2012 TO EMERGENCY PERSONNEL 2011
OCTOBER 7-13, 2012 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEWS-REVIEW VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW AND THE THE THREE THREE LAKES LAKES NEWS NEWS AND
Page 2
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
INDEX TEAMWORK Emergency preparation and financial planning both take teamwork. Most emergency situations require the coordinated efforts of several departments and many individuals.
We salute these dedicated volunteers. Whatever your financial goals, we can help you come out a winner. Ripco Credit Union has been serving the Northwoods since 1932.
ARBOR VITAE Fire Department & EMTs
Pages 61 & 62 BOULDER JUNCTION
Fire Department & EMTs
Pages 67 & 68 CONOVER
Fire Department & EMTs
Pages 38-41 & 43 EAGLE RIVER
Fire Department EMTs City of Eagle River Police Department
Pages 3-7 Pages 18 & 19 Page 8
LAC DU FLAMBEAU Fire Department & EMTs
Pages 63 & 64 LAND O’ LAKES
Fire Department & EMTs
Pages 32, 33, 35 & 36 MANITOWISH WATERS
Fire Department & EMTs
Pages 69 & 70 PHELPS
Fire Department & EMTs
Pages 26-30 PLUM LAKE
Fire Department & EMTs
Pages 44-47 PRESQUE ISLE
Eagle River Branch 633 N. Railroad St., Eagle River, WI 54521 Rhinelander Office 121 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501
Fire Department & EMTs
715-479-4491 or toll-free 1-877-365-4800
Fire Department
Serving everyone who lives, works or owns real estate in the counties of Vilas, Florence, Forest, Oneida, Langlade, Lincoln and Price.
www.ripco.org
You can avoid a disaster with a few safety precautions. Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home and work area.
Fire Prevention Home Checklist 7. Is furnace room neat and free of combustible materials? 8. Is building free of wastepaper, garbage, etc. outside and in? 9. Is fire department phone number posted near the phone? 10. How many fire extinguishers? Are they serviceable? 11. Are basement and attic free of combustible material and liquids? Are stairways and hallways clear for good exit purposes? Are there two ways of escape from every room?
FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE PREVENTION!
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OUR STORE HOURS Mon. thru Fri. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ST. GERMAIN Fire Department & EMTs
Pages 20-24 SUGAR CAMP Pages 50-53 THREE LAKES
Fire Department & EMTs (Oneida County Medic 10)
VISA, MASTERCARD AND DISCOVER WELCOMED AT PARTICIPATING STORES
715-479-4496 606 E. Wall St., Eagle River
Pages 10, 11, 13, 15 & 16
VILAS COUNTY Vilas County Sheriff’s Department WINCHESTER Fire Department & EMTs WOODRUFF Fire Department & EMTs
Dispatchers
Know that carelessness is a major cause in many fires.
1. Is electricity delivered to a centrally located switch box? 2. Are all fuses of the proper size and does the wiring look good? 3. Are extension cords hooked properly? Are they in good condition? 4. Are motor fuels stored in proper places and in proper containers? 5. Are cleaning fuels and other cleaning liquids properly stored? Are cleaning rags stored properly? 6. Have stoves and heating equipment been kept in good repair?
Pages 55 & 56
Some call them dispatchers Others are called operator or clerk Or telecommunicator or aide Some are police officers; most are not Some are firefighters; most are not The name is not important But they are. Dispatchers serve many masters Yet they are masters themselves Some serve the police, or fire Others service the EMS, or sheriffs Some serve the highway patrol Many serve all of these Yet that’s not important But they are. Dispatchers perform many functions They command the radio channels That no one else understands They make sense of the unsensible Hear the unhearable Remember everything, forget nothing Yet that’s not important But they are. Emergency phone calls are never-ending Problems to make a priest blush Crises that defy resolution Complexities to confound a lawyer With the clock running Someone is watching Are they performing up to speed? Yet that’s not important But they are. Some deal with problems at the counter Is the computer up? The officer needs the information Now!
Page 60 Pages 65 & 66 Pages 57 & 59
By Alan Burton
Doesn’t anyone realize that lives Are at stake here? Isn’t this important? Expectations are high Pay too often is low Hours are usually long Shiftwork and overtime Christmas and Easter Complaints are of no avail There is no one to listen Yet that’s not important. Dispatchers are expected to know What a police officer knows Without the same training For who does the officer look to For questions about the law Resources that are needed For help . . . Of course that’s not important either. Dispatchers are the hub, we know They are the center of the universe We know Even if no one else does And that IS important. Dispatching is an outrageous career But most won’t make it a career Few people can take it Few people would want to Few people have the stamina Few people can afford it And that IS important. Police officers need dispatchers Firefighters need dispatchers The community needs dispatchers And that IS important. And so are They.
--Written in commemoration of the first National Dispatchers Week — 1987
EAGLE RIVER Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 3
Eagle River adds new utility vehicle for trail rescues, wildfire suppression ___________ BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR
___________
The Eagle River Area Fire Department purchased a new utility vehicle in 2012, improving the department’s trail rescue capabilites no matter what the season or trail condition. The four-wheel drive John Deere Gator 825i features tracks and wheels for all trail conditions, an enclosed cab and a rear Medlite transport box with a Stokes basket for transporting accident victims, according to Assistant Fire Chief Tripp Anderson. “The Gator replaces a 1996 Polaris sixwheel all-terrain vehicle that we got from the hospital when we took over the rescue duties for Eagle River Memorial Hospital in 2006,” said Anderson. “The department also is applying for a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grant for a fire suppression unit for the back. Then we could use it for battling wildfires.” The fire suppression unit will cost about $8,000 and will include a water tank, a foam system, hose reel and space for a Stokes basket, though there wouldn’t be space for a First Responder seat. The specialized rescue vehicle cost the department about $25,000 with the medical unit and other features. Anderson said the department still needs to add emergency lighting and decals to the rig. While the department has a trailer for the Gator, Anderson said the squad is considering purchasing an enclosed trailer for the machine. Other features of the Gator, purchased at Lakeland Lawn & Equipment in Arbor Vitae, include power steering, side-by-side seating for two rescue personnel in the heated cab and a seat in the rear Medlite unit for a First Responder. The tracks can be taken off and replaced with wheels. “The tracks are supposed to handle a variety of trail conditions, including deep snow, so we probably will leave them on year-round,” said Anderson. “We also can use this on a snow- and ice-covered lake for rescues.” The department funded the vehicle with a gift from the Bernadine “Bunny” Venn estate, funds from the department’s cream puff trailer and proceeds from the annual pond hockey event, according to Deputy Chief Jim Bonson. “The firefighters took this on as their own project, without any money from the fire department commission,” said Bonson. “It’s a gift from the firefighters to the commission.” Last year, the Eagle River department refurbished one of its tanker trucks, adding a new stainless-steel tank, new tires and much-needed additional equipment at a cost of about $90,000. “If we had to replace the complete truck, we’d probably be talking about a quarter of a million dollars,” said Fire
Displaying a new utility vehicle designed for trail rescues are Eagle River Area Fire Department firefighters, from left, Art Granat, Peter
Chief Patrick Weber. “It’s going to buy us at least another 15 years out of the unit, then maybe we’ll have to look at a chassis.” The refurbishing project was funded through a capital outlay through the fire commission for vehicle replacements. The department also received two grants last year to help update its radios to comply with new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, which require public safety departments to switch over to narrow-band frequencies. The change provides more air space for emergency radio traffic, according to Anderson. “A number of our radios were compatible for reprogramming, but some of them weren’t,” he said. “The new radios were approved by some grants, one through the Department of Natural Resources and one federal grant, the Homeland Security grant.” In addition to new portable radios, the
Anderson III and Jim Kauzlaric. The three were members of the committee to purchase the rig. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
department purchased mobile radios for inside of its trucks. The total cost for the new radios was around $30,000. The department put a used Pierce Arrow ladder truck into service in 2010. The 1984 truck was bought from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District in McHenry, Ill., for $55,000, funded by the fire commission. The truck features a three-section 100foot tower ladder with a platform, a sevenperson cab and a 200-gallon water tank. “There is a water nozzle in the bucket that is controlled from the platform or from the bottom of the truck,” said Weber. “There are three water lines in the bucket, where there is room for two firefighters.” Other equipment on the truck, which was purchased new by the McHenry Township in 1984 for $450,000, includes a 1,250-gallons-per-minute (gpm) two-stage pump, a 12-kilowatt diesel-powered generator, scene lights, 110-volt power outlets and additional ground ladders.
Additional rescue duties Eagle River purchased more than $68,000 in rescue equipment the past five years. Most of the equipment is used on the department’s rescue truck, which responds to accidents, fires and other emergencies. “We took over the rescue duties for Eagle River Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service in August of 2006, so we continue to add equipment and training to go along with those responsibilities,” said Weber. While the hospital still supplies the ambulances and paramedics for rescue calls, the Eagle River department responds with a rescue truck and trained personnel. The newest rescue equipment includes front bumper-mounted hydraulic tools costing $25,000, two car stabilization kits at $8,100, a 10-ton air cushion lift kit at To EAGLE RIVER, Pg. 5
EAGLE RIVER Page 4
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Patrick Weber
James Bonson
Jack Thomas
Length of service: 40 years Rank: Chief Employer: Eagle River Light & Water
Length of service: 28 years Rank: Deputy Chief Employer: None given
Length of service: 55 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Retired
Patrick, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, emergency medical response, cold-water rescue, NIMS, self-contained breathing apparatus, pumps and pumping-ladders, company officer, defib, LP gas fires, hazardous materials tech level, arson detection, educational methodology and fire instructor. He is also certified in CPR.
Jim, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, emergency medical response, cold-water rescue, NIMS, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials, LP gas fires, self-contained breathing apparatus, defib, vehicle fires, pumps and pumping and Learning thru Burning. He is chairman and treasurer of the Joint Municipal Fire Commission. He is also certified in CPR.
Jack, of Eagle River, has completed the Firefighter I course and has had training in all aspects of fire-fighting and command.
1695 Hwy. 45 North Eagle River
Robert “Mac” McDonald
622 E. Wall St. Eagle River, Wis. (715) 479-6631
(715) 479-8191
Peter “Tripp” Anderson III
Karl Nikolai
Length of service: 40 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Retired
Length of service: 38 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Anderson Insurance Agency
Length of service: 23 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Retired
Mac, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, emergency medical response, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials, LP gas fires, self-contained breathing apparatus, vehicle fires, pumps and pump maintenance and vehicle maintenance. He is a member of the North Woods Fire Prevention Committee and is the media liaison officer.
Tripp, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, breathing apparatus, ladder practices, pumps and pumping, vehicle fires, Learning thru Burning, LP gas fires, hazardous materials, defib, emergency medical response, cold-water rescue, NIMS and vehicle extrication.
Karl, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, vehicle extrication, cold-water rescue, NIMS, defib and search and rescue. He is also the department’s public fire education director and fire inspector.
DON SCHARF AUTOMOTIVE
eaglewasteandrecycling.com 715-477-0077 Eagle River
Mike Gough Length of service: 36 years Rank: Captain Employer: Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation Services Mike, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, breathing apparatus, pumper tech, ladder practices, LP gas fires, hazardous materials, rural fire techniques, fire/arson detection and vehicle extrication. He is a nationally registered EMT-P. He has been a volunteer EMT for the Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service for 33 years. He is also the Vilas County chief deputy coroner.
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Eagle River
870 Hwy. 17 South, Eagle River
Mike Dreger
James Kauzlaric
Length of service: 25 years Rank: Captain Employer: Vilas County Highway Dept.
Length of service: 23 years Rank: Captain Employer: Self-employed
Mike, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, emergency medical response, cold-water rescue, vehicle extrication, NIMS, wildland fire suppression, ladder practices and breathing apparatus. He is also certified in CPR and is an assistant public fire education director.
Jim, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, cold-water rescue, NIMS, vehicle extrication, self-contained breathing apparatus and defib. He is also certified in CPR.
NORTHERN GLASS CO., INC. www.northernglasscompany.com Eagle River
(715) 479-8597
Full-Service Body Repair Center 4895 Hwy. 70W Eagle River 715-479-9444
EAGLE RIVER Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Eagle River
signed roll-up doors and roll-out trays. The vehicle carries electrical cord reels and air hose reels, portable generators, a foam unit, lighting equipment, positive ventilation fans, miscellaneous hand tools and ladders. “The truck also has a built-in 25,000-watt generator and four telescopic lights (two of them removable) to light up an accident or fire scene,” said Weber. “It also has a Cascade system for filling air bottles.” In 2005, the department installed a Unicus Bauer compressor in the fire station, which is used to fill air tanks or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Weber said the department has installed integrated pass devices on the SCBAs. The device is an alarm system in the event a firefighter gets hurt or becomes unconscious while fighting a fire inside a building.
FROM PAGE 3 $6,642, a defibrillator at $2,000 and six search-and-rescue helmets at $540. “The hydraulic tools (cutter and spreader) each have 100 feet of spooled air hose connected to a motor in the rear of the truck,” said Bonson. “We can pull the rescue truck up to an accident scene and be ready to go.” The department also purchased 24 Scott voice amplifiers for $6,216 through a grant. “The voice amplifiers are for the firefighters’ face pieces which promote where a self-contained breathing apparatus is required,” said Bonson. “They promote stronger person-to-person communications by projecting the user’s voice clearer and farther than it would with no application at all.” All the equipment was purchased through a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, with the grant covering $65,466 and the fire department paying for 5%, or $3,440. Because many of the Eagle River firefighters are now trained as emergency medical responders and are certified in vehicle extrication, having the proper equipment was essential, according to Bonson. Some firefighters were certified in cold-water rescue in 2007, when the department purchased a self-inflating ice rescue boat, Mustang flotation suits, ropes and life jackets. The department also has a fully equipped and trained rapid intervention team (RIT) to locate and rescue an injured or trapped firefighter. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an average of 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year and thousands succumb to other types of injuries. Bonson said the department received a federal grant of $48,279 in 2006 to purchase equipment that may be used during an RIT rescue, including a helmet-mounted thermal-imaging camera costing $10,500. “Should RIT be called upon to perform an entry and rescue in the Eagle River area or surrounding communities, a thermal-imaging camera is an invaluable tool to help locate and rescue injured or trapped firefighters,” said Bonson. Other equipment includes a saw, hydraulic forcibleentry tool, mobile air cart, hydraulic spreader/cutter and an automatic external defibrillator. Other equipment The department purchased a Chevrolet crew-cab pickup truck with seating for five people in 2008. It replaced a 1995 Chevrolet Suburban. “The pickup truck is used to transport personnel for
Ed Mittel
Firefighter Jim Kauzlaric displays the medical unit on the utility vehicle. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
training sessions and conferences,” said Bonson. “It also is used by our Fire Prevention Bureau. In addition, it pulls our fire safety house and our Gator rescue trailer.” The truck cost about $28,000 and was funded through the fire commission. In 2005, Eagle River bought a brush truck that is used to battle wildland fires, according to Weber. The four-wheel drive truck has a 2005 Ford F-550 chassis and features a 750-gpm mid-ship pump, a 320gallon water tank, a compressed-air foam system, a removable winch that can be attached to the front or rear of the rig, and several roll-up doors on each side, opening to storage compartments. The department also is fully trained in the use of its 2003 pumper, an engine that provides firefighters with state-of-the-art equipment. The Pierce Saber features a 1,000-gallon tank and a 1,500-gpm pump, according to Weber. The $350,000 truck has its own 8,000-watt generator, a compressed-air foam system and a hydraulic ladder rack which allows for more storage area in the engine. Another unique feature of the truck is a revolving light tower on the roof with 6,000 watts of lights, which helps the department light incident areas at night. The truck can carry six personnel and features an enclosed pump compartment for the operator. Much of the fire-fighting and rescue equipment, along with many other items, is carried in the department’s equipment/personnel carrier, according to Weber. The carrier seats six in the cab, has room for additional people on a bench seat and features exterior-accessible storage bins for a variety of equipment, with specially de-
Brian Crist
Fire commission The Eagle River Fire Commission includes Carol Hendricks of the city of Eagle River; Scott Maciosek of the town of Cloverland; Dave Alleman of the town of Washington; Bruce Richter of the town of Lincoln; and Bonson, commission chairman and fire department representative. The fire station is located at 820 E. Pine St. People who have questions about the fire department or need information about fire safety and prevention may call (715) 479-8835.
Steve Burr Length of service: 9 years Rank: Captain Employer: Crystal Clear Windows Inc. Steve, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, vehicle extrication and hazardous materials operator’s level. He is certified in first aid, defib, emergency medical response, coldwater rescue, NIMS and CPR.
Peter Anderson IV
Length of service: 35 years Rank: Lieutenant/Chief Engineer Employer: Retired
Length of service: 34 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: None given
Length of service: 21 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Anderson Insurance Agency
Ed, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, emergency medical response, NIMS, vehicle extrication and officers training. He also serves the department as a fire inspector.
Brian, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials, roof ventilation, breathing apparatus, ladder practices, pumping and pump maintenance, vehicle fires, LP gas fires, Learning thru Burning and inspection. He is a public instruction building inspector team member and the incident scene photographer. He received a public relations award for the department.
Peter, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, emergency medical response and NIMS. He is also certified in CPR.
GAFFNEY-BUSHA Eagle River
Page 5
EAGLE CARPET CLEANING Eagle River
(715) 477-0501
EAGLE RIVER Page 6
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Faron Crabtree
Jason Burns
Art Granat
Length of service: 10 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Mike’s Septic Service
Length of service: 10 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: None given
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Retired
Jason, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I, flashover, CPR, NIMS, first aid, vehicle extrication and cold-water rescue. He is a member of the Eastside Rapid Intervention Team.
Faron, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter II, emergency medical response, CPR, cold-water rescue, NIMS and vehicle extrication. He is a member of the Eastside Rapid Intervention Team. He was a volunteer with the Three Lakes Fire Department for 5 years.
Art, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Fire Officer 3, hazardous materials, emergency medical response and fire investigator. He is a certified diver. He was an Illinois-certified Firefighter III and retired after 38 years.
AmeriGas
Friendship House
America’s Propane Company
Family Restaurant
Eagle River
101 W. Wall St., Eagle River
118 Spruce St., Eagle River, WI 54521 (715) 480-4800
William Jones
Mark Holperin
Thomas Pollack
Length of service: 29 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed, TV Tronics
Length of service: 21 years Rank: Fire Inspector Employer: Retired William, of St. Germain, is a certified fire investigator instructor, works on prefire planning and is a certified fire inspector. He is a retired firefighter, serving the city of Racine’s fire department as assistant chief and fire prevention officer for 22 years. He is a former member of the St. Germain Volunteer Fire Department.
Length of service: 28 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Pitlik & Wick Inc.
Mark, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, emergency medical response, cold-water rescue, NIMS, LP gas fires, self-contained breathing apparatus, vehicle fires, pumps and pumping, Learning thru Burning, defib and ladder practices. He is also certified in CPR.
GAFFNEY-BUSHA Eagle River
Mike Stevens
Internet Telephone Television
Eagle River
Martin Sauer
Tom, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, LP gas fires, pumps and pumping, breathing apparatus, ladder practices, hazardous materials, fire investigation and vehicle fires. He is also certified in CPR.
Eagle River
Greg Simac
Length of service: 21 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Rhinelander Honda
Length of service: 10 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed
Length of service: 9 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Simac’s Plumbing & Heating
Mike, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, defib, emergency medical response and NIMS. He is also certified in CPR.
Martin, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I, vehicle extrication, cold-water rescue, NIMS, first aid, CPR and defib.
Greg, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I, vehicle extrication, cold-water rescue, defib and remote logger rescue. He is a member of the rapid intervention team and is certified in CPR.
