Meet a Bloomington firefighter

Meet Kirsten Willenbring, a firefighter at Station 5, who has served residents for 23 years.

Willenbring first considered a firefighting career in high school. She attended Hennepin Technical College for basic firefighter training, and then Inver Hills Community College for an Emergency Medical Technician certificate. 

“Training is a primary focus here at the Bloomington Fire Department,” Willenbring said. “Things have changed a lot in the past 20 years and we are fully equipped to handle it.”

A helper by nature, Willenbring also became a registered nurse in 2009, and holds a second job as a post-anesthesia nurse.

“I have learned so much as a firefighter that I use in all areas of my life. It has been a great part-time career for me,” she said. 

To learn more about the Bloomington Fire Department, visit blm.mn/fire.