By Bryce Haugen

Correspondent

Local coffee lovers now have a new way to get caffeinated and support a great cause at the same time.  ¶  Owly Bean Roasters has partnered with the Bluffton Fire Department to create “Volunteer Firefighter Coffee” – “Coffee that answers the call” – a “lights and sirens blend.” It’s roasted at Owly’s location in Wadena.  ¶  On its Facebook page, BFD claimed that “Firefighters run on three things: Caffeine, sarcasm and whatever this call turns in to.”  ¶  The idea for a fire department themed coffee came from the 15-member department’s relief association—the BFD fundraising arm—and proceeds will go to support training, equipment and readiness initiatives, according to Chief Joe Peters. 

Peters said the department typically responds to 40 to 50 calls annually, mainly in the city of Bluffton and Bluffton Township—but also often provides mutual aid to departments across Otter Tail and Wadena counties.

“Fundraising helps us maintain essential equipment and support ongoing operational needs,” Peters said.

The fundraiser is in its early stages, starting in December. It’s already raised more than $450.

“Rather than setting a specific monetary goal,” Peters said, “our hope is to build a sustainable, ongoing source of support for department projects…By expanding the target market and moving this great product beyond our immediate locality, we can support our small department with less burden on our limited tax base. That additional support helps us continue answering the call for our community and neighboring departments.”

Owly’s owner Kyle Hagen “absolutely nailed it,” Peters said, “and once you drink this quality locally roasted coffee, you really can’t go back to your big-box brand.

The blend that was created for the fire department is a bean from Papua New Guinea roasted two ways. The flavor notes are smoky, earthy, and chocolate, Hagen said—profiles that made the most sense when working with a fire department.

“To create a custom roast I will typically take into consideration who the roast is for and try to match the business, organization, or company’s vision,” he said.

Volunteer Firefighter Coffee is available at Owly Coffee & Bean Roasters (for $17 for a 12 ounce bag at https://owlybeanroasters.shopsettings.com/), SuperOne of Wadena, Mills Country Market of New York Mills, Gappa Oil of Bluffton and Bluff Creek Outdoors, among others.

“We plan to continue the campaign as long as the community supports it and we are actively looking for additional local retailers interested in partnering with us,” Peters said. “The most rewarding part of this project has been watching our community and local businesses rally behind their volunteer fire department. Partnering with Owly Coffee has been especially meaningful…Their team consistently delivers some of the best coffee and drinks around, and their willingness to support a small rural department speaks volumes. We’re grateful for their creativity, generosity, and commitment to helping us build something that benefits the entire community.”

Owly Bean Roasters roasts for its own shop in Wadena – Owly Coffee Company – as well as other shops in Verndale, Robbinsdale, Detroit Lakes, and Ironton in addition to roasting for D1 athletes, World Team Member athletes, schools, and grocery stores.

“(We’re) always willing to discuss collaborating with others (for fundraisers),” Hagen said, adding if anyone is interested, they can reach out via email at owlycoffee409@gmail.com. “Community is everything … Giving back and helping is a super important thing to do in life.”