DON SCHARF AUTOMOTIVE
ANDERSON INSURANCE
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
870 Hwy. 17 South, Eagle River
(715) 479-8597
www.wisconsinpublicservice.com
Eagle River
EAGLE RIVER Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Heidi Backes
Michael Anderson
Length of service: 9 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Taher Inc.
Length of service: 7 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Anderson Insurance Agency
Heidi, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and is certified in cold-water rescue and First Aid/AED.
Michael, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, emergency medical response, vehicle extrication and cold-water rescue.
Page 7
Pat Crum Length of service: 7 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Frasier’s Plumbing & Heating Pat, of Eagle River, has completed vehicle extrication training.
FIND WHAT YOU NEED AT
WALL STREET PHARMACY www.rogerscontrol.com
715-479-6919
Jason Hyrczyk
Downtown Eagle River 715-479-4282
Eagle River
Kara Vander Bloomen
Length of service: 2 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation Services
Length of service: 2 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Wisconsin Dept. of Children and Families
Jason, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter II, hazardous materials operations, confined space rescue, RIT, driver/operator, NREMT-P, ACLS, CPR, NRP, PALS, PHTLS and ITCO. He previously was a firefighter for the town of Salem Fire and Rescue. He currently works for Ministry Spirit as a full-time paramedic, Med 4, 5 as a PRN and Eagle River 9-1 as a paramedic.
Kara, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II and emergency medical response.
Jacob Sobchak Length of service: 2 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Lakes Precision Jacob, of Eagle River, has completed Firefighter I training.
MID•WISCONSIN BANK Your Partner When Decisions Matter
325 W. Pine St., Eagle River
(715) 479-8484
MEMBER FDIC & ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
800-MID-WISC • www.midwis.com
James Kaminski
Jeff Janssen Length of service: 1 year Rank: Firefighter Employer: Northland Pines School District
Length of service: 2 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Dish Network James is a resident of Eagle River.
Jeff, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II.
Jon Gosda Length of service: 1 year Rank: Firefighter Employer: Custom Landscaping Jon, of Eagle River, will be taking Firefighter I and II courses this year.
ANDERSON INSURANCE
Eagle River Branch 633 N. Railroad St., Eagle River, WI 54521 Rhinelander Office 121 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-479-4491 or toll-free 1-877-365-4800
www.ripco.org
Eagle River, Rhinelander, Minocqua & Wausau
(715) 479-8191
Eagle River
EAGLE RIVER Page 8
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Mark Vander Bloomen
Anthony “Tony” Justice
Mike Olkowski
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Chief of Police Employer: City of Eagle River
Length of service: 23 years Rank: Patrolman/Investigator Employer: City of Eagle River
Length of service: 22 years Rank: Patrolman Employer: City of Eagle River
Mark, of Conover, began his career in law enforcement in 1986, in the U.S. Army as a military police officer. In 1993, he was hired by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office where he worked as a deputy, K9 handler, Special Response Team member, and was then promoted to lieutenant where he oversaw the 911 Communications Center and Patrol Division. In 2006, he left Lincoln County and became the chief of police at Fort Irwin, Calif., spending 18 months there before arriving in Eagle River. He has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.
Tony, of Eagle River, is also a member of the Eagle River Area Volunteer Fire Department, serving as a lieutenant, and has been a firefighter for 20 years. He has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, First Responder, NIMS and RIT.
Mike, of Eagle River, has completed courses in police science and was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army for 4 years.
DERBY INN
PAUL’S PUMP-’N-PANTRY O’BRIEN’S PUB
Hwy. 45 North, Eagle River 100% Smoke Free
Eagle River
Chris Dobbs
Todd Budde
Adam Ross
Length of service: 21 years Rank: Patrolwoman Employer: City of Eagle River
Length of service: 19 years Rank: Patrolman Employer: City of Eagle River
Length of service: 1 year Rank: Patrolman Employer: City of Eagle River
Chris, of Conover, has an associate’s degree in police science. She attended recruit school and continues her police training.
Todd, of Eagle River, received police training and has additional training in drug interdiction and officer survival. He attended armor school. He retired from the fire department after serving as a firefighter.
Adam, of Three Lakes, has a bachelor’s degree majoring in criminal justice. He attended the Law Enforcement Recruit Academy. He was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army for 3 years, spending a year in Afghanistan. He also worked for the Menasha Police Department as a community service officer for 3 years.
Eagle River Branch 633 N. Railroad St., Eagle River, WI 54521 Rhinelander Office 121 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-479-4491 or toll-free 1-877-365-4800
www.ripco.org
Eagle River
Eagle River, St. Germain, Phelps & Three Lakes
A Message From The Publisher
TH
Dear Readers, The purpose of this special publication of the Vilas County News-Review and The Three Lakes News is to recognize the hundreds of friends and neighbors who have answered the call to life-saving public service. The sacrifices and the courage of area firefighters, EMS personnel and law enforcement officers should not be taken for granted. These farsighted individuals have trained long and hard to be ready when the phone rings and their expertise is needed to fight a fire, extract victims from mangled vehicles or to perform life-saving procedures on accident victims. Their dedication and commitment to community is exemplary. Oct. 7-13 is Fire Prevention Week. The week always includes Oct. 9, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which began on Oct. 8, but wreaked most of its havoc the following day. This is our 27th annual update of this publication, which keeps our readers informed on the progress and struggles that emergency personnel face as they work tirelessly to prepare for whatever disasters North Woods residents may encounter. It is a big job collecting the information and photos in this special edition. Every department has an updated story to tell about their equipment, training and fundraising — vital tools for creating departments that are ready to respond on a moment’s notice. We make every effort to include everyone, however, we’re sure someone has been unintentionally omitted. We’re told about 5,500 people die in fires in this country every year — including about 100 firefighters — and another 30,000 civilians are injured. In addi-
27 Edition
tion, law enforcement officers and rescue personnel are injured and killed on duty. Fire is a tragedy no one wants to experience; it is a destroyer of lives and property. The emergency personnel being saluted in this special section respond to hundreds of calls for help every year. We might not appreciate the work these people do for us until an accident or fire happens to us, or a neighbor. The tabloid includes tips on fire and accident prevention, because many of these tragic events can be prevented through improved public awareness and more attention to safety. We can’t avoid all accidents, but it is reassuring to know trained and qualified emergency and rescue personnel are ready to assist us. The sponsors listed at the bottom of the individual blocks were selected at random, in most cases. It wasn’t always possible to keep the sponsors in their immediate area of service. For the well-being of your family and your property, observe good fire safety practices this week and every week. Make sure every member of the family has an escape route. Make sure your smoke alarms are in working order at all times, and think seriously about installing carbon monoxide alarms. Most property owners who endure a house fire are underinsured, so make sure your insurance coverage is adequate for all possible disasters. We wish to thank everyone who helped compile the information in this publication and who cooperated with us in preparing this year’s salute. And we especially want to thank the sponsors and advertisers for making it all possible.
Kurt Krueger
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 9
Eagle River fire prevention program reaches 20-year milestone for Nikolai ___________ BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR
___________
Using his military background for organization and recognizing the need for public fire safety for all ages, Karl Nikolai of the Eagle River Area Fire Department started a fire prevention and public education program 20 years ago. “After retiring from the military, I found the fire department another worthy way to serve,” said Nikolai, now an assistant chief and the public education officer for the department. “Like the military, it was structured, trained for a purpose and always executed the mission as a cohesive group. Additionally, my 10 years of military instructing lent itself well in developing a public educational program.” But when Nikolai started to develop the local Fire Prevention Bureau 20 years ago, the Eagle River department had no tools or programs to educate the community and school children. “After two years of standing up and giving lectures on fire prevention, I asked the department for some modern-day tools that could ‘wow the children’ while we sent the fire prevention message,” he said. “Fire educators, like any educators, are innovators, looking for fresh ideas and approaches to deliver the same basic fire prevention message.” So Nikolai asked the department for a $7,000 robot, called Freddie the Fire Truck, and a dress-up Sparky the Dog, the National Fire Protection Association mascot. “To my surprise, the department reached into their own savings to purchase these tools for me,” he said. “Wow, only two years on the department and what faith and support they had in public education.” From that point forward, Nikolai’s program, with the assistance of other firefighters and area departments, never looked back. “We sped ahead with a rescue of a real Dalmatian dog from the pound. We named her Saffire (safe fire) and used her to teach the children how to react to dogs that they do not know,” said Nikolai. “She was a beautiful girl who worked for the department for 10 years.” Two years later, the program added its second major tool, a 32-foot mobile trailer set up with three fire prevention classrooms. Nikolai and Deputy Chief Jim Bonson went to the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis, Ind., to learn and see what other tools they could add to their public education tool box. “We were sold on this product, but where does one get $35,000 in northern Wisconsin?” asked Nikolai. “Jim and I spent the entire trip home plotting and planning. Once home, we developed a video, made numerous copies and began our sales pitch.” First, Nikolai and Bonson got each fire department in Vilas County, Sugar Camp
Karl Nikolai, coordinator of the Eagle River Area Fire Department Fire Prevention, teaches students at Eagle River Elementary
and Three Lakes to commit and then had them go out to their communities to raise additional funds to help pay for the Fire Safety House. “It took the Racine Fire Department two years to raise enough money to get its safety house. We did it in less than four months, taking delivery in time for our fall fire prevention programs,” said Nikolai. “Now, all the fire departments in our area have a means to teach their children the ‘learn not to burn’ lessons.” Another two years later, the Vilas County Chiefs Associations added three more programs — yellow ball stickers, safety flashlights and the Vilas County Junior Fire Fighter News.
School how to safely handle a fire extinguisher. Nikolai has been with the program for 20 years. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
The yellow ball program was a means to identify children’s bedrooms with a yellow ball sticker on the window, identifying those who might need assistance evacuating a house during a fire. The flashlight program provided each child in Vilas County in kindergarten through fifth grade with their own flashlight. This tool is used to assist the child in finding his way out of a smoke-filled house. “This program continues to this day, with kindergarten children receiving their flashlight each and every year,” said Nikolai. The Junior Fire Fighter newspaper was a way for the Vilas County fire chiefs
to get out their seasonal fire prevention messages to all kindergarten through fifth-grade children. “Like the old Weekly Reader, it was a great tool that worked well for the county for six years, until the company stopped publishing,” said Nikolai. All three of these programs were paid for by the Vilas County Chiefs Association, which received matching funds from grants and the Children’s Miracle Network. So in less than five years, Nikolai found a variety of tools and developed numerous programs to teach area children To FIRE PREVENTION, Pg. 47
THREE LAKES Page 10
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Herb Stuckart
Dave Kirby
Ron Orzech
Length of service: 20 years Rank: Chief Employer: Lakes Precision
Length of service: 28 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Three Lakes School District
Length of service: 22 years Rank: 1st Assistant Chief Employer: Self-employed
Herb, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and EMT-DA-E. He is also a member of the Medic 10 Ambulance Service. He is a former member of the Tess Corners Fire Department.
Dave, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter II, self-contained breathing apparatus, hose bed laying, Firefighter I refresher, hazardous materials awareness, pumps and pumpers, vehicle fires, vehicle rescue, strategy and tactics for the firefighter and Jaws of Life. He is a First Responder and hazardous materials tech.
Ron, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, self-contained breathing apparatus, incident command, pumper operator, wildland fires, smoke divers, hazardous materials, Jaws of Life, cold-water rescue and fire inspections. He is a hazardous materials tech and First Responder.
Friendship House Family Restaurant Eagle River, St. Germain, Phelps & Three Lakes
101 W. Wall St., Eagle River
Eagle River, St. Germain, Phelps & Three Lakes
Scot Gaffron
Scott Lea
Lee Tauer
Length of service: 22 years Rank: Captain Employer: RSC Equipment Rental
Length of service: 15 years Rank: Captain Employer: Three Lakes Police Dept.
Length of service: 13 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Borel Auto Body
Scot, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, instructional techniques, EMT-I, Learning thru Burning, identifying and recognizing hazardous materials, basic life support, vehicle extrication, incident command system, fire service supervision, ladder truck operations, wildland fire operations and high- and lowangle rope rescue. He conducts basic fire inspections, is a certified apparatus driver, master smoke diver, hazardous materials tech, public education coordinator for the fire department and has been a volunteer for the Medic 10 Ambulance Service for 15 years.
Scott, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter II, hazardous materials awareness, extrication, incident command, technical emergency response, RIT, cold-water rescue, EVOC, driver/operator, defibrillation, EPI, combitube and advanced truck/engine officer tactics. He is a hazardous materials tech and was named Firefighter of the Year in 2002. He is also an EMT.
Lee, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials tech, extrication 1, 2, 3 and 4 and pump and driver. He is also an EMT.
aspirus.org
NICOLET COLLEGE Rhinelander
Land O’ Lakes • Rhinelander • Three Lakes • Woodruff
Robert Canada
Tim Frank
In Lac du Flambeau on Hwy. 47
Kim Terlizzi Length of service: 15 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Ron Orzech Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration
Length of service: 10 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Sampson Cranberry Marsh
Length of service: 17 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Gasco
Robert, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter II, hazardous materials tech, high-angle rescue, driver/operator and aerial operator.
Tim, of Three Lakes, has completed Firefighter I training.
Kim, of Three Lakes, was 1999 Firefighter of the Year.
ACE IS THE PLACE
Eagle River Center www.wisconsinpublicservice.com
Nelson’s
Eagle River
THREE LAKES Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 11
Three Lakes gets new fire station, acquires updated water-rescue boat ___________
BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR
___________
The Three Lakes Fire Department is gearing up for the completion of its new Fire Station 2, located east of the airport on Highway 32. Meanwhile, the department purchased a new boat in 2012 to assist firefighters with water rescues. The new fire station will help Three Lakes respond to fires more efficiently, according to Fire Chief Herb Stuckart. “It’s going to help us respond in a quicker manner,” he said. “It’s going to reduce time and it’s going to save lives. If anything happens on the other end of Highway 32 and we can’t get by, we’ll have emergency personnel coming from both directions.” The chief added that faster responding times would allow the department to quickly size up situations to determine whether outside assistance is needed. The station, which should be completed in early October, was bid for construction at $185,000. So far, Three Lakes Fire Department has contributed funding toward the well and septic and has agreed to provide the town with additional money generated through its annual fundraisers. “There has been a lot of community support for the station, including fundraising from the annual Shoot-out and Fly-In,” said Stuckart. We had a tremendous amount of local support.” Although faster responding times could mean lower insurance costs for Three Lakes residents, the chief said the bottom line is to save more lives. The new rescue boat cost the department approximately $15,000 and was
The Three Lakes Fire Department will soon have a new fire station east of the airport on Highway 32, which will help firefighters re-
funded through the town, the Three Lakes Fire Department Auxiliary and donations from the community. “This will help us tremendously with the safety aspect, as far as getting our own people there and getting patients out without injuring them further,” said Stuckart. “We will use it for on-water fire suppression and for rescues anywhere on the
Three Lakes firefighters, from left, Kerstin Gensler and Kevin Shepherd displayed a new utility vehicle purchased by the department in 2011. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
spond to emergencies more efficiently. The building was bid for construction at $185,000. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Chain.” The new boat replaces an early 1980s converted fishing boat the department was previously using. It features additional room for passengers and the ability to connect with other boats. It also will be used to combat blazes on islands, according to Stuckart. The Three Lakes Fire Department also is in the midst of a recruitment drive to get more active members, who fulfill many different roles in the community. “There is room for everyone in the fire service,” said Stuckart. “Some members work at the firemen’s picnic and Pumpkin Fest, while some assist in necessary station maintenance.” Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or 16 to become a cadet. They also must pass a criminal background check. No experience is necessary, but to become an active firefighter, trainees will be required to take a class in entry-level firefighting, paid for by the state. Those interested may visit during one of the department’s monthly meetings, held the last Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Three Lakes Fire Department, located at 1920 Epler Court. “We have a fine group of men and women who perform many activities that benefit Three Lakes, and we share strong feelings of camaraderie and pride in our organization,” said the chief. The department purchased two new fire and rescue vehicles in 2011, including a multipurpose brush truck and a utility vehicle (UTV).
The Ford F-350 four-wheel drive truck is officially called Brush 2 when paged out, but it will be used more as a multipurpose vehicle for the department, according to Lt. Lee Tauer. “It will be the first truck out for rescues in the summer and fall; it will be a brush truck in the spring; and in the winter it will be used for hauling our trail rescue equipment,” said Tauer. “The truck is equipped with traction tires for winter travel.” The $45,000 truck was funded through the town of Three Lakes 2011 budget. It doubles as a travel truck for training and a vehicle to transport items for fundraisers. The department also took delivery of a Polaris Ranger HD 800 UTV in September 2011. The Ranger features side-by-side seating and electronic power steering, according to Tauer. The UTV is outfitted with a Frontier track system for off-road rescues during the winter months. The back of the Ranger is equipped with a Stokes basket to transport an injured person as well as a seat for an emergency medical technician (EMT). The $15,000 UTV was funded through a $4,500 Plum Creek challenge grant, a $3,000 grant from Trig’s (through employee Linda Remington) and the remainder from Three Lakes Fire Department fundraisers. The Three Lakes Fire Department also purchased several pieces of vehicle extrication equipment in 2011, including a new Jaws of Life and cutters. The state-of-theTo THREE LAKES, Pg. 13
Page 12
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
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THREE LAKES Oct. 10, 2012
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Page 13
Three Lakes FROM PAGE 11 art equipment is used by rescue personnel at an accident scene. Rescue personnel said the old cutter had 80,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of cutting force, while the new cutter has 260,000 psi of cutting force, which will cut through the new alloys used in vehicles. The new equipment was funded by the Three Lakes Fire Department Auxiliary. The fire department owes much of its success to the 10s of thousands of dollars in proceeds given by the local auxiliary group over the past 19 years. Since 1992, when the auxiliary was formed, it has helped the fire department purchase many items important to the team of firefighters. The auxiliary was developed, after two major fires in downtown Three Lakes, to take food and water to firefighters on scene as needed. Stuckart said he couldn’t stress enough the importance of the auxiliary for the department. “It’s volunteers like the auxiliary who are the backbone, letting departments like us grow,” said Stuckart. In 2010, the auxiliary donated six hand-held radios, a handful of Class A uniforms, a K-12 saw with a diamond blade and other items. The money for these items is raised through events like Pumpkin Fest held in the fall. Over the years, the auxiliary has also bought a large number of things, including a fully furnished kitchen and a washer-and-dryer set for the fire shed. It also pays for many of the firefighters’ training classes. Stuckart said the Three Lakes Fire Department continues to remain one of the most well-trained and wellequipped departments in the area. It holds monthly training sessions in fire fighting, emergency rescue and medical assistance to update knowledge and reinforce proper techniques for safely fighting fires. “Department personnel have shown an amazing amount of dedication to become fully trained,” said Stuckart. “Even longtime EMTs are taking all of the firefighter training, including state certification.” To be certified as EMTs, department members had to complete a 180-hour class, which met two days a week for four hours a night. Other equipment Stuckart said a 105-foot ladder truck remains a valuable asset for the fire department. The 1988 Pierce-built truck was purchased by Goldridge Group of Eau Claire, the owners and developers of the Northernaire condominiums on Deer Lake. The donation was one of about two dozen conditions attached to the county zoning permit for the right to develop the multifamily project, which includes two massive lodges that are at least 35 feet high. The ladder truck is a crucial piece of equipment because structures, both residential and commercial, are being built taller. The ladder truck’s nozzle can be operated by a firefighter positioned at the peak or it can be operated from the truck without putting anyone in danger, officials said. Three Lakes also employs a 2004 Rosenbauer/Central States fire engine that was purchased by the town, with approval of the electorate. The state-of-the-art engine includes a 1,500-gallonsper-minute (gpm) pump with compressed-air foam capabilities. It also has a six-person cab. “With the 1,500 gallons of water the engine holds and a foam cell, we get the equivalent of 5,000 gallons of firefighting capability,” said Stuckart. “That is great news for quick, initial attacks using just our main engine.” The engine responds to all vehicle accidents and is equipped with extrication equipment that includes a hydraulic Jaws of Life unit and air-powered vehicle lifters. The department also has a 3,000-gallon tanker, equipped with a 750-gpm pump, a 1,500-gpm engine with a 1,000-gallon tank, and a 1,250-gpm engine with a 500gallon tank.
