POTD: A bottle to be proud of

Metro Wire Staff

DEWEY — Tiffani Sadogierski, an EMT with the Dewey Fire Department, proudly holds up a special bottle of Point Special beer during a fundraiser event at River’s Edge Campground.

The bottle, adorned with the department’s logo, was part of a commemorative case of beer presented to the department by Point Brewery in recognition of the DFD’s 50th anniversary.

Special guests at the event included Portage County Executive John Pavelski, who read a proclamation, Matt and Jodi Berndt, owners of the Stevens Point location of Firehouse Subs, and Julie Birrenkott, a representative of Point Brewery.

“We heard that if the fire department saved the garage years ago, they would get a case of Point beer, so this is kind of coming full circle,” said Birrenkott. “In honor of your service to the community, we wanted to commemorate you.”

The Berndts also gifted the department a platter of cookies and a commemorative 50th-anniversary flag adorned with the Dewey Fire Department’s logo. Matt Berndt, a firefighter in Kronenwetter, said he understood firsthand the importance of tradition within the firehouse.

Chief Brian Lepper and Capt. Leroy Pukrup acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a full crew due to increasing educational requirements but expressed pride in the current team.

Those interested in joining the Dewey Fire Department can call (715) 344-2343.