Cloquet Area Fire District

Jesse Buhs has dedicated his life to serving his community through the fire service, rising through the ranks from a volunteer firefighter and EMT to eventually becoming the Fire Chief of the Cloquet Area Fire District in November 2021. He has accumulated extensive experience and expertise in firefighting, emergency medical services, and leadership throughout his career. Jesse is known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and dedication to maintaining exceptional service for the community. He has been committed to the Cloquet Area Fire District for over 26 years and is passionate about ensuring its long-term success and sustainability. Jesse believes in leading by example and is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of his fellow firefighters and the residents they serve.

Corey Larson is the Assistant Chief of the CAFD. He has a background in emergency medical services and has held roles such as Training and Safety Officer, Operations Manager, Education Specialist, Paramedic, and Field Training Officer. Corey has shown dedication to ensuring high standards of training and operational safety, and has achieved several notable accomplishments. He holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science and Administration, a Bachelor's Degree in Health Care Administration with a focus on EMS management, and is pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a focus on emergency services management. Corey's focus on his profession and passion for emergency services underscore his dedication and commitment to making a meaningful impact in his community.

Jamie Matthews is an experienced professional with a diverse background in healthcare and emergency services. Currently holding the rank of the districts Administrative Assistant, Jamie plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of district business. With eight years of experience as a Medical Assistant, Jamie aspired to serve as a First Responder, which led to joining the Cloquet Area Fire District (CAFD) as a paid-on-call EMR at Station 2. Jamie's key skills include offering comprehensive support across various aspects of district operations and adeptly multitasking. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending quality time with family and dogs and embracing outdoor activities. Passionate about fire and emergency medical service, Jamie's dedication and expertise continue to make a significant impact on the service provided within the community and the success of CAFD staff in their roles.

Caitlin Wright's professional journey reflects her dedication to education, community outreach, and helping others. She began her career as a preschool teacher, later advancing to oversee the School-Age Care and Curriculum (SACC) program for ISD 94, where she demonstrated her leadership and program development skills. In May 2024, Caitlin joined the Cloquet Area Fire District (CAFD) as the Community Risk Reduction Officer, focusing on public safety and education. With a strong foundation in education and communication, her career is driven by a passion for building relationships and creating meaningful impacts within the community. Caitlin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Deaf Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University of Moorhead. She is certified in Emergency Services Risk Reduction and Leadership Accountability and is a CPR instructor. Caitlin’s dynamic personality, "can-do" attitude and commitment to continuous growth make her a respected professional and an approachable leader. Beyond her career, she enjoys staying active, exploring new experiences, and spending time with family, friends, and her beloved Great Dane and two cats. Caitlin's unique blend of authenticity and dedication underscores her mission to foster positive connections and enhance community well-being.

Jeremy Hutchinson is a committed and skilled firefighter who has worked his way up through various ranks in his career. He started as a volunteer firefighter and eventually became a Captain, Battalion Chief, and beyond. He is highly skilled in connecting with people and fostering strong relationships within his teams and communities. He has taken on additional responsibilities such as teaching and contributing to purchasing decisions. He holds a High School Diploma, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paramedic Technology, a Certificate in Fire Science, and a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Fire and Safety Technology. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, boating, and is on the lookout for new hobbies. What sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in his professional and personal life.

Jason Maki is an experienced firefighter and paramedic who started his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1997. He obtained his EMT certification in 2000 and graduated from the paramedic program at Hibbing Community College in 2004. He joined the City of Cloquet in 2006 and has since then demonstrated exceptional skills and leadership qualities, earning promotions to Fire Equipment Operator/Paramedic in 2020 and Battalion Chief/Paramedic in 2022. Jason holds a diverse array of certifications including Firefighter 1 & 2, Fire Instructor 1, Fire Inspector 1, Fire Officer 2, Fire Apparatus Operator, Fire Investigator, and Paramedic. He finds joy in outdoor activities like hunting, snowmobiling, and 4-wheeling and cherishes family time immensely. Despite his professional accomplishments, he remains humble and values the simple pleasures in life.

Michael Garberg is a dedicated firefighter and emergency services professional who has shown an unwavering commitment to community well-being and safety throughout his career. He started his career with Norman County Ambulance and later joined FM Ambulance in Fargo, ND, where he provided critical medical care. In 2006, he joined the Cloquet Fire Department and gradually climbed the ranks, showcasing his leadership and competence. His dedication and proficiency earned him a promotion to the role of Captain in 2015, followed by his appointment as Battalion Chief in 2022. Michael has achieved certifications as a Firefighter 2, Fire Instructor 1, and Fire Officer 2, and was designated as a Safety Officer by the National Fire Academy. Besides his professional endeavors, Michael enjoys various interests and hobbies such as fishing, deer hunting, and mountain biking.

Joe Pulford is the Training and Safety Officer at CAFD. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter/EMT and has worked as a Paramedic for six years before joining CAFD. He holds an A.A.S. in Paramedic studies and has several certifications, including Incident Safety Officer, Health, and Safety Officer, and AHA instructor. Joe is dedicated to training and safety within firefighting and emergency medical services and is passionate about ensuring the highest standards of preparedness and response.