Three Lakes firefighter Kerstin Gensler showed off the department’s new rescue boat, which will help rescue per-
The department has the capability of responding to the scene with more than 7,000 gallons of water and a combined pumping capability of 3,800 gpm. “This much water and pumping capability, when combined with the tremendously improved water supply resulting from the new water tower and the department’s half-mile of large-diameter supply hose, provides for some really awesome fire suppression potential,” said Stuckart. A rescue/support van carries a portable Cascade system for supplying a source of breathing air for the firefighters’ individual air bottles and an assortment of other necessary items and supplies to enable it to respond in support of Three Lakes Medic 10. It also can function as a command post and communications center for operations of a complex or extended nature. The department has a light-duty vehicle that was donated by Wisconsin Public Service. The department’s oldest vehicle is a 1937 engine, which serves as a parade vehicle and as a memorial to deceased Three Lakes firefighters.
Kimberly Maney Length of service: 11 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
sonnel move injured patients more safely and be used for on-water fire suppression. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Training vital In the last six years, the department made major advancements on Firefighter II certification, haz-mat training and high-tech equipment. Stuckart said nearly 20 of the department’s members have completed the 42 hours of instruction and the state examination to achieve Firefighter II status. “That training is on top of the 96 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction they received to become certified in Firefighter I,” Stuckart said. “It’s an enormous commitment, but our entire membership is dedicated to the goal of getting that certification.” The Three Lakes department is qualified to respond to accidents involving hazardous materials as well. “Development of an initial response team means we now have our own haz-mat trailer, which was received from Oneida County Emergency Government with the help of a state grant,” said Stuckart. Three Lakes also advanced the versatility of the department by starting a cadet training program eight years ago for youths between the ages of 16 and 18.
Randall Gensler Length of service: 10 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Gensler Excavating & Crushing
Kim, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I, swift-water rescue and cold-water rescue. She is a certified lifeguard and an EMT-IV tech.
Eagle River
Randall, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter II, hazardous materials tech, EMT-B, extrication, advanced pumps and pumping and breathing apparatus maintenance.
1695 Hwy. 45 North Eagle River
Page 14
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Local Heroes ~ Saving Lives Every Day Northern Lakes LLC
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1774 Superior St., Three Lakes, Wis. Office: (715) 546-8295 Toll Free: (877) 507-6337 Fax: (715) 546-3303 • Cell: (715) 891-1723 elli@3LakesRealEstate.com www.3LakesRealEstate.com
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
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Saluting Our Bravest
Sales Associate
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Thank you, firefighters & EMTs
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Supporting the community that supports one another
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Thank you for keeping us safe!
Open Thurs.-Mon. 6 a.m.- 2 p.m. On the South Shore of Big Stone Lake
THANK YOU TO OUR EVERYDAY HEROES
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Thanks, Firefighters and EMTs! You make our community a great place to live!
to the
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RESCUE
THREE LAKES Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Devan Kirby
Paul Savage
Length of service: 9 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Northland Marine
Length of service: 8 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Schoeneck Home Improvement
Tyler, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and First Responder.
Paul, of Three Lakes, has completed Firefighter I training. He is an NREMT-B, and is NIMS 700 certified. He is currently working to become PADI-certified in dive rescue.
4895 Hwy. 70W Eagle River 715-479-9444
Karl Gaffron
Tyler Kirby Length of service: 7 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Diamondback
Devan is a resident of Three Lakes.
Full-Service Body Repair Center
NICOLET COLLEGE Rhinelander
Kristin Antosh
NORTHERN GLASS CO., INC. www.northernglasscompany.com Eagle River
Kelly Keating
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Northern Lake Service
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Karl, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, EVOC and wildfires.
Kristin, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II.
Kelly, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, First Responder and wildfires. She is also certified in CPR. She is an Army combat veteran and was in the service for 9 years.
FIND WHAT YOU NEED AT
Eagle River
Kerstin Gensler
Peter Christensen Open Dental Clinic Saturdays 450 Old Abe Rd. Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
Joseph Maney
aspirus.org
Land O’ Lakes • Rhinelander • Three Lakes • Woodruff
Kevin Shepherd
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Lakes Precision
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Kerstin, of Three Lakes, has completed Firefighter I training.
Joseph, of Three Lakes, has completed Firefighter I training. He is an EMT-I and a scuba diving instructor.
Kevin, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II and firefighter officer training.
Friendship House Family Restaurant Eagle River
Page 15
101 W. Wall St., Eagle River
(715) 479-8191
THREE LAKES Page 16
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Mikey Silber
Steven Bennett
Length of service: 2 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Length of service: 6 months Rank: Firefighter Employer: Bennett Electric
Mikey, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II.
Steven, of Three Lakes, has completed water supply specialist training.
www.rogerscontrol.com
715-479-6919
Les Anderson
Nanc Bollmann Length of service: 34 years Rank: EMS Coordinator Employer: Ministry Saint Mary’s Hospital Nanc, of Three Lakes, has completed Firefighter I and II and EVOC. She is the supervisor of Medic 10, a CPR instructor for Saint Mary’s Hospital and Nicolet College, a hunter safety instructor and first aid instructor. She is certified in BTLS, CPR, combitube and defib. She is an EMT-I and received the EMT of the Year award for Vilas and Oneida counties. She is also certified in Emergency Crime Scene Response and Flight Care Air Ambulance-state licensed. She has been a volunteer firefighter for 9 years.
Eagle River
Ted Stuckart
Michelle Orzech
Length of service: 26 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Three Lakes School District
Length of service: 14 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Lakes Precision Inc.
Length of service: 10 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Three Lakes Police Dept.
Les, of Three Lakes, has completed Firefighter I training. He is an EMT-BTLS, -DA and -E and has taken a course in defensive driving. He is a volunteer for the Medic 10 Ambulance Service and also a CPR instructor.
Ted, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and fire ground command. He is a training officer for the First Responder program, an EMT-I tech, certified in CPR and trained for manual defibrillation. He is also a volunteer for the Medic 10 Ambulance Service.
Michelle, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter II, wildland fires and hazardous materials. She is an EMTIV tech, a hazardous materials tech, fire investigator and public education officer. She is certified in CPR and has been a volunteer EMT for 8 years.
ACE IS THE PLACE
Eagle River, St. Germain, Phelps & Three Lakes
Andy Beach Length of service: 8 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Oneida County EMS Andy, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and driver/operator for both pumper and aerial apparatus. He is a certified BLS instructor and a certified instructor for International Trauma Life Support (ITLS). He is an NREMT-P and is certified in ACLS, PHTLS, ITLS, PALS and NRP. He also volunteers for the Medic 10 Ambulance Service.
Nelson’s
Eagle River Center
Eagle River
Dan Ogarek Length of service: 8 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Ministry Health Care St. Joseph’s Hospital Dan, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and Firefighter I: Essentials of Firefighting, CPR and first aid and is an NREMT-B. He is an EMT-B instructor as well as a certified BLS/CPR instructor. He is certified in CCRN, ACLS, PALS, NRP, PHTLS, TNCC, EVOC and CEVO. He is also a volunteer for the Oneida County Medic 10 Ambulance.
Diahn Zimbeck Length of service: 4 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given Diahn, of Three Lakes, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II and wildland fires. She is an EMT-B. She is also a volunteer for the Medic 10 Ambulance Service.
NICOLET COLLEGE In Lac du Flambeau on Hwy. 47
Rhinelander
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 17
DNR fire control depends on partners to protect life, property and resources ___________
BY JAMIE REMME DNR FOREST RANGER, EAGLE RIVER RANGER STATION
___________
The Department of Natural Resource’s (DNR) wildfire management program’s mission is to protect life, property and natural resources from wildfires. The DNR accomplishes its mission by using ground-based resources, partnerships with fire departments and other agencies, early detection and aggressive initial attack when fires strike. Wildland fire numbers in Wisconsin vary annually depending on weather, fuel conditions and human activity. Periodic drought cycles drastically affect the number of fires and acres burned. Based on a 35-year average, approximately 1,700 fires burn 6,000 acres each year within the areas protected by the DNR. Wildfires are most common in the spring when the snow melts until foliage fully appears or “green up” occurs. Fall can also be a time of heightened wildfire concern when foliage begins to drop. However, fires can occur any time the ground is not completely snow-covered. Forests are at risk from wildfires, as are people, their homes and other structures. Between 2000 and 2010, around 59 structures were lost to wildland fire each year. During that same time, an average of 429 additional structures were threatened, yet ultimately saved. In Wisconsin, people cause 98% of all wildfires. Most ignitions are accidental and caused by debris burning, equipment use, improper ash disposal and warming fires.
Officials suspect this power line was the origin of the 74-acre Land O’ Lakes wildfire.
This aerial photograph shows the extent of the 74-acre crown fire in Land O’ Lakes that occurred May 19, 2012. The entire stand of red
Wildland-urban interface Housing development continues to move deeper into rural areas, creating a condition called the wildland-urban interface (WUI) where people, homes and property are intermingled with wildland vegetation and are at greater risk from wildfire. Fire officials are concerned when homes are built in areas of highly flammable vegetation, especially when the structures themselves are made of flammable materials. The concern increases when people build homes in remote areas or when roads and driveways are narrow or sandy, creating situations that can make it impossible for emergency vehicles to get to homes or turn around to exit the property. Although housing in the WUI is increasing, the number of available firefighters and equipment is not growing at the same rate, if at all. Therefore, partnerships are necessary. The DNR uses an interagency approach to prevent, detect and suppress wildfires in a coordinated, efficient and effective manner. Agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and local fire departments are critical partners. During a wildfire, the primary responsibility of DNR fire department partners is to protect structures, while DNR fire
pine is currently being salvaged and utilized, according to the Department of Natural Resources. —Contributed Photos
control personnel work to put out the wildfire. Local fire department capabilities are enhanced with periodic wildland fire training and DNR forest fire protection grants. About 860 local fire departments provide fire protection in Wisconsin and more than 90% are staffed by volunteers. Closer to home The Eagle River Ranger Station is fully staffed with the addition of veteran forestry technician Ryan Brown. Brown has been with the DNR for more than 15 years and is a welcome addition to the team. Brown is well versed in initial attack tractor plow operations and will hit the ground running. In 2012, Vilas County experienced 40 fires that burned about 110 acres. The
Land O’ Lakes fire was the largest fire in Vilas County, totaling 74 acres. It occurred in Land O’ Lakes May 19 which proved to be a very active fire day in the Woodruff dispatch group. Due to the fire weather that day, all of DNR fire control was committed to a fire. DNR team leader Tim Friedrich was incident commander and oversaw the powerline-caused fire. Strong partnerships are vital to quickly suppressing wildfires and the value of the DNR’s partnership with the Land O’ Lakes Fire Department shined very bright. Friedrich tasked Land O’ Lakes Fire Chief Sam Otterpohl with heading up the structural end of the fire. Otterpohl and his crew delivered like a well-oiled machine by protecting multiple structures threatened by the fire.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Sponsored by
Eagle River
EAGLE RIVER Page 18
Oct. 10, 2012
Rick Brodhead, M.D. Length of service: 14 years Rank: Medical Director Employer: Howard Young Medical Center/Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital Rick, of Lake Tomahawk, is the medical director of emergency services at Howard Young Medical Center and Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital. He is board certified in emergency medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Carol Garrison
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Diane Price
Dan Halverson
Length of service: 27 years Rank: Paramedic II Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Length of service: 27 years Rank: Paramedic Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Diane, of Conover, is an NREMT-P, certified in CPR, ACLS, PALS, NRP and PHTLS. She is a certified AHA instructor for CPR, AED and first aid, teaches for Nicolet College and Ministry Health Care, and is an instructor for ACLS and PALS. She is a member of the Conover Ambulance Squad and is licensed in Wisconsin and Michigan. She is the deputy Vilas County coroner, an eye enucleator for Wisconsin Eye Bank and is trained in critical stress debriefing. She is also a CNA.
Dan, of Eagle River, is an NREMT-P and is certified in CPR, ACLS, PALS, NRP and PHTLS. He is also a CNA.
Joan Dvorak
Carole Brewer
Length of service: 24 years Rank: Paramedic Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Length of service: 19 years Rank: Paramedic Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Length of service: 18 years Rank: Paramedic Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Carol, of Conover, is an NREMT-P and is certified in CPR, ACLS, PALS, NRP and PHTLS. She is also a CNA.
Joan, of Eagle River, is an NREMT-P and an instructor for PALS, ACLS and CPR.
Carole, of Phelps, is an NREMT-P and is certified in CPR, ACLS, PALS, NRP and PHTLS. She is also a CNA.
Robert Cline
Robert Maglish
Mark Dascalos
Length of service: 9 years Rank: Paramedic Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Length of service: 4 years Rank: Paramedic Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Length of service: New Rank: Paramedic Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Robert, of Conover, is an NREMT-P and is certified in CPR, ACLS, PALS, NRP and PHTLS. He is a also a CNA and a vounteer EMT-IV tech for the town of Conover.
Robert, of Pelican Lake, is an NREMT-P and is certified in PHTLS, ACLS and PALS.
Mark, of Arbor Vitae, has been a paramedic for 28 years. He is the manager-team leader for the Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital EMS Team, responsible for leading Eagle River and Oneida County operations.
Ann Dunphy
Rick Krus
Jim Knupp
Length of service: 32 years Rank: EMT Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Length of service: 28 years Rank: EMT Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Length of service: 23 years Rank: EMT-IV Tech Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Ann, of Eagle River, is BTLS certified and has training in EMT-I tech. She is a lead instructor for Nicolet College emergency medical services and Wilderness Medical Associates in Portland, Maine.
Rick, of Eagle River, is an NREMT-IV tech. He has completed courses in CPR and First Responder.
Jim, of Eagle River, is an NREMT-IV tech and is certified in CPR. He has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, rescue and hazardous materials tech. He is also a volunteer firefighter.
EAGLE RIVER Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 19
When seconds count, Ministry paramedics trained to provide care during transport ___________ BY MATT THOMPSON SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-REVIEW
___________
In a medical emergency, time is incalculably precious. Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital (MERMH) 911 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are available 24/7 when an emergency arises. The primary service area of MERMH EMS comprises much of eastern Vilas County, including the city of Eagle River, and the towns of Cloverland, Lincoln, Washington, Hiles and the surrounding communities. MERMH EMS provides paramedic-level, pre-hospital care via ground ambulances. Its North Woods partner, Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation, provides criticalcare medical transport with nurses and paramedics through ground ambulances and regional-based helicopter resources. Since the service area is predominantly rural, Ministry paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are called upon to help patients in a variety of settings, including at health-care facilities, individual homes, businesses and accident sites. The goal is to provide excellent care while transporting individuals to the highest, most appropriate level of emergency care as quickly as possible. For more than a decade, MERMH ambulances have been the area’s link to emergency care, providing safe transport for patients who had no time to spare. Paramedics serving with MERMH average more than 10 years of paramedic and emergency department experience. The paramedics are well trained in providing advanced life support care to patients that is supplemented by board-certified emergency medical doctors who provide online medical control. MERMH paramedics are certified by the Wisconsin Department of Health, in addition to being nationally registered. Paramedics typically complete two-year college programs and hundreds of hours of clinical work prior to being certified and eligible for employment. Ministry provides additional training and clinical experience to assure patients/customers of the highest, most-sophisticated level of care available. In addition to initial training, paramedics are required to complete additional hours of classroom and practical in-field training every two years to remain certified. Ministry vehicles do much more than transport patients; access to the best emergency care starts when MERMH EMS arrives. The EMS teams include highly skilled medical professionals who perform vital analyses and procedures as needed on-site and in transit. Each ambulance is actually a mobile emergency department, with all the life-saving equipment one would expect to find in a hospital emergency department. “We recognize the need to provide great access to care, especially care provided by specially trained paramedics,” said Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital EMS services manager Mark Dascalos. “When seconds count, the people and communities we serve benefit from the enhanced team approach we embrace here at Ministry. This includes local emergency (fire and police) providers, our paramedics and MERMH emergency room staff and, when needed, specialty care services provided at our other Ministry Health Care facilities.” The addition of more paramedic staff and lifesaving equipment and medications significantly enhances the care that can be provided pre-hospital by MERMH EMS. Paramedic level service has been shown to dramatically improve patient outcomes in a medical emergency or accident situation, as treatment can begin on scene and continue en route to the hospital. Another aspect of care provided by MERMH EMS is an intercept service with local volunteer basic life sup-
Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital paramedics provide pre-hospital care via ground ambulances. Last spring, the
paramedics participated in a mock crash exercise at Northland Pines High School. —Contributed Photo
port and First Responder services. “Many times, volunteer departments request assistance from MERMH EMS based on the nature of the emergency,” said Dascalos. “Our expectation is that paramedics intercept with the requesting service in minutes to provide care on-site and/or during transport. Together with the volunteer services, we provide care in route to the closest appropriate receiving facility, locally, MERMH’s emergency department.” This service brings paramedics to the scene of a medical emergency or accident when a situation requires an
advanced level of care, paramedics who can provide advanced medical care and will enhance the emergency lifesaving capabilities of local volunteer EMS partners. Ministry Health Care is proud to support and work hand in hand with local EMS, local volunteer fire departments and area law enforcement during, and after, emergency situations.
Jennifer Wagner
Matt Thompson is public relations and communications manager for Ministry Health Care – Northern Region.
Gene Stanzil
Length of service: 9 years Rank: EMT-I Tech Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Length of service: 6 years Rank: EMT-IV Tech Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Jennifer, of Eagle River, is an NREMT, certified in ACLS and PHTLS. She is also a CNA. She is also a volunteer firefighter and has completed Firefighter I training.
Gene, of Three Lakes, is an NREMT-IV tech and is certified in CPR, PHTLS and NRP. He is also a CNA.
ST. GERMAIN Page 20
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Timothy Clark Length of service: 29 years Rank: Chief Employer: Self-employed, Trollan Refrigeration, Heating & Electrical Timothy, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I, First Responder, rescue squad, ventilation, basic incident command, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700 and weapons of mass destruction. He has extrication training and is a member of the rapid intervention team.
James Sherren
Tim Gebhardt
Length of service: 28 years Rank: Deputy Chief Employer: Self-employed
Length of service: 20 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Self-employed
James, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I, First Responder, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, weapons of mass destruction, ventilation and basic incident command. He has had extrication training.
Tim, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, weapons of mass destruction and combat lifesaver. He is hazardous materials certified and attended the National Fire Academy course in company training officer, company tactics and cold-water rescue. He has had extrication training and is a member of the rapid intervention team. He was Firefighter of the Year in 1994 and ’96.
HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER 9969 Old Hwy. 70 Rd., Minocqua, WI 54548
Adam Ruenger
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ST. GERMAIN 715-479-5930
Chad Bacon
www.wisconsinpublicservice.com
John Vojta
Length of service: 10 years Rank: Captain Employer: Plowman’s Marine Inc.
Length of service: 8 years Rank: Captain Employer: Pitlik & Wick Inc.
Length of service: 8 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Knitt’s Hardware
Adam, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, weapons of mass destruction, First Responder and National Fire Academy. He has extrication training and is a member of the West Central Rapid Intervention Team.
Chad, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, First Responder, cold-water rescue, extrication, Incident Command System 100 and, 200, National Incident Management System 700, weapons of mass destruction, wildland fire and LP gas burn. He is a member of the rapid intervention team.
John, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I, First Responder, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700 and weapons of mass destruction. He is a member of the rapid intervention team and a St. Germain Town Board supervisor.
www.rogerscontrol.com
715-479-6919
Troy Schalinske
Eagle River, St. Germain, Phelps & Three Lakes
In Lac du Flambeau on Hwy. 47
Timothy Ebert
Thomas Stoltman
Length of service: 7 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Vilas County Highway Dept.
Length of service: 34 years Rank: Safety Officer Employer: Town of St. Germain
Length of service: 10 years Rank: Engineer Employer: VISO
Troy, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, weapons of mass destruction, extrication and National Fire Academy. He is a First Responder and a member of the rapid intervention team.
Tim, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, CPR, First Responder, Learning thru Burning, pumps, company officer, flammable liquids, hazardous materials, water relay, ventilation, basic incident command, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, cold-water rescue, vehicle extrication, IC system and weapons of mass destruction. He is a member of the rapid intervention team and was Firefighter of the Year in 1982.
Thomas, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700 and weapons of mass destruction. He is a member of the rapid intervention team.
ST. GERMAIN PHARMACY Hwy. 70 715-479-7608
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Eagle River
ST. GERMAIN Oct. 10, 2012
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Page 21
St. Germain Fire Department buys pair of new chain saws, updates pump ___________ BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR
___________
Using a $5,000 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) match grant, the St. Germain Fire Department purchased a new pump and updated coveralls and helmets for its firefighters this year. The department also bought a pair of new Echo chain saws using fundraiser money. “The saws cost us about $1,200,” said Fire Chief Tim Clark. “They’re used to help us with roof ventilation and can cut through just about anything.” With the new pump, which cost $800 and was funded with the DNR grant and matching money from fundraisers, the department will be able to supply water more efficiently. “That pump is going to be for brush fires and things and we can carry it out to a remote stream, for instance, and it will supply us with water,” said Clark. New coveralls and helmets also were purchased with the DNR match grant. Clark said the department simply needed to replace some outdated equipment in order to provide better protection to its firefighters. St. Germain Fire Department also plans to order a new brush truck chassis, according to Clark. “We hope to have that ordered by late September or October,” he said. “It’s going to cost the department about $120,000, all of which is money from our fundraisers. The department updated its 15-yearold imaging camera with a new model in 2011, and added two new Husqvarna Partner K 970 rescue cutter saws to its list of equipment. The new thermal-imaging camera, which cost $11,000, was funded through fundraisers like the summer flea markets and the department’s annual fish fry, according to Capt. Adam Ruenger. “It replaced an aging unit,” he said. “It scans a lot better and a lot quicker. We can even use it out in the snow for search and rescue if someone’s missing. It also performs a lot better in a fire.” In the snow, the imager would show any body heat in the area with a red glow on the display. At a fire, the department also can use the thermal camera to detect dangerous hot spots. In addition to the new imager, St. Germain took delivery of two rescue saws. The new cutter saws cost about $1,300 apiece and also were paid for through fundraising events. Community organizations and businesses also make contributions to help the department obtain equipment. The Partner K 970s allow the department to quickly cut through any obstacles between firefighters and the people who need their help in emergency situations, according to Ruenger. Starting up the new saws is easier too, as they feature an EasyStart system that reduces compression in the cylinder during starts.
Firefighters Nathan Gebhardt (left) and Jim Wendt showed the department's new Echo chain saws and water pump. The saws will help
In late 2009, the department updated its fire-fighting capabilities with the purchase of a new Pierce Ultimate Configuration (PUC) engine/pumper truck. The $585,000 engine known as the PUC truck features a 1,500-gallons-perminute pump and a compressed-air foam system. The 34-foot truck was purchased for the department by the town of St. Germain and can hold up to 1,000 gallons of water. It also features a 23-foot-tall light tower. The truck is used for a wide range of emergency incidents, including car accidents, structure fires and rescues. It’s designed so fewer firefighters need to be present in order to fully operate the truck. Three years ago, the department used $85,000 of its own fundraising money to purchase a 1990 refurbished ladder truck from a department in Mokena, Ill. The five-passenger truck features a 50-foot Telesquirt and a 650-gallon tank. In 2008, the department upgraded equipment with the purchase of a John Deere Gator. The four-wheel all-terrain vehicle is used for off-road rescue, off-road wildland fire suppression and for summer
firefighters cut ventilation, while the pump will allow the department to draw water from nearby sources. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
flea market setup. A “med bed” was added to the vehicle to assist in rescue efforts in forest areas. The Gator includes a pump and tank that holds approximately 50 gallons of water to assist in wildland fire-fighting. The pump can be removed to make room for the med bed. The Gator also includes a defibrillator and two first responder bags, which are also located in the department’s rescue boat and snowmobile. Five years ago, St. Germain added 19 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units and turbo flares that are used to mark helicopter landing zones in the event of emergencies that require a Flight For Life rescue. The updated SCBAs make the firefighters’ gear lighter, giving them extra maneuverability. Other equipment To help ensure safety, the department has an Incident Command System (ICS) board which, according to Clark, is an accountability system to make sure that nobody gets left behind when battling a blaze.
The department also has four defibrillator units. Approximately 90% of the department’s personnel are trained in the use of the life-saving defibrillation equipment. The St. Germain Fire Department also has a Jaws of Life unit, which greatly improves the department’s ability to assist during automobile rescue operations. Obtained exclusively with fundraiser money, the JAWS unit was purchased along with a 2004 Ski-Doo wide-track snowmobile. The transport allows firefighters to gain accessibility to snowmobile and other related accidents on the trails. Department of Natural Resources grants have allowed the department to purchase wildland fire equipment, including a 13/4-inch hose, leather boots, goggles, hand tools and a portable pump for the brush truck, as well as pagers and radios. In previous years, the fire department purchased 30 sets of wildland fire-fighting jumpsuits, which are lightweight and keep the wearer cooler in flaming environTo ST. GERMAIN, Pg. 23
ST. GERMAIN Page 22
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Randy Goodrum Length of service: 31 years Rank: Secretary Employer: White Birch Village and Sno-Eagles Inc. Randy, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, weapons of mass destruction, First Responder, hazardous materials, pesticides, Air Pack field maintenance, fire and arson investigation, LP gas burn, Learning thru Burning, ventilation, extrication and basic incident command. He is an emergency vehicle driving instructor. He was Firefighter of the Year in 1987 and is chairman of the fire department’s flea market fundraiser.
Walking Art Tattoos
Judy Kohout
Thomas Ebert
Length of service: 10 years Rank: Treasurer Employer: Retired
Length of service: 32 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Reinhart Food Service
Judy, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, weapons of mass destruction and extrication. She is a First Responder and fire prevention officer and is certified in CPR and defibrillation. She was named Firefighter of the Year in 2005.
Thomas, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, basic life support, crash injury management, ventilation, basic incident command, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, extrication and weapons of mass destruction. He is a First Responder. He was Firefighter of the Year in 1981.
Friendship House
715-356-2721
Family Restaurant
301 Front St., Minocqua, Wis.
101 W. Wall St., Eagle River
Randy Thyssen
Walter Camp
Length of service: 32 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Camp’s SuperValu Randy, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, First Responder, arson investigation, hazardous materials, ventilation, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700 and weapons of mass destruction.
Eagle River Center
Gary Vendl
Length of service: 25 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Meyer & Associates Insurance Agency
Length of service: 22 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed, Lakeland Lawn & Equipment
Walt, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I, pumps and pumping, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, extrication and weapons of mass destruction. He is a First Responder.
Gary, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I, First Responder, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700 and weapons of mass destruction.
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Peter Christensen Open Dental Clinic Saturdays
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Eagle River, Land O’ Lakes, St. Germain
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Lynette Widner
Louise Clark
Phil Kohout
AGENCY, INC.
Length of service: 21 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Howard Young Medical Center
Length of service: 15 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Northland Pines School District
Lynnette, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I, mod 1 and 2, First Responder, CPR, BLS, hazardous materials, advanced pumps and pumping, critical incident stress debriefing, defensive driving, landing zone safety, coldwater rescue, LP gas burn, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, weapons of mass destruction and EMTB. She is certified in defibrillation, assists with the fire safety program in St. Germain and is a First Responder.
Louise, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, ICS 100 and 200, NIMS 700, extrication, weapons of mass destruction, CPR, EMT-B, bloodborne pathogens, eye emergencies, pediatric emergencies, decision-making in the field, basic incident command, farm rescue operations, confined space rescue, high-level rescue, wildland fire and aircraft crash and rescue. She is a member of the rapid intervention team. She was a nationally registered EMT for 15 years with defib, EPI and combi-tube certification and served with the Mosinee Fire District for 10 years.
Length of service: 11 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given Phil, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700 and weapons of mass destruction. He is certified in CPR and is a First Responder, a fire inspector and a member of the flea market staff. He was Firefighter of the Year in 2011.
NORTHERN CARPETS
CARPET • VINYL • TILE 5788 Hwy. 45, Land O’ Lakes 715-547-6063
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St. Germain FROM PAGE 21 ments. Some of the other main equipment servicing the department includes a 1995 Pierce rescue/pumper with a 1,250-gallons-per-minute pump, a 1,000-gallon booster tank and 7.5-kilowatt diesel-powered generator, a 3,000-gallon Marion tanker capable of dumping its entire 3,000 gallons of water out of either side or the rear in just over a minute and a 2002 fourdoor, four-wheel-drive Chevrolet. The Chevrolet is used as a personnel carrier, for hauling hoses back from a fire or for driving to schools for drills and fire inspections. It also can be used as a tow vehicle for the department’s boat, snowmobile or Gator. The truck is fully equipped for rescue calls. The department also owns a 1985 Ford/Saulsbury 18-foot heavy-rescue vehicle, which is used in transporting rescue
St. Germain Who do you call?
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Glenn Svetnicka
and extrication equipment and basic hazmat supplies. The heavy-rescue vehicle also is rigged with a 4,500-pounds-per-square-inch Cascade system, with a two-bottle protected fill station. It allows for the filling of air bottles at incident scenes. A community department In 1999, the department moved into its current fire station location on Highway 155, built at a cost of $625,000. The station allows for at least 3 feet of space between each truck, compared to only 1 foot in the old building. The department’s Fire Prevention Bureau is a very active part of day-to-day operations. Fire inspections are conducted twice a year by Phil Kohout for all commercial buildings within the department’s protection area. Also very active is the Public Education Division, headed by Glenn Svetnicka, which presents programs for children in day-care centers and elementary school classrooms in addition to programs for all ages. Inspections of private residences are done by request. Residents who would like these services can contact either Phil or Judy Kohout. St. Germain residents save approximately 20% to 35% on their homeowner’s insurance policies because of steps taken by the department over a number of years to achieve a Class 8 rating. To achieve the Class 8 rating, St. Germain had to put dry hydrants in the town and the fire department also had to be able to spray water from its pumper at a rate of 250 gallons per minute. The department also offers a Junior Firefighter program. The junior firefighters do informal, on-site training with department members and participate in firefighter training classes. Messages on fire dangers and other public safety concerns can be posted on a sign at the front of the station. In addition to maintaining the inventory of fire equipment to meet a variety of emergency situations, department personnel are trained in National Incident Management Systems (NIMS). This mandatory statewide program qualifies the depart-
Firefighter Jacob Gebhardt displayed a pair of the St. Germain Fire Department’s new coveralls and a new helmet, which were purchased with the assistance of a DNR matching grant. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
ment for Federal Emergency Management Agency grants. In addition to NIMS, all members also
James Barnekow Jr.
have received training in ICS 100 and 200 and attended sessions on weapons of mass destruction.
Mike Van Meter
Length of service: 9 years Rank: Fire Prevention Officer Employer: Moon Beach Camp
Length of service: 7 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Pitlik & Wick Inc.
Length of service: 7 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Town of St. Germain
Glenn, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, weapons of mass destruction, extrication and First Responder.
James, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700, extrication and weapons of mass destruction. He is a member of the rapid intervention team.
Mike, of Arbor Vitae, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, First Responder, extrication, RIT, pumps and pumping, Incident Command System 100 and 200, National Incident Management System 700 and weapons of mass destruction. He is a member of the rapid intervention team.
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Eagle River
ST. GERMAIN Page 24
Oct. 10, 2012
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Jessica Stoltman
Cherie Ruenger
Jesse Chuckel
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Howard Young Dialysis
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Drs. Foster & Smith
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Holophane Lighting
Jessica, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, First Responder, EMT-B, CPR and hazardous materials.
Cherie, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II and CPR. She is a First Responder.
Jesse, of St. Germain, has completed courses in wilderness First Responder and cold-water rescue.
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Nelson’s Jim Wendt Length of service: 5 years Rank: Engineer Employer: Self-employed
ASSOCIATES
AGENCY, INC.
Eagle River
Eagle River, Land O’ Lakes, St. Germain
William Neider
Brian Repenshek
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: St. Germain Chamber of Commerce
Jim, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, wildland fire and pump operations.
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Futurewood Corp. Brian, of Sayner, has completed wildfire training for forest fires. He is a First Responder.
William, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I, II and III.
ST. GERMAIN PHARMACY Hwy. 70 715-479-7608
Jacob Gebhardt
Walking Art Tattoos
HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER
715-356-2721 301 Front St., Minocqua, Wis.
Nathan Gebhardt
9969 Old Hwy. 70 Rd., Minocqua, WI 54548
Kevin Harvey
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Junior Firefighter Employer: None given
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed
Jacob, of St. Germain, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II and RIT. He is a First Responder.
Nathan, of St. Germain, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II.
Kevin, of St. Germain, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II.
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Oct. 10, 2012
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Three Lakes Fire Department Auxiliary members gathered around the antique engine include, front row from left, Jim Retzlaff, Darlene Retzlaff, Del Gries, Diane Wheeler, Cindy Starke, Nancy Carlsen, Alice Berndt, Jerry Gries and Ward Wheeler; back row, Ed Starke,
Page 25
Linda Remington, Chief Herb Stuckart, Kristin Antosh and Diane Hapka. Missing were Dee Anderson, Mary Babich, Dennis Hoppa, Moira Hoppa, Pam Stuckart and Chris Welcenbach. —Photo By Don Meeder
Three Lakes Fire Department Auxiliary provides support, fundraising activities ___________ BY JOAN MEEDER FEATURE WRITER
___________
The Three Lakes Fire Department Auxiliary is a humble and hardworking group of 15 committee members who continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Because two of its original members saw a need to support the Three Lakes Fire Department, an organization was started 20 years ago. Today, the Auxiliary board consists of President Cindy Starke, Vice President Nancy Carlsen, Treasurer Linda Remington and Secretary Diane Wheeler, as well as a board of directors to oversee the affairs of the Auxiliary. Starke said that it all began when “Doc” Russ Nooyen and Remington were at major fires at two former businesses, The Loonery and The Gasthaus, which occurred within a month of each other. Remington was an emergency medical technician on the scene and witnessed the needs, so she called her friend, Mary Turk. “I knew she would be more than glad to make food, etc. From there, we just
called people we knew and they all came through for us,” said Remington. “ Sandwiches and other food and beverages began showing up for the firefighters, who labored all night to put out the fires.” Several days later, Nooyen, then fire chief, and Remington met to talk about the idea of having an organization group that could be called on for similar incidents in the future — thus the start of the Auxiliary. “We started out with just trying a fundraiser to get money for purchasing the food supplies. Our first one was a dinner held at the American Legion. We had beef tips over noodles and desserts,” said Remington. “Since Mary (Turk) did ceramics and I did crafts, we had a few items that could be purchased. Although attended well, it just wasn’t what we had envisioned, so we planned an actual crafts show and food sale for the next year. It was going to be held inside, as then the weather conditions wouldn’t influence attendance, and also contain a bake sale. Additional group members included Nancy and Carol Carlsen, Cindy Starke, Mary’s sisters, Connie Graczyk, and friends and relatives of this group.”
That fall, the first Pumpkin Fest was held on an “awful day” of rain, wind and cold, according to Remington. “There were eight crafters inside and three very brave ones outside. The people just came in droves,” said Remington. “We knew this was a good idea, but we needed more space. We contacted the school and got permission to use the gym for the next year. Not-so-careful planning put the event on the same day as Homecoming. We had to wait until all the Homecoming things were put up in the gym by 9 p.m. that Friday night to set up for the following day. It was a long day for us on Saturday, but we had survived with a spectacular turnout and grew from there.” The group decided that its focus would not only be helping at fires, but raising money to purchase equipment for the fire department that the town budget did not provide. “We expanded our fundraising to include cookbooks and shirts with the Pumpkin Fest logo,” said Remington. Falling on the second Saturday in October, Pumpkin Fest soon became Three Lakes’ biggest fall event. “No matter what the weather is, we
get a good crowd. There are lots of visitors who come from out of town just for it,” said Starke. “It’s amazing to me how it’s grown over the years. We wonder how it’s all going to come together. We organize better and better each year.” Remington said, “A lot of planning goes on throughout the year to make Pumpkin Fest successful. We take a month off after it, but start right up in January for the next one. We all have had a need or know of someone who has needed the services of the fire department or ambulance and feel that this is our way of giving back. We also have some behind-the-scenes community members who help Auxiliary members at Pumpkin Fest, as well as being on call for other needs, such as hauling water, throughout the year.” For example, Sally Hagen and Jim and Nancy Bollman come in at 1 a.m. Saturday to help Remington make the infamous Sally’s cinnamon rolls. “I do the majority of baking for the bake sale, but welcome any donations from the community,” said Remington. Over the years, Remington said she To AUXILIARY, Pg. 49
PHELPS Page 26
Oct. 10, 2012
Steve Waier
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Gerald Niemisto
Roger Crass
Length of service: 30 years Rank: Chief Employer: Citizens Bank
Length of service: 41 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Town of Phelps
Length of service: 41 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Manitowish Post and Beam
Steve, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, officers training, incident command and RIT. He is also the fire prevention officer.
Gerald, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I, officers training and Learning thru Burning. He is a pump operator and master mechanic.
Roger, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Learning thru Burning, CPR, hazardous materials awareness, incident command and coldwater rescue. He also helps with fundraising.
Tony Campion
Jeff Kinner
Arnie Frizzell
Length of service: 40 years Rank: Captain Employer: Vilas County Sheriff’s Dept.
Length of service: 33 years Rank: Captain Employer: Self-employed
Length of service: 37 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: None given
Tony, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, CPR, hazardous materials, First Responder, master smoke diver, continued rescue, cold-water rescue, Learning thru Burning, incident command and RIT. He is a training officer. He is also a volunteer EMT-DA for the town of Phelps and is licensed in combi-tube and epinephrine in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Jeff, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, company officers training, Learning thru Burning, CPR, incident command, cold-water rescue and RIT.
Arnie, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I, Learning thru Burning, officers training, incident command and RIT.
Andrew Regenfuss
Todd Bierman
Norman Mesun
Length of service: 19 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Champion Builders
Length of service: 17 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Town of Phelps
Length of service: 29 years Rank: Secretary/Treasurer Employer: Boone’s Building Supply
Andrew, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I, vehicle extrication, cold-water rescue and incident command.
Todd, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I, wildland fire, CPR, Red Cross first aid, incident command and RIT.
Norman, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I, officers training, CPR, Learning thru Burning, incident command and cold-water rescue. He is a certified First Responder and has been involved in practice burns.
Dale Ray
Dan Kintz
Christy Riihimaki
Length of service: 37 years Rank: Fire Prevention Officer Employer: None given
Length of service: 27 years Rank: Training Officer Employer: None given
Length of service: 20 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: U.S. Postal Service
Dale, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, CPR, hazardous materials awareness and scuba.
Dan, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Learning thru Burning, EMT-D, vehicle extrication, incident command, cold-water rescue, officers training and RIT.
