the event specified location and time and noted that contact and website information for the Beltrami County DFL is available for residents seeking more details. The format is intended to be conversational and accessible, giving residents an opportunity to raise concerns or learn about day-to-day emergency operations.

Public safety topics such as department management and operations have tangible local implications. Decisions on staffing, training, equipment and deployment shape response times and coverage for Bemidji and surrounding townships. Safety policies influence everything from fire prevention outreach to building inspections and coordination with county emergency services during severe weather or large incidents. While this session will not set formal policy, it allows for community input that can inform elected officials and agency leaders who oversee budgets and operational priorities.

For homeowners, small business operators and renters, understanding how the fire department prioritizes inspections, safety education and mutual aid can affect preparedness decisions and insurance considerations. For volunteers and prospective recruits, the session is an opportunity to hear about recruitment, training expectations and the realities of local emergency management. For local officials and service providers, it is a chance to clarify coordination between departments and identify gaps in emergency coverage or communication.

These small, lunchtime conversations are part of grassroots civic life in Beltrami County, where direct access to officials can shape how services evolve. Bring your questions and concerns—whether about smoke detector programs, response coverage, or how the department adapts to seasonal demands. The takeaway? If local emergency readiness matters to you, this is a low-effort way to get informed and make your voice heard; check the Beltrami County DFL website or contact the county DFL office for exact directions and any registration details. Our two cents? Pack a sandwich, bring your burning questions, and use the hour to better understand how local safety decisions affect your household and neighborhood.