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Firefighter’s Hall of Fame announces inductees

The North Dakota Firefighter’s Museum Hall of Fame has announced the 2026 inductees into the Hall of Fame with the ceremony to be held on Oct. 10, according to the museum.

The banquet is open to the public and is being held in Garrison. Starting at 4:30 p.m., the museum will hold an open house followed by a remembrance ceremony, social and supper at 5 p.m. and the banquet and induction ceremony at 6 p.m.

Three firefighters will be inducted and honored.

Charles Fortney of Bismarck was an active firefighter from 1963-1967 with the Fargo Fire Department and was the program coordinator for the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association in 1990. Fortney also was the author of "North Dakota Firefighter's Association Firemanship Manual and Intermediate Firefighter Training Course Manual.”

Jim Hamley of Belcourt was with the Belcourt Fire Department from 1983-2021 and served as the fire chief, a member of organizations including the Northern Lights Firemen’s Association, N.D Firefighter’s Association and N.D. Fire Chief’s Association.

Philip Hoffman, born in Medina, was an active firefighter for the Medina Fire Department from 1920-1972. Hoffman was the fire chief and was a member of the North Dakota's Firefighter’s Association. He started the Medina Junior Volunteer Fire Department.

According to the N.D. Firefighter's Museum Hall of Fame, the museum began in 2006 and recognizes firefighters who have made significant contributions to the community on a local and state level. Both active and retired firefighters are eligible for induction, with nominees being selected based on their leadership and accomplishments.