Christy, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, vehicle extrication, search and rescue, incident command, RIT, cold-water rescue, CPR, fire investigation and First Responder. She is a master smoke diver.
PHELPS Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 27
Phelps Fire Department to receive new pumper/tanker vehicle this fall ___________ BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR
___________
The Phelps Volunteer Fire Department expects to take delivery of a new pumper/tanker some time this fall, according to Fire Chief Steve Waier. In the future, the department hopes to build a new fire station near the Sand Lake Pub in which they’d house the vehicle. The 3,000-gallon pumper/tanker will replace a converted 1981 milk truck firefighters have been using. “It’s fully automatic, for one,” said Waier. “Our old vehicle was a 16-speed. We’ll use it for initial attacks and it will also serve as an additional water source on scene.” The new vehicle cost approximately $200,000 and was paid for through the town of Phelps, according to the chief. With plans on the horizon for an auxiliary fire station east of town on Highway 17, the department aims to better serve the Phelps area. “We want to build a second fire station in the vacinity of the Sand Lake Pub,” said Waier. “That will greatly enhance our response time for the Big Sand Lake, Long Lake and Smoky Lake Phelps residents. It also could lower peoples’ insurance costs.” Other than the pumper/tanker and possible plans for a new station, it’s been business as usual for the Phelps Fire Department. They continue to raise funds for purchases through annual fundraisers including the Firemen’s Picnic and Voorhees Memorial Golf Tournament in August. The department also will hold its an-
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The Phelps Lions Club recently donated four backpack water packs, used to fight brush fires, to the Phelps Fire Department. Dis-
nual prime rib dinner at Hillside Resort Thursday, Oct. 13. For more information about the event, contact Waier at (715) 545-3012. The chief added that the department could always use more help fighting fires, responding to emergencies and organizing fundraiser events. “We’re always looking for more volunteers,” he said. “We’re pretty lucky and we just got a bunch of younger volunteers to join. But we could always use more people.” The Phelps Fire Department purchased five new radios for its trucks and rescue utility vehicle (UTV), along with 20 new radios for firefighters and a base radio and antenna for the department headquarters in 2011. “They’re all Motorola radios which we were able to buy through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for $26,000. We matched $4,600 of that,” said Waier. FEMA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, provided grant money to comply with a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirement to switch radios compatible with digital technology. The mandatory switch can be attributed to the growth of cell phone communications, which are beginning to interfere with the traditional emergency signals, according to the FCC.
playing the new equipment were firefighters, from left, Mike Gil, Rob Anderson, Tim Barron and Mike Myska. —Contributed Photo
In addition to the radios, Phelps Emergency Medical Services (EMS) purchased a Ruggedized Panasonic Toughbook from Telrepco Inc. at a cost of $3,560. The laptop will be used to perform ambulance run sheets while in the ambulance, said EMS coordinator Carole Selin. The laptop was purchased with monies placed into an account for the ambulance service from the Northwoods Living Care Foundation (NLCF). Every August the NLCF raises money for the Phelps ambulance service through the annual Picnic in the Park event. Phelps EMS took delivery of a new Life Line ambulance from Jefferson Fire and Safety Inc. in 2010. The state-of-theart ambulance cost $136,000, according to Selin. The profits from several fundraisers were placed into the same account to help Phelps EMS save for the ambulance. The funds also are used for updated training sessions for the emergency medical technicians (EMTs), as well as emergency supplies. Emergency service in the greater Phelps area is offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phelps EMS is licensed in Wisconsin and Michigan and covers all of Phelps, Alvin, Nelma and the Smoky Lake area. The department also provides mutual aid for Conover; Land O’ Lakes; Eagle River; Watersmeet, Mich.;
Iron River, Mich.; and Stambaugh, Mich. Phelps EMS and the fire department also received nine extrication suits with a grant, according to Waier. The department received a donation from Chip and Lynne Shotwell to purchase a Tom-Tom global-positioning system and four extrication helmets for protection of firefighters while on an accident or fire scene. “We also received other donations that we are going to use to help purchase a Rescue Randy dummy to help us practice extrication from a vehicle, tree stands and water rescues,” said Waier. “Training is very important to help us keep our skills up. Training supplies and equipment are always a good investment for the fire and EMS.” The fire department updated its equipment for firefighters in 2009, according to Waier. Thanks to a FEMA grant, the department was able to purchase 12 sets of air packs and 10 sets of turnout gear. The grant application was submitted in 2008. The turnout gear worn by firefighters is lighter in weight and withstands heat better than the jackets and pants of the past. Waier said the abilities of the firefighters have improved as rescue personnel have completed state-certified Firefighter II training. He said firefighters To PHELPS, Pg. 29
PHELPS Page 28
Oct. 10, 2012
Brian Galek
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Tim Barron
Tim Rick
Length of service: 9 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Phelps EMS
Length of service: 8 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Length of service: 8 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed
Brian, of Phelps, has completed Firefighter I training, is RIT certified and is a certified EMT.
Tim, of Phelps, has completed Firefighter I training. He is a fire prevention officer and a Firefighter I training officer.
Tim, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and RIT.
Chris Whitehead
Mike Gill Sr.
Damian Seals
Length of service: 8 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed
Chris, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and RIT.
Mike, of Phelps, has completed Firefighter I training.
Damian, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, vehicle extrication, EMT-B and CPR.
Robert Mesun
Jordan Volkmann
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Verizon
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: North Twin Builders
Robert, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I, CPR and AED.
Jordan, of Phelps, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II. He is certified in CPR.
Patrick “Rick� Brown
Eric Selin
Jeanne Brown
Length of service: 4 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Town of Phelps
Length of service: 4 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Track Side
Length of service: 4 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Rick, of Phelps, has completed Firefighter I training. He is a mechanic and works on vehicle maintenance.
Eric, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II and cold-water rescue.
Jeanne, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I, CPR and defib. She is a certified First Responder for the Phelps Ambulance Service.
PHELPS Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 29
Phelps FROM PAGE 27 are required to go through 60 hours of training to reach the state-certified Firefighter II level. In 2008, the department’s new equipment ranged from a Jaws of Life extrication system to an air compressor and Cascade system for filling both air packs and dive tanks. Thanks to $18,500 that was raised through community fundraisers like the annual firemen’s picnic, the department purchased a spreader, cutter and saw that operates through hydraulics that are powered by a small gasoline engine. “The tool can be very valuable when it comes to saving a life during a serious automobile accident,” Waier said, adding that the equipment is stored in a pumper/tanker that rolls on all vehicular accidents. He said firefighters have gone through training for using hand tools and the JAWS unit. In 2007, Phelps took delivery of a 2006 Pierce pumper that features a 1,000-gallon tank and 1,250-gallons-per-minute pump. The truck replaced a 1986 Gruman pumper. In addition, the department’s Polaris six-wheel all-terrain vehicle was equipped in 2007 with tracks for snow or ice rescue, according to Waier. “Although we still have a snowmobile, the six-wheeler is better during remote situations,” Waier said. “Plus, we can put it to use during regular rescues to haul equipment.” Other rigs The department purchased an equipment van in 2003, a rig that goes out on every call, said Waier. The unit, built by Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton, carries equipment for extrication from vehicles, ice- and cold-water rescue, a Cascade system for filling air bottles, extra bottles, portable fans and portable pumps. The department also completed a
Volunteer members of the Phelps Fire Department served food at their annual Firemen’s Picnic fundraiser at Wavering Park. The de-
$65,000 addition to the fire station in 2003. Two double-length, extra-high bays were added to the east side of the station to accommodate the larger fire-fighting equipment used today. “It was our first addition in 21 years.
partment uses funds from the event to purchase new equipment and train its firefighters. —Photo By Sharon Gifford
We built the original station in 1982,” Waier said. “It basically gives us double the space.” The EMTs also have a craft fair and bake sale annually to help supplement the Phelps Emergency Medical Fund.
In 2001, the department equipped a new pumper/tanker with funding assistance from the town and a special fundraiser. The pumper/tanker made by Pierce features a 3,000-gallon water tank.
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PHELPS Page 30
Oct. 10, 2012
Rob Andersen III Length of service: 2 years Rank: None Employer: Phelps Sanitary District Rob is a resident of Phelps.
Thomas Crawford Length of service: New Rank: None Employer: Sunrise Lodge Thomas, of Phelps, is a new recruit.
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Joel Chmiel Length of service: New Rank: None Employer: Great Escape Joel, of Phelps, is a new recruit. He is certified in CPR.
Carole Selin Length of service: 14 years Rank: Firefighter/Ambulance Supervisor Employer: Town of Phelps Carole, of Phelps, has completed coldwater rescue training. She is licensed in Wisconsin and Michigan as an EMT-IV tech. She is a former First Responder for the town of Alvin.
Mike Duquaine Length of service: 1 month Rank: None Employer: Cellcom Mike, of Phelps, is a new recruit.
Geraldine Arlt Length of service: 25 years Rank: Ambulance Training Officer Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital Geraldine, of Phelps, is an RN-EMT, licensed in Wisconsin and Michigan. She is a diabetic educator, trained in ACLS, and is a member of the Nurse Practice Council.
Dawn Grmick
Laurinda Boone Length of service: 27 years Rank: EMT-IV Tech Employer: None given
Length of service: 20 years Rank: EMT-IV Tech Employer: Vilas County Sheriff’s Dept.
Laurinda, of Phelps, has completed a course in cold-water rescue. She is certified in CPR.
Dawn, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials, First Responder, Learning thru Burning, vehicle extrication and emergency dispatch. She is licensed in Wisconsin and Michigan as an EMT-IV tech. She is also a volunteer firefighter.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK OCT. 7-13, 2012 Kathy Regenfuss Length of service: 16 years Rank: EMT Employer: Howard Young Medical Center/Phelps Ambulance Service Kathy, of Phelps, has completed courses in EMT-B and -I, hazardous materials, RN, ACLS, TNCC, CPR and PALS.
Laura Myszka
Mike Myszka
Length of service: 4 years Rank: First Responder Employer: Conservatorships Plus Inc.
Length of service: 4 years Rank: First Responder Employer: Phelps Wood Products
Laura, of Phelps, is a certified First Responder, LPN and medical assistant.
Mike, of Phelps, has completed courses in Firefighter I, First Responder and wildland fire.
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 31
Vreeland, England bring experience to protective services training at Nicolet ___________ BY TERRY RUTLIN COMMUNITY RELATIONS, NICOLET COLLEGE
___________
Two new protective services instructors have joined the Nicolet College staff, bringing with them nearly four decades of experience in the fields of emergency medical services (EMS), workplace safety training and compliance, fire-fighting, hazardous materials, emergency response and incident command. Both Dana Vreeland, the new EMS outreach specialist, and Mark England, the new safety and health outreach specialist, are well known in the North Woods for their high level of professionalism and dedication to furthering education in the area, according to Jason Goeldner, Nicolet director of protective services. “Dana and Mark are among the best in their fields,” Goeldner said. “The skills they bring to the classroom will translate directly to a high level of instruction for people in area volunteer fire departments, medical facilities and many area businesses and industries.” Vreeland attracted to teaching Raised in Eagle River, Vreeland has worked in the EMS field for 14 years, both as a practicing paramedic and an adjunct instructor at both Nicolet and Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. She was drawn to the field after an emergency experience in 1995, when her terminally ill mother was being transported by ambulance to the hospital. While en route, the ambulance crew pulled to the side of the road so Vreeland could get in and ride in back with her mother. “Looking back on it, that experience changed my life,” she said. “Just watching them do their job, and the compassion they had for me and mother, really hit home. I knew then that what I wanted to do was help people.” Over the years, Vreeland completed increasingly advanced levels of certification — a dozen in all — culminating in becoming a critical-care emergency medical technician-paramedic through the University of Baltimore, Maryland. She completed this training while serving in the Oneida County EMS-Ministry Howard Young Medical Center/Eagle River Memorial Hospital ambulance department. “I’ve always been drawn to the really complex medical cases,” she said. “That’s when you really have to use your brain, your critical thinking skills, to do the most good.” She also discovered that she was attracted to teaching, becoming a state-licensed EMS adjunct instructor at Nicolet in 2000. “It’s my life’s dream to see people learn,” Vreeland said. “It’s very rewarding to teach people skills that they’ll use to take care of so many other people, people who are our family, friends and col-
Dana Vreeland, the new emergency medical services outreach specialist for Nicolet College, prepares medical training equipment
leagues.” At Nicolet, Vreeland teaches and coordinates a wide variety of classes. These include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heartsaver, first aid, emergency medical Rresponder, emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician, and EMS refresher training for all levels. Vreeland noted that many classes now include an online component. “A lot of our EMS students are volunteers with local departments. They have jobs and families and it’s difficult for many to complete the training entirely in a face-to-face classroom setting,” she explained. “Now, parts of many classes can be completed online at home. It’s more
for her next class. Vreeland has worked in the EMS field for 14 years. —Contributed Photo
convenient for students and also cuts down on their travel time.” Vreeland filled the position previously held by Lynn Reischel, who retired last summer after serving for 34 years as EMS instructor at Nicolet. England is safety specialist A Rhinelander native, England has extensive experience in a wide variety of protective services areas. Prior to joining Nicolet in June as the new safety and health outreach specialist, England worked for 23 years at the Harley-Davidson Motor Co., five of those years as Tomahawk plant’s safety technician/emergency response team coordinator. He’s also served as the assistant
chief/training officer for the Newbold Volunteer Fire Department and was a volunteer with the Pine Lake Fire Department. “My passion has always been to help other people,” England said. Much of his work at Nicolet will focus on providing workplace safety training for employees and helping area businesses and industries comply with Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations. “Some occupations are more dangerous than others and our main goal is to give people the skills to perform their job safely,” England said. “We want people to be able to go to work and then go home To NICOLET, Pg. 37
LA ND O’ LAKES Page 32
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Samuel Otterpohl Length of service: 33 years Rank: Chief Employer: Cisco Chain Marina
Bradley Knaack
Michael Justice
Length of service: 19 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Self-employed, Butch’s Pizza
Sam, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, terrorism awareness, hazardous materials tech, fire ground control, fire service instructor Level I, hose evolution, fire inspector, basic building construction, advanced driving, firefighter health and safety, driver/operator, wildland fire, cold-water rescue, EVOC, vehicle extrication, aviation emergency and hazardous materials awareness. He is a member of the North Woods Fire Prevention & Education Committee and a member of the Vilas County Fire Chiefs Association. He has been an EMT for 20 years and is certified in CPR.
Length of service: 19 years Rank: Captain Employer: Stop’s Refrigeration
Bradley, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and refresher, terrorism awareness, medical First Responder, LP burns, SOLO wilderness rescue, hazardous materials tech, strategies and tactics I and II, wildland fire, RIT, aviation emergency, vehicle extrication, vehicle fires, incident command, cold-water rescue, building construction and driver/ operator. He also drives the ambulance. He is a certified First Responder and is certified in CPR. He is a member of the East Central Rapid Intervention Team.
Michael, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I, terrorism awareness, hazardous materials tech, pumps and pumping, hazardous materials, cold-water rescue, tactics and strategies I and II, LP burns, RIT, confined space rescue, vehicle extrication, driver/operator and aviation emergency. He is certified in extrication and CPR.
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Length of service: 21 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed
Mac, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I, vehicle extrication, CPR and maintenance.
Carol, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, terrorism awareness, strategies and tactics I and II, hazardous materials, hazardous materials tech, CPR, NIMS, FEMA and driver/operator.
Bruce, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I, First Responder, vehicle extrication, aviation emergency, wildland fires, RIT, confined space rescue and driver/operator. He is also an EMT.
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Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Bear Trap Inn
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Forslund Building Supply
Andrew, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I, EMT-B, First Responder, terrorism awareness, hazardous materials tech, PEPP, EVOC, water rescue and cold-water rescue. He is certified in CPR and vehicle extrication. He is also a volunteer for the Land O’ Lakes Ambulance Service.
Andrew, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, RIT, confined space rescue, basic fire safety, small engines, vehicle extrication, aviation emergency and wildland fire.
Wes, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, RIT, EVOC, wildland fire, confined space rescue, vehicle extrication and aviation emergency. He is certified in hazardous materials operations and CPR.
