The fire alarm went off around 5 a.m. Feb. 19. Dakota Knourek, Roberts son, was the first one to hear the alarm. He ran outside and was able to move all of the vehicles and equipment away from the fire. Dakota was 14 years old at the time.

            The familys prize-winning bird dog, Woody, had been sleeping in the office that night. Robert had gone into the burning office building to try and get Woody when he gave up, realizing he had to get out.

            Dakota convinced me to go around to the other side of the office where there was another window, recalled Robert. We could hear a sound inside so I went in through the window. I shouldnt have gone in but when your son is standing there and you can hear your dog, I knew I had to try and do something.

            Robert said while struggling with the heavy smoke, he was able to find Woody. I got lost in the fire and smoke, though, remembered Robert. Dakota kept yelling so I could find the window. I got Woody to the window, and Dakota helped me get him out as I pushed and he pulled.

            Once he got outside and discovered the dog wasnt breathing, Robert blew into Woodys nostrils.

            After escaping and recovering from a dangerous situation, Woody is back hunting again. The national champion bird dogs only issue - he doesnt like being left alone, and he never sleeps alone anymore.

            It was determined the fire started after embers from a pellet-burning stove ignited dried grass.  A metal building containing the business custom equipment was destroyed in the fire after the fire spread and managed to get inside the structures walls.

            Our office was in that building along with five generations of family records and heirlooms, said Robert. The firemen focused getting all of our belongings out. They formed a line and just kept hauling everything out.

            The Taylor Fire Department fought the blaze for 6 1/2 hours. One firefighter did have to be taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and fatigue. The Melrose and Black River Falls fire departments provide mutual aid. 

            Woodworkers Tool Works is up and running again. After a year of thinking back and realizing things could have been a lot worse, the Knourek family wanted to say, Thank you, to the firemen that went way beyond the call of duty that morning. Members of the Taylor Fire Department were Knoureks dinner guests last week. On the menu was prime rib. After dinner, Knourek took them on a tour of the new construction.

            Everyone had a great time, and they were all happy to see that Woody had fully recovered and how much he enjoys all the special attention, said Knourek.

            What they did that day to save what they were able to, I was very humbled, shared Robert. We could not have done what they did for us. It meant a lot to me.