Apple Valley hears Yellow Ribbon veterans update, Chamber expo plans and fire department recruitment push

City staff and community partners used the April 9 Apple Valley City Council meeting to highlight outreach and recruitment efforts across civic life.

Jay, past president of Apple Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, outlined the nonprofit’s volunteer network and activities since the city’s Yellow Ribbon designation in 2012. He said the group has logged more than 11,816 volunteer hours, hosted about 94 military appreciation dinners since 2016 and supported over 263 military families with assorted needs. "We have over 11,816 volunteer hours...we supported over 263 military families," Jay said, and encouraged residents to volunteer.

Ed Kearney, president of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce, promoted the upcoming Home & Garden Expo and credited city–chamber partnerships for drawing thousands of attendees; he said past shows bring roughly 5,000 people through the event and highlighted family programming and city departmental participation to answer permitting questions.

Fire Chief Matt told the council the department is actively recruiting paid‑on‑call firefighters because stations are currently short. He listed minimum qualifications: applicants must be at least 18, hold a valid driver’s license, have a high school diploma or GED and live within four minutes of a fire station. Matt said the city will hold informational meetings and that training is provided for selected applicants.

A council member praised firefighters’ quick responses after describing a ride‑along in which a truck left the station roughly 3 1/2 minutes after a call. The council then approved the calendar of upcoming events (next meeting set for April 23 at 7 p.m.) and adjourned.