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LA ND O’ LAKES Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 33
Land O’ Lakes department equips light rescue truck with topper, gear ___________ BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR
___________
The Land O’ Lakes Fire Department put the finishing touches on its Ford F-350 truck in 2012, installing a topper and storage boxes on the light rescue rig. The extended cab pickup truck was purchased in January of 2010 and responds to rescue calls in those hard-toreach locations, according to Signe Baake, emergency medical technician (EMT) supervisor. The four-wheel drive truck can be used to get down mud- or snow-covered trails or on ice-covered lakes for rescues. The Land O’ Lakes area has many miles of snowmobile and bicycle trail segments that can be hard to reach by ambulance. “If we can’t get the ambulance in, we take the light rescue unit,” said Baake. Rescue items in the truck include a scoop stretcher and Stokes basket, along with four Mustang suits for ice or coldwater rescue. The new fiberglass topper protects the rescue equipment and, in the event the truck is used to transport a victim down a trail, protects the injured person from the outside elements. Other features of the truck include emergency light bars on top of the cab and blue and yellow reflective tape on all sides of the vehicle. “Plans are to install a ladder rack on top of the truck as well as additional lights for search and rescue,” said Baake. “The storage compartments carry medical supplies such as bandage and splints — anything for trail rescue.” The heavy-duty truck also is used to pull the department’s rescue boat, sixwheeler or snowmobile to emergency situations, according to Land O’ Lakes Fire Chief Sam Otterpohl. “The rescue truck replaced a 1986 Chevrolet Blazer that we originally got from K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base,” said Otterpohl. “The new truck was purchased through the town budget for about $26,000.” New pumper/tanker The Land O’ Lakes Fire Department also took delivery of a new pumper/tanker in September of 2011 — a vehicle designed to handle a variety of emergencies. The 2005 pumper was purchased from the town of Manhattan in Nye County, Nev., for $185,000, according to Otterpohl. “The Pierce pumper was actually built in Appleton, so it is coming home, of sorts,” said Otterpohl. “The truck only had 3,600 miles on it when we purchased it, so it is like new.” Otterpohl said the department traded in a 1996 rescue truck and received $40,000 for the trade-in. He said tax dol-
Displaying some of the new emergency equipment, including water rescue gear, carried in the Land O’ Lakes Fire Department rescue
lars and department fundraising paid for the truck. Assistant Fire Chief Bradley Knaack said the Kenworth diesel four-wheel drive truck features a 1,700-gallon tank and a 1,000-gallons-per-minute (gpm) pump. It also carries 30 gallons of foam. “Because the truck is four-wheel drive and smaller than most pumpers, we will be able to get it in tighter locations,” said Knaack. “We also can use it to respond to vehicle accidents in the winter.” The truck has plenty of storage room for vehicle extrication equipment, including JAWS, jacks and hydraulic tools needed in a vehicle accident. It also carries a 3,800-watt Honda generator. Knaack said the truck is used for fighting both structure and wildland fires. Lighting on the truck can illuminate an accident scene. “It has 600 feet of LDH hose, 100-foot hose reel and 300 feet of 13⁄4-inch preconnected hose,” said Knaack. Knaack said if the department builds a second station in the future to the west on Highway B, the truck could be the main pumper at that location. He said the pumper/tanker replaced a 30-year-old 1981 pumper. Station generator In 2010, the department installed a 30-
truck are, from left, Signe Baake, Jeanette Shifra, Jean Haack, Mary Ellen Otterpohl and James Baake. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
kilowatt generator at the fire station that kicks in automatically when the power goes out. “In the event that the power goes out in Land O’ Lakes, we have power at the fire station with this generator,” said Otterpohl. “We also have a radio base station here in the event something would happen at the dispatch center in Eagle River. With the generator and a base station, we can still communicate with rescue personnel in an emergency.” The generator cost the department $15,000, plus installation, but the equipment was funded through the capital outlay fund for the fire station. The department also purchased an Argus HR 320 thermal-imaging camera in 2010. The $11,000 purchase was made thanks to a private donation. “The camera helps firefighters find hot spots in the walls of a burning building,” said Otterpohl. Other trucks The department purchased a Ford F350 brush truck for $31,000 in 2008. In 2009, firefighters added a wildfire skid unit to the vehicle and, in 2010, the American Legion in Land O’ Lakes donated money for a custom tool rack for the brush truck. “We use the truck for wildland fires and
fires in other hard-to-get-to places,” he said. “The rack allows us to haul extra tools for wildland fires.” The four-wheel drive vehicle was originally delivered with a heavy-duty front bumper and winch, heavy-duty trailer hitch on the rear, emergency lights and reflective striping. “We added the wildfire skid unit that includes a 250-gallon water tank, 10-gallon foam tank, 500-gpm pump and a 100foot hose reel, to the rear box,” said Otterpohl. “The pump also can be used for filling tankers.” Otterpohl said the skid unit cost $11,500. He said Conserve School donated one-half of the funds and the other onehalf came out of the department’s budget. The rig also carries wildland fire-fighting equipment, including chain saws, portable water packs, shovels, picks and axes. “We didn’t have a brush truck, so this was needed due to our heavily wooded area,” said Otterpohl. The Land O’ Lakes Fire Department purchased a $280,000 Pierce pumper/engine in 2007, financed with the help of a state grant and a loan from the town of Land O’ Lakes. The engine features a 1,250-gpm pump, To LAND O’ LAKES, Pg. 35
Page 34
Oct. 10, 2012
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LA ND O’ LAKES Oct. 10, 2012
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Land O’ Lakes FROM PAGE 33 a 1,000-gallon water tank, and a compressed air and foam system. In 2005, the Land O’ Lakes department improved its hazardous materials response capabilities with a new response trailer. The truck carries haz-mat cleanup materials, gear, level A and level B suits and other equipment. Other trucks in the department’s fleet include a tanker and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) truck, which is used to transport the Land O’ Lakes RIT to fires across the area. Training continues Training is always a priority for the Land O’ Lakes Fire Department. In 2010, fire department personnel were trained in vehicle extrication and handling airport emergencies. The training was held through Nicolet Area Technical College. “Firefighters from Land O’ Lakes, Phelps, Conover and Eagle River learned about handling airport emergencies, including dealing with airplane fuels,” said Otterpohl. Several department personnel took RIT training in 2009 and are now members of the Eastside RIT. They are trained to locate and rescue injured or trapped firefighters. Otterpohl said Land O’ Lakes also teamed up with Conover to prepare a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. “The plan will help us prepare for wildfires as well as help us get Department of Natural Resources grants,” he said. The plan includes maps for high-risk areas for wildfires, highly flammable areas, land uses and evacuation routes. “We are always looking for new firefighters and EMTs,” said Otterpohl. Special equipment Land O’ Lakes is the home of the only fire boat in Vilas County. The 25-foot pontoon is docked at Cisco Chain Marina and serves the Cisco Chain area, which encompasses Land O’ Lakes and Watersmeet, Mich. The fire boat is a necessary commodity in the area due to the number of summer residences located on numerous islands throughout the Cisco Chain. Response time to an island fire is three times quicker by boat to certain lakeside locations. It may take 30 minutes by road to go around a lake, but the fire boat could reach the same location within five minutes, according to Otterpohl. The Land O’ Lakes Fire Department also has an inflatable boat and a Rescue Alive flotation device. The inflatable boat was purchased as a budget item from the town of Land O’ Lakes. It is used for getting onto private lakes, as well as lakes that have no boat landing. “It helps the response time because we can throw the boat in at any location,” said Otterpohl. “Wherever the 911 comes from, we can slide the boat in the water without going to a boat landing.” The Rescue Alive was purchased with money from the residents of Land O’ Lakes. It is used for ice and cold-water rescues. Many of the department mem-
Emergency personnel added a protective topper to the Land O’ Lakes Fire Department rescue truck this year. The EMTs include,
bers have taken the ice-rescue course. Land O’ Lakes also has a Polaris sixwheel all-terrain vehicle (ATV), used primarily for trail rescues. The ATV was purchased by the Emergency Medical Services department with the assistance of donations and fundraisers. It features a rear box, which was modified to haul a stretcher. The Land O’ Lakes Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad moved to its present location along Highway B in 1991. The fire station features four double bays with rear doors and was funded by the town. The 100- by 60-foot building includes room for eight vehicles, two offices, an EMT training room, a meeting room and a kitchen.
Land O’ Lakes Who do you call?
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from left, Signe Baake, Mary Ellen Otterpohl, Jeanette Shifra, Jean Haack and James Baake. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
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LA ND O’ LAKES Page 36
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Brian Achuff Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Lakeshore Home & Yard Care Brian, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, wildland fire, self-contained breathing apparatus, confined space rescue, vehicle extrication, aviation emergency and search and rescue. He is a member of the rapid intervention team and is certified in hazardous materials operations and CPR.
Dan Balog
Chris Brownell
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Town of Land O’ Lakes
Length of service: 4 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Land O’ Lakes Cheese Corp.
Dan, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials, engine, engine and transmission repair, vehicle extrication and aviation emergency. He retired from the fire department of Calumet City, Ill., after 25 years.
Chris, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in basic life support and hazardous materials awareness, vehicle extrication and aviation emergency. He is a certified EMT-IV tech in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Eagle River Branch 633 N. Railroad St., Eagle River, WI 54521 Rhinelander Office 121 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501
Eagle River Center
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Eagle River
Joshua Karlovich
Signe Baake Length of service: 37 years Rank: EMT Supervisor Employer: Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation Services
Length of service: 1 year Rank: Firefighter Employer: Butch’s Pizza North Joshua, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed wildland fire training.
Signe, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, terrorism awareness, hazardous materials tech, LP burns, advanced driving, PEPP, weather spotting, cold-water drowning, BTLS, PALS, wildland fire, driver/operator, vehicle extrication, aviation emergency, officer strategies and tactics, pump operator, OSHA instructor, cold-water rescue, NRP, CC EMT-P and I/C Level 2. She is an ambulance supervisor, CPR instructor, NREMT-P, Wisconsin paramedic, Michigan-certified EMT-B, EMT-B instructor and PHTLS and ACLS certified. She is the deputy coroner for Vilas County.
James Baake Length of service: 26 years Rank: EMT-B Employer: Retired James, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in EMT-B, Firefighter I, terrorism awareness, hazardous materials tech, weather spotting, advanced driving, BTLS, vehicle extrication tech, PALS, wildland fire, aviation emergency and driver/operator. He is on the National Registry of EMTs and is a Michigan-certified EMT-B. He has completed classes in Medicare billing and DOT accident prevention.
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Jean Haack
Jeanette Shifra
Length of service: 26 years Rank: EMT Training Officer Employer: Headwaters State Bank
Length of service: 3 years Rank: EMT-B Employer: Conserve School
Length of service: 1 year Rank: EMT-B, -IV Tech Employer: Jay’s Resort
Mary Ellen, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in EMT-I, CPR, advanced driving, CPR refresher, EVOC, driver/operator, wildland fire, Firefighter I, terrorism awareness, hazardous materials tech, vehicle extrication and aviation emergency. She is on the National Registry of EMTs, is a Michigan-certified EMT-B and a Wisconsin EMT-IV tech. She is certified in PHTLS, cold-water rescue, SOLO wilderness rescue and PEPP.
Jean, of Land O’ Lakes, has completed courses in EMT-B, water rescue and vehicle extrication. She is certified in CPR.
Jeanette, of Land O’ Lakes, is an NREMT-B and a Wisconsin EMT-IV tech.
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Land O’ Lakes • Rhinelander • Three Lakes • Woodruff
Oct. 10, 2012
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Page 37
Nicolet FROM PAGE 31 safe and sound at the end of the day.” He admitted some people have mixed opinions about OSHA. “(But) just about every OSHA standard is written in blood,” he went on to explain. “Many are lessons learned from past situations and we want to make sure that these things don’t repeat themselves and happen to other people.” England has an extensive list of certifications that he uses to provide training in numerous areas. These include several OSHA classes, confined spaces training, fire extinguisher training, hazardous waste management, emergency response and coordination, forklift operator training, incident command, bloodborne pathogens, hospital and nursing home fire safety, and electrical safety, among others. Recently Nicolet started offering free safety audits and hazard analysis for area businesses and industries. “Many hazards are not easily recognizable and are very easy to miss unless you know what to look for,” said England, who filled an open position at Nicolet. “What we’ll do, for free, is go through a facility to identify any potential hazards.” For more information about protective services training opportunities at Nicolet, contact the department at (715) 3654600, 1-(800) 544-3039, ext. 4600; TDD (715) 365-4448.
Mark England, the new safety and health outreach specialist at Nicolet College, provides workplace safety training for businesses
and their employees. England also is on the Newbold Volunteer Fire Department. —Contributed Photo
Ministry expands helicopter service in North Ministry Health Care announced this summer that its Spirit helicopter service in the North Woods has expanded to 24hour coverage. It was only a year ago that Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation Services introduced a second air ambulance to better serve the needs of patients in northern Wisconsin. Ministry Spirit’s fleet includes Spirit Air 2 based in Rhinelander and Spirit Air 1 based in Marshfield at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital. The implementation of the second helicopter has greatly decreased response time to the region’s trauma and specialty referral centers in Marshfield and Weston/Wausau, according to Charlie Kotke, northern region manager of Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation Services. “Moving to 24-hour coverage allows us to provide an even greater level of service to area residents and fulfill our promise of keeping patients first in everything we do,” said Kotke. “Our goal is to have the patient to the trauma center in under an hour so decreased response times will definitely benefit the patient and save lives.” According to Stewart Watson, M.D., president and CEO of Ministry Medical Group, the expanded hours will benefit critically ill and injured patients. “Time is a critical factor in the treatment outcome for trauma, heart attack and stroke victims and this will dramatically reduce the time it takes to transport patients to the closest appropriate
Ministry Health Care now offers Spirit helicopter service 24 hours a day with Air 2 based in Rhinelander and Air 1 based in Marshfield.
tertiary hospital,” said Watson. Ministry Spirit performs a wide variety of missions, including inter-hospital transport, emergency scene calls, providing air medical resources to trauma pa-
The Ministry Spirit team also provides outreach education services to community groups and schools. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
tients at the scene of an accident, and education outreach to the emergency medical services community and area schools. To accommodate the increased air ambulance service, additional staff includ-
ing paramedics, flight nurses and pilots were added. Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation Services has provided medical transport for more than 18 years.
CONOVER Page 38
Oct. 10, 2012
Gary Vold Length of service: 27 years Rank: Chief Employer: Self-employed, Northern Carpets Gary, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I, officers training, wildland fire suppression, tactics and strategies, foam types and uses, extrication, fire investigations and helicopter landing zone. He is trained in CPR-D.
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Randy Barnes Length of service: 24 years Rank: 1st Assistant Chief Employer: Self-employed
Jeff Barnekow Length of service: 16 years Rank: 2nd Assistant Chief Employer: J&J Excavating & Landscaping
Randy, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, tankers, instructional techniques for company officers, firefighter safety, health and survival, positive pressure ventilation, pumps and pumping, fire investigation, fire investigation-arson, advanced fire investigation, water rescue, cold-water rescue, fire prevention inspections, CPR, wildland fires, medical transport, landing zone and weapons of mass destruction. He is a fire inspector, a certified tank inspector ILHR10, and contract inspector for ILHR10.
Jeff, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, water rescue, vehicle extrication, CPR-D, fire investigation, LP burns, weapons of mass destruction, wildfire and incident command of wildland fires, foam I and II, defibrillator, officers training and landing zone.
NORTHERN CARPETS
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Robert Martinson Jr.
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Richard Martinson
Steve Vold
Length of service: 21 years Rank: 1st Captain Employer: Schattner Construction
Length of service: 16 years Rank: Captain Employer: Town of Conover
Length of service: 16 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Northern Carpets
Robert, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, water rescue, wildland fire, fire investigation, foam types and uses, LP burns, weapons of mass destruction, incident command, landing zone and CPR-D. He is a member of the interior attack team.
Richard, of Conover, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, weapons of mass destruction, wildland fire, basic fire investigation, wildfire, vehicle extrication, CPR-D, LP burns, landing zone and basic concepts of emergency response to terrorism. He is certified in CPR and is a training officer.
Steve, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I, mod 1 and 2, wildland fire, foam types and uses, pumper operations, extrication, fire investigation and landing zone. He is trained in CPR-D and is a member of the Eastside Rapid Intervention Team.
NORTHERN CARPETS
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John Barnekow
NORTHERN CARPETS
CARPET • VINYL • TILE 5788 Hwy. 45, Land O’ Lakes 715-547-6063
Todd Vreeland
Length of service: 11 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Town of Conover
Length of service: 11 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Boone’s Building Supply
John, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, water rescue, CPR-D, wildland fire, LP burns, foam types and uses, fire investigation, weapons of mass destruction, landing zone and vehicle extrication. He is a member of the interior attack team.
Todd, of Eagle River, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, water rescue, cold-water rescue, CPR-D, wildland fire, LP burns, foam types and uses, fire investigation and landing zone. He is a member of the interior attack team and the Eastside Rapid Intervention Team.
CARPET • VINYL • TILE 5788 Hwy. 45, Land O’ Lakes 715-547-6063
Chad Lederer Length of service: 17 years Rank: Secretary Employer: Hartman Well Drilling and Pump Inc. Chad, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, wildland fire, foams and operation, pumper operation, CPR-D, LP burns, weapons of mass destruction and landing zone. He is a member of the interior attack team and a member of the Eastside rapid intervention team.
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CONOVER Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 39
Conover Fire Department obtains 2011 ambulance, multiuse truck ___________
BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR
___________
The Conover Fire Department purchased a new ambulance for its emergency medical technicians (EMT) along with a used multiuse truck in 2012. The new 2011 Lifeline ambulance, which has a Ford E-450 chassis, will be a significant upgrade for the EMTs with more space and updated features. The town of Conover, along with Watersmeet, Mich., have budgeted for the $98,000 purchase for several years, according to EMT Supervisor Nancy Vold. “It has more room and has more compartments in the back,” she said. “It’s also lower to the ground and people can get up into it. We had problems with some of the older people getting into the back of the old one.” Conover will continue to use another Lifeline ambulance purchased in 2001 in conjunction with the new vehicle. “This has got more lights on it and it seems like you can see us coming for miles,” said Nancy Vold. “Plus it’s bright yellow, which also helps.” The fire department’s new truck is a diesel 2003 Chevy Duramax 2500HD and will be used primarily as a first-out vehicle, said Fire Chief Gary Vold. The department funded the $13,500 price tag using only money from fundraisers. “There were no taxpayer dollars used in the purchase of this vehicle,” said Gary Vold. “It’s going to be a multipurpose vehicle. We’ll use it when we have to do fire inspections, to combat brush fires and as a personnel carrier for meetings and seminars. We can also use it to pull trailers for snowmobile rescues.” The vehicle will replace a 1994 Chevy Suburban, which wasn’t very practical, according to the chief. The department also replaced a failing pump on the rear of one of its firefighting vehicles. The new pump works at 100 gallons per minute and the $5,200 cost was 80% funded through the Forestry Department. “It will replace our old pump, which would die just when we needed it to work for us,” said Capt. Richard Martinson. “The cost was shared through the Forestry Department because, when we fight wildfires, we’re either reimbursed for our time or they give us grants. So far, it’s been a great pump.” Firefighters can use the pump to draft water from area lakes using hard suction hoses housed on the vehicle and can fill their 150-gallon polyethylene tank to use as a water source. The Conover Fire Department purchased a new imaging camera in 2011, along with four rapid intervention team (RIT) packs. The imaging camera, which helps the department detect hot spots, is an up-
Conover EMTs, from left, Supervisor Nancy Vold, Justin Hoffman and Kevin Hartman displayed a new 2011 Lifeline ambulance,
grade from a previous model, according to Gary Vold. “It’s a much better unit, which scans a much bigger area,” he said. “When we go into a building, if we have to go into a scene that’s full of smoke, we aren’t looking at such a small area.” The larger unit cost a little more than $17,000, he said, which the department was able to save through its annual fundraising events. In addition to the camera, the Conover Fire Department bought four new packs for its RIT. The packs include air tanks and self-contained breathing apparatus. “There are new backpacks, and they all have the individual face masks now,” said Gary Vold. “They’re in specialty trucks just for the rapid intervention team, the new teams set up in Vilas County.” In 2010, the department concentrated on recruiting new firefighters, according to Gary Vold. Conover signed on seven new members that year, bringing the department to its maximum of 30 firefighters, a limit established by the town board. The firefighters train in a new 30- by
which has more space and some updated features compared with the EMTs’ 2001 model. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
80-foot addition to the fire station constructed in 2009, thanks to a memorial donation from a local resident. The construction of the $150,000 building began Oct. 1, 2008, and the building was dedicated Sept. 20, 2009, with a community open house. The department received a $140,000 gift to fund the project from Anita Soquist, a Conover area resident who died June 15, 2005. The department funded the additional $10,000 for the project. Soquist taught first and second grades at Land O’ Lakes Elementary School for 42 years. The building, located behind the current fire station along Highway K East, is called the Anita Soquist Ambulance Facility. “The new building includes a classroom, offices for emergency medical services (EMS) and the fire department, two rest rooms, a small kitchen area and two drive-through bays for the EMS vehicles,” said Gary Vold. “The new garage is currently housing the ambulance.” The addition frees up much-needed space in the fire station, built in 1998. Gary Vold said the department is looking at replacing its 1978 brush truck in the future. The truck, used for hard-to-
reach locations, is the department’s oldest truck. “We carry shovels, rakes, a pump and a 250-gallon water tank on the truck,” said Gary Vold. “We have one of the heaviest forested areas in the county and are in the red zone for brush and forest fires. The brush truck is vital for attacking these areas.” Other rescue trucks One of the Conover Fire Department’s newest rigs is a $302,000 engine/pumper, put into use in 2008. The department raised about $100,000 to purchase the 2006 Sterling chassis and the town took over the payments on the remainder of the state-ofthe-art apparatus. The engine/pumper replaced a 1991 model, though that truck is a backup at the fire station on Highway K East. The new engine is equipped with a fully enclosed top control pump operator’s panel with crew seating for four firefighters at the forward portion. “The crew cab is equipped with a heating and air-conditioning unit for a cliTo CONOVER, Pg. 41
CONOVER Page 40
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Shirley Jesse Length of service: 13 years Rank: Secretary Employer: Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital Shirley, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, water rescue, hazardous materials, snowmobile and cold-water rescue, weapons of mass destruction, wildland fire, vehicle extrication, foam types and uses, landing zone and fire investigation. She is trained in advanced airway management, ACLS, PALS and PHTLS. She is a CPR instructor for Ministry Health Care and the fire department through Nicolet College, is a Michigan-certified EMT and a Wisconsin and Michigan EMT-IV Tech/DE. She is also a volunteer for the Conover Ambulance.
Ron Jesse Jr.
Jim Bert
Length of service: 13 years Rank: Maintenance Officer Employer: Days Inn of Eagle River
Length of service: 13 years Rank: Safety Officer Employer: Retired
Ron, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, wildland fire, CPR-D, foam types and uses, weapons of mass destruction, water rescue and cold-water rescue, fire investigation, vehicle extrication, landing zone, hybrid electrical vehicle and RIT. He is a certified driver/operator for the pumper truck.
