UPDATE: West Fargo Fire Marshal Dell Sprecher has just been honored for his 35 years of service, and he shows no signs of retiring anytime soon, as confirmed at the West Fargo Fire Department’s recent award banquet. At 65 years old, Sprecher continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the department into a full-time, municipal fire service that now serves nearly 40,000 residents.
Sprecher, who began his journey in the West Fargo Fire Department in 1988, has dedicated his career to adapting and evolving with the needs of the community. “When that time comes [to retire], it’ll come,” Sprecher stated. “If you like what you do, why stop doing it?” This sentiment resonates deeply as his career spans a time when only 10% of career firefighters were over the age of 60, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Over the years, Sprecher has worn many hats—from fire inspector to assistant chief, and now fire marshal—demonstrating an exceptional ability to embrace change. Under his leadership, the department has shifted from a volunteer-based structure to a robust, full-time service capable of handling a wider range of emergencies, including medical calls.
In 2018, as the department transitioned to a paid service, Sprecher took on the role of fire marshal, allowing him to focus solely on fire safety and community risk reduction. His efforts have led to significant improvements in fire safety education and compliance inspections, which are vital for protecting public safety.
Fire Chief Dan Fuller praised Sprecher for his innovative approach and his commitment to the community. “He runs the best community risk reduction program we’ve ever had here,” Fuller said. “His empathy toward those vulnerable people in our community is evident.” The program has already saved hundreds of unnecessary 911 calls each year, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Sprecher attributes the success of these initiatives to his strategy of hiring skilled team members. “I strongly believe in hiring smart,” he noted, emphasizing his commitment to building a capable and compassionate team dedicated to serving the community.
The West Fargo Fire Department has evolved dramatically since Sprecher joined, transitioning from a small, volunteer service to a full-fledged municipal department. This change, according to Sprecher, was long overdue. “It needed to be a long time ago,” he said. “We’re a part of the city now, and it’s been nice.”
As he reflects on his nearly four-decade-long career, Sprecher remains passionate about his work. “For once in my life, I’m in a spot where I can do mostly one thing and not so many things at once,” he explained. “As long as I have my health and I’m walking on two feet, I’m good to go.”
As the West Fargo community continues to grow, Sprecher’s role as fire marshal will be crucial in ensuring safety and preparedness. His dedication and experience serve as a testament to the importance of adapting in a changing world of firefighting and emergency response.
Residents of West Fargo can rest assured knowing that they have a committed and seasoned professional at the helm, ready to guide the department into the future. Stay tuned for more updates on Sprecher’s initiatives and the ongoing evolution of the West Fargo Fire Department.
