Morton’s Public Safety Department
The City of Morton’s Public Safety Department consists of the Law Enforcement partnership and our Morton Fire Department. Together this team works hard to keep our community safe. Residents are asked to call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergency situations, please call 320-523-1161.
Law Enforcement
Morton has been contracting with the Renville Sheriff Dept since 2011. The contracts are for a length of 3 years at a time. Morton and Franklin share a contract car, which means we have one Deputy that oversees Morton. That deputy “bids'' for the contract at the Sheriff’s dept to be our contract car. Renville County Sheriff provides all law enforcement services for the City. Not only follows the State Statues, but also any other Ordinances the City of Morton follows.
Morton Fire Department
Our small, quiet community is fortunate to have the Morton Fire Department and first responder unit since 1888. The Morton Fire Department is intended to have a 25 person team. There are currently 19 volunteer department members.
Members receive compensation for attendance at meetings and participation in calls. They also receive retirement benefits for active membership. The volunteer department contributes toward the needs of the community through their administration of charitable gambling (sale of pull tabs).
What does it take to become a volunteer firefighter?
Citizens of Morton interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter are invited to attend a Morton Fire Department meeting for the initial meet and greet. If, after attending the meeting, you are interested in joining the department you will need to visit the City Clerk at the City Office to submit your application.
City of Morton Fire Department History
The beginning of the Morton Fire Department was on June 5, 1888. On this day the department purchased a fire engine from New Ulm. The first fire truck purchased was a Chevrolet in 1924, bought by the Simons Brothers. This fire truck is still in possession of the Fire Department today and sits in their Fire Hall.
In 1957, the citizens of Morton voted to build a new Fire Hall, and this is now currently the new City Shop. The first water tank was purchased in 1972, which was necessary to help fight rural fires. Radios did not become a necessity until 1980, when they were installed in both the fire and water truck with the base station at the firehall.
Meet the Team
- Tony Mages: Fire Chief since February 14, 2012; Member since 1999
- Ryan Becklund - Member since 2003, Assistant Chief
- Ethan Bernhardson - Member since 2021
- Dan Haase - Member since 2011
- Chad Luckhardt - Member since 2008
- Brandon Mude - Member since 2024
- Troy Mude - Member since 1995
- Ray Munoz - Member since 1998, Asst Chief
- Jim Nesbury - Member since 1994
- Ricardo Nunez - Member since 2022
- Justin Reinke - Member since 2021
- Matt Robinson - Member since 1999
- Sam Robinson - Member since 2023
- Tom Robinson - Member since 1991
- Dale Ruebel - Member since 2021
- Darren Sam - Member since 2021
- Laron Schottenbaurer - Member since 2012
- Lonnie Schottenbaurer - Member since 2014
- Leif U’Ren - Member since 2020
Membership Awards
5+ Years as a Morton Firefighter
Lonnie Schottenbauer
10+ Years as a Morton Firefighter
Laron Schottenbauer
Dan Haase
15 Years as a Morton Firefighter
Chad Luckhardt
20+ Years as a Morton Firefighter
Tony Mages
Matt Robinson
Ryan Becklund
25+ Years as a Morton Firefighter
Jim Nesburg
Ramon Munoz
Troy Mude
Tom Robinson