Jim, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I, CPR, weapons of mass destruction, wildland fire and landing zone. He is also the fire code inspector and grants coordinator.
FIND WHAT YOU NEED AT Eagle River Branch 633 N. Railroad St., Eagle River, WI 54521 Rhinelander Office 121 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501
Eagle River Center
715-479-4491 or toll-free 1-877-365-4800
www.ripco.org
John Burczyk Length of service: 28 years Rank: Honorary Firefighter Employer: U.S. Postal Service John, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I, special fire officers, wildland fire and CPR First Responder. He served as the fire chief from 1984-’98.
Friendship House Family Restaurant 101 W. Wall St., Eagle River
Gordon Hogenmiller
Eagle River
Roger Jensen Length of service: 28 years Rank: Honorary Firefighter Employer: Self-employed, Jensen Hardware and Appliance
Length of service: 28 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Larson Concrete Products David, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I special and Firefighter II, water rescue and cold-water rescue, CPR, LP burns, landing zone, wildland fire, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials, pumper driving, ladder practices and Learning thru Burning.
Roger, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, LP burns, wildland fire and CPR.
MID•WISCONSIN BANK Your Partner When Decisions Matter
325 W. Pine St., Eagle River
David Larson
(715) 479-8484
MEMBER FDIC & ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
800-MID-WISC • www.midwis.com
Gary Lagueux Jr.
ACE IS THE PLACE
Nelson’s
Eagle River
John Uhrine
Length of service: 15 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed
Length of service: 11 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Lagueux Builders
Length of service: 11 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: FedEx
Gordon, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, water rescue, wildland fire, CPR-D and RIT.
Gary, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, water rescue, LP burns, foam types and uses, fire investigation, CPR-D, wildland fire, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and hazardous materials. He is a member of the interior attack team and a demolition combat engineer in the U.S. Army Reserve.
John, of Conover, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, CPR-D, LP burns, wildland fire, fire investigation, vehicle extrication, weapons of mass destruction and landing zone.
Peter Christensen Open Dental Clinic Saturdays Eagle River
450 Old Abe Rd. Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
www.rogerscontrol.com
715-479-6919
CONOVER Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 41
Conover FROM PAGE 39 mate-controlled atmosphere,” said Gary Vold. The truck is equipped with a 1,250 gallons-per-minute mounted pump and an injection-style foam system. The water tank is a 1,500-gallon tank with a 20-gallon foam concentrate cell. “At the top of the apparatus, directly behind the crew cab, is an electronically controlled deck gun,” said Gary Vold. “There are compartments on both sides to maximize storage space.” A ladder rack stores the ladders above the apparatus when not in use and electronically lowers to an accessible height at the side of the body. The truck also is equipped with a 6-kilowatt hydraulic generator which supplies power to four 740-watt removable lights. Several Conover firefighters completed RIT training in 2008. They include Chad Lederer, Todd Vreeland and Steve Vold. They are members of the Eastside RIT with Eagle River, Phelps and Land O’ Lakes. The team is trained to assist other firefighters if they’re injured or trapped in a fire. The Conover department also gets a lot of use out of its mini pumper-rescue truck purchased in 2004. Gary Vold said the mini pumper is the first vehicle out of the garage on fire calls and it travels to all auto accidents and fires in the town of Conover. The pumper carries Jaws of Life, foam, tools and air packs for four firefighters. The truck also houses a defibrillator, which all firefighters are trained to use along with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Gary Vold said the rescue truck carries four passengers, plus the driver. The department purchased a Lifeline ambulance in 2001. He said the Ford diesel-powered ambulance is twice as large as the department’s previous vantype ambulance. The vehicle stores hard boards, defibrillator units and equipment for splinting and immobilizing patients. The ambulance is operated by
Justin Hoffman
Showing the new multiuse truck purchased this year are Conover Fire Department members, front row from left, Jerod Hoffman, John Lakso, Chad Lederer, Mike Bedish and Dave Larson; and back row,
Conover EMTs, who respond to approximately 200 calls each year. The department also has a Polaris 6x6 all-terrain vehicle, which is a rescue-recovery vehicle for all incidents. The sixwheeler is rigged with a long board on the rear bed for trail rescues, and is used for brush fires and to transport victims, personnel and equipment. Gary Vold said the six-wheeler is large enough to carry a victim and an EMT in the back and two or three personnel on the front seat. Community minded Besides responding to about 50 fire calls each year, the fire department has contributed to the community in other
Randy Barnes, Fire Chief Gary Vold, Justin Hoffman, Kevin Hartman, Robert Martinson and Richard Martinson. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
ways. “Through our fundraisers, we were able to donate new playground equipment for the town park in 2005,” said Gary Vold. In 2003, many of the firefighters volunteered to build a concession stand at the soccer fields in the town park. “The material was purchased by the town and the labor was 100% donated by the firefighters,” said Gary Vold. Firefighter Robert Martinson Jr., a self-employed carpenter, led the construction project. The building serves two soccer fields and a ball field. “In addition, community events, such
Jerod Hoffman
as the car show, are held on the grounds and make use of the facility,” said Gary Vold. “It’s just something the firefighters wanted to do for the community.” He said the department gets strong support from area taxpayers, as well as donations from individuals and civic organizations. The department’s major fundraiser is a pancake breakfast and car show held each July. The department holds an annual Ice Fishing Jamboree on Pioneer Lake. To preregister for the tournament, people can call Vreeland at (715) 891-2251. For more information about the Conover Fire Department or ambulance service, contact Gary Vold at (715) 4794881.
Jeremy Schlitt
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Log Cabin Outfitters
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Log Cabin Outfitters
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: The Toy Shop of Eagle River
Justin, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, water rescue, wildland fire, landing zone, pumper operator, vehicle extrication and weapons of mass destruction. He is also an EMT-I for the Conover Ambulance.
Jerod, of Conover, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, water rescue, wildland fire, landing zone and pumper operator.
Jeremy, of Conover, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, cold-water rescue, CPR and wildland fire.
AmeriGas
Ahlborn
America’s Propane Company
EQUIPMENT, INC.
Eagle River
2924 State Hwy. 155, Sayner, Wis.
Page 42
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
We’re here for you…
For 35 years, the Vold family of Conover has been covering the floors of homes and businesses of the North Woods.
24/7!
If you’d like insurance protection to cover you 24 hours a day, then why settle for 9:00 to 5:00 service? As local independent insurance agents representing Auto-Owners Insurance Company, we’re here for you. I’m your neighbor — someone you know, someone you can trust and respect.
Public service has also been a longtime family tradition for the Volds — a total of more than 70 years!
Luckily, emergencies don’t happen every day, but when they do, isn’t it nice knowing we’ll be here to help you through it? Stop in and see us. Or, we’re available 24/7 by phone and e-mail. We’d be delighted to serve you.
HOME AUTO LIFE BUSINESS
ASSOCIATES
Gary Vold
Nancy Vold
Steve Vold
Volunteer Firefighter/ CPR-D-Fib Chief – Conover
EMT-B Supervisor licensed Wis./Mich. Conover Fire Dept. Treasurer
Volunteer Firefighter/ Investigator CPR-D-Fib
NORTHERN CARPETS
Hwy. 45 North, Land O’ Lakes, Wis.
715-547-6063
AGENCY, INC. 701 N. Railroad Eagle River 715.479.8808
4169 Hwy. B Land O’ Lakes 715.547.3552
www.meyer-ins.com
556 Hwy. 155 St. Germain 715.542.3949
Ripco Credit Union Eagle River 715.477.0601
E-mail: meyer@meyer-ins.com
Local Heroes ~ Saving Lives Every Day Conover
So proud of our volunteers!
SALUTE!
YOUR FAMILY RESORT FOR ALL SEASONS OPEN YEAR-ROUND Located on Beautiful Upper Buckatabon 5915 Jacoby Rd., Conover
E “TH
HOUSE OF PAYNE ”
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1-800-261-DEER (3337) www.deerpathresort.com Thank you!
Thank you!
45
SPORTS SPORTS BAR BAR AND AND GRILL GRILL
Supporting the community that supports one another
You make
Conover
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Box 32, Conover, WI 54519-0032 715-479-4928 866-394-4386 “Your Starting Point of Adventure” E-mail: conover.org@gmail.com
Log Cabin
Bill & Tori’s
“Famous Homemade Pizzas” Tues.-Sun. open at 11 a.m. Closed Mondays
OPEN AT 11 A.M. us proud! Closed Tuesdays 4800 Old Hwy. 45 • Conover, WI 54519 • 715-547-3571
HATS OFF to our firefighters & EMTs
Now Serving Breakfast
• Friday Fish Fry — all day • Broasted Chicken • Sandwiches • Daily Food & Drink Specials
Tues.-Fri. 6:30-11:30 a.m. Sat.-Sun. 6:30 a.m. - noon Closed Mondays
• Famous Bloody Marys • Daily Specials
226 Hwy. 45 North, dowtown Conover
POLICE
Log Cabin Cafe
715-479-2787
Website: www.conover.org
T hank you, volunteers!
Jensen-Akins Hardware & Appliance The North Woods Volume Appliance Dealer “Selling More…Serving Better”
SALES • SERVICE • PARTS
HARDWARE 156 HWY. 45 N, CONOVER, WIS. 715-479-4530
APPLIANCE 715-479-8427
to the RESCUE
CONOVER Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Chad Lucas
John Lakso
James Pusich
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Eagle River Tire
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Pusich Logging
Chad, of Conover, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, cold-water rescue and CPR. He is a member of the Eastside Rapid Intervention Team and a former member of the Phelps Fire Department.
John, of Conover, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, cold-water rescue and CPR. He is also a national forest firefighter.
James, of Conover, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, cold-water rescue and CPR.
5813 Hwy. 45 North Land O’ Lakes, WI 54540 715-547-3030
Eric Walloch
EAGLE CARPET CLEANING Eagle River
Mike Bedish
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: The Toy Shop of Eagle River
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Cozy Cabin Outfitters
Eric, of Conover, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, wildland fire and CPR.
Mike, of Conover, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, cold-water rescue, driver/operator I and II, weapons of mass destruction and CPR. He is also an EMT and a national forest firefighter.
GAFFNEY-BUSHA Eagle River
Nancy Vold
(715) 477-0501
Kevin Hartman Length of service: 2 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Hartman Well Drilling and Pump Inc. Kevin, of Conover, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II, entrylevel driver/operator pumper truck I and II, wildland fire, weapons of mass destruction and pumper/driver. He is also an EMT-I for the Conover Ambulance.
Eagle River Center In Lac du Flambeau on Hwy. 47
Kim Jovanovic
Length of service: 24 years Rank: EMT Supervisor Employer: Self-employed, Northern Carpets
Length of service: 15 years Rank: EMT-B Employer: Self-employed, M&K Service Custom Meats
Nancy, of Conover, is a certified EMT-B in Michigan and Wisconsin and has completed landing zone training. She is an honorary member of the Conover Fire Department and holds the rank of treasurer. She was Wisconsin’s EMT of the Year in 2003.
Kim, of Conover, is a Wisconsin and Michigan-certified EMT-IV Tech and is on the National Registry of EMTs. She is also certified in CPR.
NORTHERN CARPETS
CARPET • VINYL • TILE 5788 Hwy. 45, Land O’ Lakes 715-547-6063
Eagle River
Joe Aschenbrenner Length of service: 2 years Rank: EMT-B Employer: Lampert Lumber Joe, of Conover, has completed EMT-B training.
FIND WHAT YOU NEED AT
Eagle River, St. Germain, Phelps & Three Lakes
Eagle River
Page 43
PLUM LAKE Page 44
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Kevin Rasmussen
Jerry Keller
Jim Daniel Jr.
Length of service: 30 years Rank: Chief Employer: Camp Highland
Length of service: 14 years Rank: Assistant Chief/Treasurer Employer: Retired
Length of service: 28 years Rank: 2nd Assistant Chief Employer: Milton Propane
Kevin, of Sayner, has completed courses in Firefighter I, mod 1 and 2, pumps and pumping 1 and 2, LP gas fires, Learning thru Burning, CPR, Scott Air Pack, defensive driving and vehicle fire. He is a member of the rapid intervention team and has been an EMT-B for 3 years.
Jerry, of Sayner, has training as an EMT, CPR instructor and is a former paramedic. He has completed NIMS ICS 100 & 200, has trained for Jaws of Life and is a heavyequipment operator. He is the Plum Lake town chairman and the head of emergency government for the town of Plum Lake. He is a former member of the rapid intervention team. He retired from the city of Milwaukee Fire Department after 31 years of service.
Jim, of Sayner, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, LP gas fires, Learning thru Burning, CPR, Scott Air Pack, defensive driving, vehicle fires and is a training officer for the West Central Rapid Intervention Team.
HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER
Eagle River Center
9969 Old Hwy. 70 Rd., Minocqua, WI 54548
Bob Klager
In Lac du Flambeau on Hwy. 47
Jeremy Arnold
Length of service: 17 years Rank: Sub-Chief at Star Lake Employer: Gateway Lodge
Length of service: 7 years Rank: Captain Employer: Self-employed
Bob, of Star Lake, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II.
Jeremy, of Sayner, has completed courses in Firefighter I, NIMS, ICS 100 and 200, landing zone and emergency vehicle operation. He is an EMT-B and has served on the Plum Lake Ambulance Service for 2 years. He is a member of the West Central Rapid Intervention Team.
Steven Clemens Length of service: 16 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: Retired Steven is a resident of Sayner.
aspirus.org
Internet Telephone Television
118 Spruce St., Eagle River, WI 54521 (715) 480-4800
Ed Johnston
www.wisconsinpublicservice.com
Andy McKay
Land O’ Lakes • Rhinelander • Three Lakes • Woodruff
Graham McKay
Length of service: 20 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Ahlborn Equipment Inc.
Length of service: 18 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Length of service: 17 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed
Ed, of Sayner, has had on-the-job training and classes in mod 1.
Andy, of Sayner, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II.
Graham, of Sayner, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II.
Ahlborn
Ahlborn
EQUIPMENT, INC.
EQUIPMENT, INC.
2924 State Hwy. 155, Sayner, Wis.
2924 State Hwy. 155, Sayner, Wis.
Eagle River
PLUM LAKE Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
The Plum Lake Fire Department is seeking new members to join its volunteer squad of firefighters. Some of the current members, in front of the Ford F-350 brush truck purchased in 2011 include, front row from left, Ed Johnston, Steven Clemens, Fire Chief Kevin Ras-
Page 45
mussen, John Wichner and Jeremy Arnold; and back row, Jerry Keller, Jim Daniel, Greg Larsen and Richard Lemke. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Plum Lake Fire/EMS to acquire new equipment and capabilities ___________ BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR
___________
The Plum Lake Fire Department was recently awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant in the amount of $11,000, which it will use to fund the purchases of new equipment. Meanwhile, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team’s Lifepak 12 machine now has transmit capabilities. The defibrillator and electrocardiographic monitor, which essentially records information about a patient’s heart for paramedical personnel, will be able to relay information to the hospital ahead of time, according to Plum Lake Ambulance Service Secretary/Treasurer Peggy Nimz. “When we go live with the device this fall, we’ll be able to push one button to transmit information from anywhere, including from a house with a patient,” said Nimz. “If a patient is having a massive heart-attack, the hospital can have a
critical-care transport team and a helicopter waiting. It’s much faster for the patient.” When it’s all said and done, the upgrade will cost the department approximately $3,000 and will be 100% funded through fundraisers and private donations, according to Nimz. The fire department’s FEMA grant will fund an advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit called Annie for just less than $5,000, along with four new backboards fully set up with headblocks and all the straps, a pulse oximeter and a five-gas detection monitor for combustible gases, according to Fire/EMS Chief Kevin Rasmussen. “The Annie unit can create sounds, it has pulse points, you can defibrillate on it and it has a built-in load so you can actually shock it,” he said. “That will be a great educational tool for our firefighters. Anything in a small department like this is pretty huge,” he said, adding that the department is always in the process of trying to recruit new members.
“It’s an uphill battle. Recruitment and retention is difficult, especially in a volunteer service,” said Rasmussen, who expressed optimism that two new students were signed up for fall EMS classes. Aside from the new equipment and Lifepak capabilities, Plum Lake is still working to pay off the brush truck the department received in 2011. The 2011 Ford F-350 has a dual purpose, according to the chief. “It serves as a wildland fire unit plus a water supply,” he said. “There are two 500-gallon permitted pumps in the back. We’re trying to condense and use one vehicle for two applications.” Rasmussen said the F-350 is a vast improvement over the old brush truck, which was wearing down with use and couldn’t carry the hefty loads the department needed. “We’re replacing something from the early 1980s with a 2011,” said Rasmussen. “And it’s rated to carry the weight that we’ve been overloading when we use the other vehicle.”
The original price tag on the vehicle was around $40,000, but municipal discounts brought that number down. The department was able to fund the truck through donations and annual fundraisers like the Fourth of July chicken barbecue and spaghetti dinner in August. The department also added a fourwheel-drive utility vehicle to its rescue fleet in 2010. The John Deere Gator XUV 620i is used for attacking wildfires in hard-to-reach locations and assisting EMS with trail rescues. The $12,000 vehicle features side-byside seating for a driver and passenger, a rear dump box, lights, roll bar, and front and rear hitches. The department added snow tracks to the Gator for winter rescues in 2011. The utility vehicle was paid for with department money raised through its annual fundraisers. The department purchased a Medtronic Lifepak 12 automated exterTo PLUM LAKE, Pg. 47
PLUM LAKE Page 46
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Jared Mann Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: U.S. Armed Forces Jared, of Sayner, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II.
NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
ACE IS THE PLACE
Nelson’s
John Wichner
Richard Lemke
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Student
Length of service: 4 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
John, of Sayner, has completed courses in Firefighter I, hazardous materials operations, First Responder and landing zone. He is a member of the rapid intervention team.
Richard, of Sayner, has completed courses in vehicle extrication and basic life support.
Walking Art Tattoos 715-356-2721
Peter Christensen Open Dental Clinic Saturdays
Eagle River
301 Front St., Minocqua, Wis.
450 Old Abe Rd. Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
David Romanski
BriAnna Hoffmann
Greg Larsen
Length of service: 3 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Clearview Supper Club David, of Sayner, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II.
Length of service: 1 year Rank: Photographer Employer: Student BriAnna is a resident of Sayner.
Peggy Nimz Length of service: 21 years Rank: EMT-I, Secretary/Treasurer Employer: Ministry Health Care Peggy, of St. Germain, is certified in emergency vehicle operations, pediatric education for prehospital professionals, prehospital trauma life support, NIMS and cold-water rescue. She is a certified medical assistant at Ministry Medical Group and has been an EMT-I for Ministry Health Care since 1999.
Greg, of Sayner, has completed Firefighter I training. He is a former member of the Tomahawk Fire Department.
Walking Art Tattoos
DERBY INN
Hwy. 45 North, Eagle River 100% Smoke Free
Length of service: 1 year Rank: Firefighter Employer: Sherry’s Plumbing
715-356-2721 Eagle River, Rhinelander, Minocqua & Wausau
Liz Kaufenberg Length of service: 6 years Rank: EMT-B Employer: Howard Young Medical Center/Spirit Transportation Liz, of St. Germain, has completed paramedic class and is certified in ACLS, PALS, CPR, CEVO, PHTLS, NALS and is on the National Registry of EMTs.
301 Front St., Minocqua, Wis.
Barb Demler Length of service: 1 year Rank: EMT-B Employer: None given Barb, of Sayner, is a nationally registered EMT-B.
Ahlborn EQUIPMENT, INC. 2924 State Hwy. 155, Sayner, Wis.
