Largely rural town of Nowthen now has its own fire department Nowthen gets its own fire department after ending contract with Ramsey April 27, 2021 — 2:57pm Text size Copy shortlink: "Welcome to firefighting," the broadcast announcement from Anoka County Public Safety said. "Congratulations." A few hours later, firefighters answered the new department's first call: A tree had fallen on power lines. Nowthen, in northwestern Anoka County, became a city 13 years ago and contracted with neighboring Ramsey for fire services. But rising administrative costs and different service needs in the two communities led to an amicable breakup and separate departments. As many as 15 firefighters who had been on Ramsey's payroll will shift to Nowthen.