Sarah Plante Buhs
A Lifetime of Service
Sarah Plante Buhs began her distinguished career in the fire service during her senior year of high school when she received her red card and engaged in wildland firefighting. A year later, she joined the Scanlon Fire Department. Alongside her commitment to public safety, Sarah gained valuable experience in healthcare, working in assisted living and the CMH hospital. Balancing a full-time job and two part-time positions, she attended college night classes, demonstrating her dedication and resilience.
Sarah's career advanced significantly when she became a Captain for the Cloquet Area Fire District (CAFD) at Station 3. She further distinguished herself as the Public Education Officer, where she built and led the public education division, focusing on Community Risk Reduction. Her commitment to public safety and education has been a hallmark of her career.
Sarah's professional repertoire includes excellent communication and storytelling abilities, effective teaching, and a commitment to open-mindedness. She excels in presenting, networking, motivating, and collaboration, complemented by her empathy and leadership skills.
Achievements and Personal Life
Sarah graduated from Cloquet High School and earned an Associate’s degree from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC). Her training includes certifications in Firefighter I and II, EMT, Instructor I and II, Inspector I and II, Public Information Officer (PIO), and Fire and Life Safety Educator I, II, and III.
Sarah enjoys various outdoor activities outside her professional life, including fishing, hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, and maple syrup making. She is an avid reader and a book club member, and she taught herself to crochet during the pandemic. Her love for adventures and the mountains is evident in her hobbies. Sarah is left-handed, played roller derby under the name FacePlante, and is a Vikings fan. Despite an early fear, she crafted the ability to speak publicly through her many roles in the fire service, as a board member, and as a community advocate. Her love of baking comes from the family recipes passed on from generation to generation. Her passion for reading, especially historical fiction, has been a significant part of her life.
Sarah is deeply passionate about her family. Her volunteer work includes serving as the President of the Washington P.I.E. from 2021 to 2023, a member of the Cloquet Education Foundation since 2019, a School Board member since 2023, and a Parks Commissioner since 2022.
Sarah also played a crucial role as a union representative for negotiations at CMH Hospital in 2008. Married to the CAFD Fire Chief, Sarah's life and career are deeply intertwined with her passion for public safety and community service.
Strategic Leadership
Develops and shapes a bold vision for the future of the organizations she leads and ensures the organizations achieve its goals and strategies.
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Community Outreach
Leads efforts to build and enhance the service delivery and operational capacity of the organization, ensuring that the needs of those served are at the core of all decisions.
Empowering Others
Builds on the strong culture of the organization and its people and moves the organization forward with respect, integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of personal and collective accountability.
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Economic Development
Safeguarding the organization's financial health and sustainability, by fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability, Empowers the organization to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
Awards
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