News : 50 years as firefighter: Garrison FD, IFA honor Paul Schellhase

Al Esch, IFA 1st VP; Paul Schellhase; Jack Runge, IFA past president & Garrison Chief Steve Meyer.

Most of Paul Schellhase's 50 years of firefighting until 2011 included waterball fights.

50 years of firefighting: Paul Schellhase carries a hose during a training fire earlier this year.

Garrison Firefighter Paul Schellhase was honored the evening of May 13 for 50 years of service to the department. Schellhase joined the department in May of 1963 and is still an active member. He has served as First and Second Captain and Secretary/Treasurer of the department and currently serves as Safety Officer. He served as President of the Iowa Firefighters Association (IFA) in 1990-1991. Schellhase was recognized with a gold watch from the department and a 50 year certificate from the Iowa Firefighters Association.

Schellhase, a former Garrison Mayor, has also been a legendary waterball fighter. Many trophies won by Paul and his brother remain on display at the Garrison Emergency Services Building. See a story about Paul's retirement from waterball fights HERE.