PLUM LAKE Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Plum Lake FROM PAGE 45 nal defibrillator in 2010 for about $14,000. The portable electronic device automatically diagnoses potentially lifethreatening cardiac problems in a patient. In 2009, Plum Lake EMS purchased a $140,000 ambulance to replace a 2000 unit that was sold to Howard Young Medical Center, with proceeds going toward the down payment on the new vehicle. “We try to put as little on the tax rolls as possible. The town helps with training and equipment. We financed the purchase through a loan, call revenues and fundraisers,” said Rasmussen. As an all-volunteer organization, the Plum Lake Fire Department relies on people from the community for service and continued support. “It takes a lot of effort, and I applaud anyone who does this,” he said. “There are 144 hours worth of classes, plus a lot more that goes into the service, and we appreciate those who are interested in joining us.” Plum Lake EMS averages nearly 300 calls a year, and the fire department makes nearly 40 runs. The department covers Star Lake, Sayner and St. Germain, and works cooperatively with each town on mutual aid. “We work hand in hand with St. Germain,” said Rasmussen. Plum Lake EMS volunteers meet the first Wednesday of every month. In recent years, the department re-
Fire prevention FROM PAGE 9 fire safety. But he didn’t stop at just the children. “We added several programs for our business community and special groups like our senior citizens and boat safety,” said Nikolai. Business programs included teaching the staff on what fire safety items they had in their building and how to safely evacuate their building during an emergency. Individuals also received handson fire extinguisher training. In 1996, bureau instructors went to six senior centers in Vilas County, teaching seniors how to keep themselves fire safe. “Again, we provided hands-on fire extinguisher training to all those who wanted to participate,” said Nikolai. “We also have been the host and taught the fire extinguisher portion of the boat safety course for the last 15 years.” Some of the other programs the Eagle River Area Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau has instituted include: • Developed a fire safety Jeopardy! game for fourth- and fifth-grade children. • Insured the tents and buildings were safe and monitored the safety at major events like the Snowmobile Derby, Cranberry Fest, Artarama and Klondike Days. • For four years, developed and got funding from Parsons Chevrolet and
Peggy Nimz, who’s been with the Plum Lake Ambulance Service for 21 years, displayed the electrocardiograph monitor which now has the capability to transmit patients’ heart data to the hospital before the ambulance arrives. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
ceived an Assistance to Firefighters grant that helped provide training for the new Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), which has since joined the West Central RIT consisting of five fire departments in the area — Arbor Vitae, St. Germain, Plum Lake, Boulder Junction and Minocqua. Other recent additions included jumpsuits and boots. Previously, the department received a $32,000 U.S. Homeland CornerStone Custom Builders to produce 3,000 Northland Pines School District calendars which included all school events and fire safety messages. • Once enhanced 911 was put in the system, set up programs to teach in kindergarten through eighth grade, including purchasing 911 play telephones for the preschools so they could work with their children. • Working with the National Fire Protection Association, the bureau participated in the Great Escape Program for the five years it ran (on a designated date and time, each home in the community was to conduct a home fire drill and then as a reward come down to the fire station for an ice cream social). • The Eagle River Area Fire Department has a $4,000 video library, which is available to all fire departments. Nikolai said it takes the help of other firefighters and departments to make the program work. “All these programs can only be successful if you have the dedicated firefighters who truly support it,” said Nikolai. “Firefighters who take vacation time from their work or lunch hours to help me deliver our fire safe messages to our community. I want to thank my chiefs for their support and special thanks to the firefighters for believing in our fire prevention programs.” Nikolai said the program has come a long way in 20 years. “When I retired form the military some 22 years ago, I never would have dreamt I would be a part of another special and dedicated organization,” said
Security Department grant that was used to buy a filling station for air tanks, as well as a thermal-imaging camera. Five years ago, the department took delivery of a four-wheel-drive personnel carrier. The Plum Lake department built a new fire station nine years ago at the intersection of Froelich Lane and Glenbrook Lane in Sayner, one block west of Highway 155, behind the Vilas County Histor-
Page 47
ical Museum. The department previously occupied two bays in the crowded town garage, but moved into the new 70- by 70foot fire station in 2002. The separate EMS/ambulance building is located south on Highway 155. The station features two drive-through bays and a total capacity for five rigs, an office, a meeting room, a utility room with a washing machine, and rest rooms complete with showers. The combination steel-and-block building also has hydronic in-floor heat. There is a large-capacity well on the property for refilling water tanks on the engines and tankers. An onsite generator can be used to power the well and the building lights. The structure houses engine No. 1 and tanker No. 1 in addition to the Gator and the new Ford F350 brush truck. “We’re always trying to update our equipment for safety,” said Rasmussen. The fire department puts on several annual fundraisers, including the Fourth of July chicken barbecue and spaghetti dinner at the end of summer to help supplement funds from tax appropriations and donations. The department holds its annual firemen’s picnic at Sayner Recreation Park and sponsors the Sayner Old-timers Softball Tournament. “The fire department really appreciates the support from residents and nonresidents at these fundraisers,” said Rasmussen, who added that the department will continue to work toward its goals of recruitment, training and retainment and providing safe, quality equipment.
As part of the Eagle River Area Fire Department Fire Prevention Program, a firefighter interacts with students in turnout gear. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Page 48
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
to the dedicated emergency personnel in North Woods communities
We Sedaiclautetde
our d vices emergency ser personnel! FIND WHAT YOU NEED AT
Visa, MasterCard & Discover are considered cash.
ELECTRICAL • REFRIGERATION • HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING www.rogerscontrol.com
Hwy. 45 N., Eagle River 715-479-6408 www.lampertyards.com Mon. thru Fri. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. - noon; closed Sun.
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Auxiliary FROM PAGE 25 had one major baking disaster. “That happened the year that I made mini loaves of bread. I was doing it late at night and put frozen dough in the small pans. Not having done this before, I did not realize that the dough would rise as quickly as it did. I decided to get a few hours of sleep. Surely it would take at least that long,” said Remington. “Well, I woke up after about three hours to the smell of bread dough and to my amazement, when I walked into the kitchen I was greeted by one very large loaf that covered the entire counter!” The unsung heroes Three Lakes Fire Department Chief Herb Stuckart said the Auxiliary’s success is because of the dedicated volunteers of the small community. “These unsung heroes support us with no questions asked. Their support is important in the event of an emergency, such as last year’s shelter that was set up for those affected by wind damage. They make meals as needed. The Auxiliary is always there. All I have to do is call them. What a great group of people,” said Stuckart. Without Auxiliary support, Stuckart said the department wouldn’t have all the needed equipment. “Our budget doesn’t afford us the extra things we have. Items purchased by the Auxiliary include 12 portable radios (with special earpiece microphones that don’t require mouthpieces), Jaws of Life, hydraulic tools, an ice rescue shed, help with the purchase of a 6x6 Polaris all-terrain vehicle, a rescue boat, generator, laptop, Rescue Randy training dummy, three defibrillators, kitchen equipment, a washer and dryer, meeting room with table and chairs, shots for firefighters and many other items.” The Auxiliary also has begun a fund for the second fire station east of downtown Three Lakes on Highway 32. The Auxiliary also helps families affected by a fire, the Three Lakes Christian Food Pantry, Warm The Children, Stuff a Truck, soccer and basketball team uniforms, the eighth-grade class trip to Washington, D.C., scholarships, and new buoys for area lakes. 20th annual festival The Three Lakes Fire Department Auxiliary will host its 20th annual Pumpkin Fest Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Three Lakes High School from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fest will include arts and crafts, bakery and other foods. Lunch and homemade specialty soups will be available after 10 a.m. Pumpkin Fest logo shirts and cookbooks also can be purchased. A farmers market with pro-
duce such as pumpkins and cranberries will be available outside the school. Returning this year to Pumpkin Fest will be children’s activities, such as a bean bag toss and face painting. Also, the Three Lakes Winery will run a bus for cranberry marsh tours. Money from the tour will be donated back to the Auxiliary to help fund projects. A new event at Pumpkin Fest will be a safety booth for parents and their children, sponsored by the Three Lakes Police Department. An officer, with a parent present, will take a photo of the child, as well as record information about the child in the event the child is ever missing. Pumpkin Fest continues as a free event, with visitors asked to take a donation for the local food pantry.
• • • •
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SUGAR CAMP Page 50
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Jason Goeldner Length of service: 7 years Rank: Chief Employer: Nicolet College, Director of Protective Services
Mike Kortenhof Length of service: 30 years Rank: Assistant Chief Employer: Town of Sugar Camp Mike, of Sugar Camp, has completed Firefighter I training. He is a licensed fire inspector and an EMT.
Jason, of Sugar Camp, has completed courses in Firefighter I, II and III, driver operator/pumper, fire instructor, fire officer and hazardous materials tech. He is a member of the Oneida County HazMat Team and Task Force 6-Heavy Rescue. He is a former member of the Rhinelander Fire Department.
Jeff McDonald Length of service: 17 years Rank: Lieutenant Employer: None given
Ken Kortenhof Length of service: 24 years Rank: Secretary/Treasurer Employer: Oneida County Emergency Management
Jeff, of Sugar Camp, has completed Firefighter II training.
Ken is a resident of Sugar Camp.
Ron Millard
Mike Holewinski
Glenn Kortenhof Length of service: 11 years Rank: Captain Employer: Oneida County Ambulance Glenn is a resident of Sugar Camp.
Randy Ingram Length of service: 15 years Rank: Safety Officer Employer: Wisconsin Professional Police Association Randy is a resident of Sugar Camp.
Pat Holewinski
Length of Service: 23 years Rank: Fire Inspector Employer: Retired
Length of service: 38 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Pitlik & Wick Inc.
Length of service: 38 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Pitlik & Wick Inc.
Ron, of Sugar Camp, has completed courses in advanced first aid and CPR. He is an arson investigator and a former member of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department.
Mike, of Rhinelander, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, multimedia standard first aid, basic life support in CPR, pumps and pumping, LP gas burn, extrication, advanced first aid and EMT-B.
Pat, of Sugar Camp, has completed courses in Firefighter I, mod 1, CPR and first aid.
Scott Holewinski Length of service: 31 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Birch Builders Scott, of Sugar Camp, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, multimedia first aid, basic life support in CPR, hazardous waste and pumps and pumping.
NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
Gib Zmek Length of service: 30 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Retired Gib, of Sugar Camp, has completed Firefighter I training.
Kevin Olson Length of service: 26 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed, Olson Electric Kevin, of Sugar Camp, has completed courses in Firefighter I, CPR, first aid, arson investigation, defensive driving, hazardous materials, wildland fires, and incident and command.
SUGAR CAMP Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 51
Sugar Camp gets new skid unit, air tanks ___________ BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR
___________
The Sugar Camp Fire Department received a new skid unit for its brush vehicle since last year, along with 17 new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs). The skid unit was purchased through a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 50/50 match grant. The Sugar Camp department put $8,115 toward the more than $17,000 purchase. “This replaced our old pump, which had an old stainless steel, homemade water tank,” said Fire Chief Jason Goeldner, who added that the unit would streamline the fire-fighting process and improve wildland firefighting capabilities. “In theory, it’s a little more efficient with newer technology,” he said. “It’s got a pre-connect hose reel, and once we fire the pump up, we don’t have to hook anything to it. We’re going to have a mount on the side where we’ll have access to 200 feet of hose.” Goeldner said firefighters also can take conventional hoses and hook them to a discharge to combat fires. The Sugar Camp Fire Department also updated its air cylinders, funding the $10,798 cost using its annual budget through the town. The department has been unsuccessful in applying for a Federal Emergency Management Assistance to Firefighters grant, which the chief had hoped would fund the purchase. “Our old cylinders were at half their end-of-service life,” said Goeldner. “They’re only good for 15 years and we get them tested every five.” The department also added a natural gas-powered generator to assist firefighters in providing fast service during a power outage, which it hasn’t had to use yet. The chief said most of the department’s extra funds have been going toward keeping its ladder and pump testing up to date and completing annual required training. In 2010, Sugar Camp was named Fire Department of the Year by the Oneida County Firefighters Association. The award recognizes the department for its commitment and dedication to the citizens of Oneida County. Aside from gaining new equipment and providing exemplary firefighting service to the area, it’s been business as usual for Sugar Camp firefighters, who are still in partnership with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department in using its 20-foot air boat obtained in 2009. The boat is used year-round for water and ice rescues. “We go out once or twice a year doing training in the air boat,” said Goeldner. “We also set up the navigational buoys for the Chain. The sheriff’s department borrows it sometimes to go out on dives.” In 2010, the department expanded its underground water tank, more than doubling its total capacity to 24,000 gallons of water, giving firefighters the ability to
Firefighters, from left, Dennis Strong, Alex Kaphingst and Jeff McDonald display the new skid unit being used on the fire depart-
return to the station for water instead of relying on lakes. “It’s still in place, it’s still operating for us and it’s working well for us,” said Goeldner. “Having this underground water supply is a quick way for us to obtain water without having to go to a lake or drill a hole in the ice. It helps speed up our response time.” In 2009, the department acquired a new pumper-tanker truck. The 2008 Pierce Contender replaced a 1980 Ford engine. The new engine meets the National Fire Protection Agency 1901 standard. “A new feature of the Pierce Contender is onboard Class A foam, which
ment’s brush vehicle. Fire Chief Jason Goeldner said the new unit will enhance the department’s wildland fire-fighting capabilities. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
will help with grass and structure fires,” said Goeldner. “The engine cost of $207,000 was budgeted through the town of Sugar Camp,” he said. That same year, several firefighters from the Sugar Camp department received specialized training from the Department of the Interior in the Horicon Marsh area, bringing information back to train other department members. Training also is held with the Oneida County dive team. Also in 2009, the department received an $8,700 grant which it used to purchase 35 sets of wildland fire gear. This included a number of suits and helmets
as well as 50 gallons of Class A foam. In 2007, the department received a $5,800 grant from the Forest Fire Protection and Volunteer Fire Assistance grant programs administered by the Department of Natural Resources. The monies were used for personal protective equipment, forest-fire training and forest-fire suppression tools and equipment. Sugar Camp also added a cadet program that year for young recruits to gain experience with the department. Under the program, cadets get the same experience as other firefighters under special To SUGAR CAMP, Pg. 53
SUGAR CAMP Page 52
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Deana Bigley Length of service: 24 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Dennis Strong Length of service: 23 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Oneida County Sheriff’s Department
Deana, of Sugar Camp, has completed courses in Firefighter I, CPR and standard first aid.
Length of service: 12 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Energy Wise Builders Glenn, of Rhinelander, has completed courses in Firefighter I, mod 1 and 2.
Dennis, of Sugar Camp, has completed courses in Firefighter I, ladder practices and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Jeremy Millard
Larry Bauknecht Length of service: 11 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Town of Sugar Camp
Length of service: 12 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Josh Joslin Length of service: 9 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Self-employed, Superior Plumbing
Larry is a resident of Rhinelander.
Jeremy is a resident of Sugar Camp.
Glenn Woods
Josh, of Sugar Camp, has completed Firefighter I training.
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SUGAR CAMP Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 53
Sugar Camp FROM PAGE 51 safety restrictions. The department used a grant to purchase six new sets of turnout gear, 24 helmets and 24 pairs of gloves, personal safety devices, safety vests, hoods and an infrared camera in 2006. More than a dozen Sugar Camp firefighters have completed Firefighter I certification, and some are certified Firefighter II and III. Many of the firefighters completed extrication, car fire and water-rescue training five years ago. The classes enable the department to react to a variety of situations. Department members also have gained training through courses offered through Nicolet College, and have attended several Learning Thru Burning sessions coordinated by the college’s fire training program. During Fire Prevention Week, the firefighters visit the Sugar Camp school, giving the students instructions on fire prevention and getting out of a burning building. Other equipment The Sugar Camp Fire Department added a Jaws of Life unit as a part of its rescue equipment in 2004. Sugar Camp also purchased a 1982 pumper from the town of Justice, Ill., in 2003 and took delivery of a new tanker in 2002, increasing its water capacity at fires. The town of Sugar Camp purchased the chassis, complete with a 2,000-gallon tank. The truck also features a 1,000-gallons-per-minute (gpm) pump. The truck can be used as a pumper and replaced a 1968 International pumper. The department also has a brush truck/rescue vehicle equipped with emergency medical supplies and firefighting equipment, which responds to brush fires. The 2000 F-350 Ford pickup features a 150-gallon water tank, a 500-gpm pump and four full-size doors for easy access by emergency personnel. Also installed on the truck is 1,000 feet of 1-inch wildfire hose and all the fittings, portable water packs, air packs, extrication tools and communications equipment. The department’s other pumper was purchased in the mid-1990s. The $90,000 piece of equipment is capable of pumping 1,000 gpm. The department also has two tankers, an all-terrain vehicle for hunting, logging and snowmobiling accident rescues and a rescue sled that can be equipped with both skis and tires for year-round rescues. The Sugar Camp Fire Department vehicles are housed in a 40- by 96-foot garage with six stalls. The garage also houses the Medic 11 Oneida County ambulance. In addition to grants, a number of organizations such as the Lions Club, other community clubs and the snowmobile club also donate money to the department for equipment.
Rob Zwettler
Firefighter Jeff McDonald of Sugar Camp displayed one of the fire department’s new self-contained breathing appara-
Susan Woods
tuses, which deliver oxygen to volunteers as they combat blazes in smoke-filled areas. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Alex Kaphingst
Length of service: 7 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: U.S. Postal Service
Length of service: 6 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: None given
Susan, of Sugar Camp, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II.
Alex, of Sugar Camp, has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, and EMT-B. He was named Firefighter of the Year in 2007.
Tim Dobbins
Jake Nitzel
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Drs. Foster & Smith
Length of service: 5 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Student
Length of service: 2 years Rank: Firefighter Employer: Student
Rob, of Rhinelander, has received certification in open-water diving.
Tim, of Sugar Camp, has completed entry-level Firefighter I training.
Jake, of Rhinelander, has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II and wildland fire.
Page 54
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
PRESQUE ISLE Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Page 55
Presque Isle Fire Department updates equipment and training ___________
BY DALLAS PULVER NEWS-REVIEW INTERN
___________
The Presque Isle Fire Department has acquired new equipment and continues to focus on training. All emergency medical technicians (EMT) are now certified in continuous positive airway pressure procedure, a method of supporting patients in respiratory distress. Members of the department also completed training in techniques for effectively moving patients and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in various scenarios. Technology training will be given to members on the new laptop, purchased by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director Donna Jukich. The laptop will be used by EMTs in the ambulance to run reports. A significant addition will be made in January 2013, when the department will take delivery of a heavy-duty rescue truck. Last year, the fire department purchased a 2011 Alumacraft rescue boat. The 18-foot boat has a 40-horsepower Mercury outboard engine, and is wider and more durable than the previous 15foot Crestliner. The boat is used for water rescue and fire calls on islands. The department also purchased a new sign for the firehouse, improving the overall appearance of the modern building. Also in 2011, Presque Isle improved its insurance rating from nine to seven within five miles of the fire station, which generates lower insurance premiums for those property owners. Fire Chief Jim Nelson said one-half of the rating was based on equipment, training and the number of firefighters, while the rest of the criteria was based on water capacity and the ability of firefighters to maintain the water supply for an extended period of time. The public protection classification remains at nine in areas of the town that are more than five miles from the station, according to Nelson. Other equipment Presque Isle firefighters are better equipped today than at any point in the department’s history. Front-line tools include a 2007 Pierce Contender fire engine, a 2002 Peterbilt engine and a tanker that carries 3,200 gallons of water. The Pierce engine, the first new fire truck the department purchased, includes a 1,000-gallon tank and can pump 1,500 gallons per minute (gpm) — enough to support five hoses. It replaced a 1980 Ford engine. The Peterbilt has a 1,500-gallon tank and also a 1,500-gpm pump. It includes a
Members of the Presque Isle Fire Department include, back row from left, Marshall Reckard, Mark Riegelman, Bill Logan, Jay Gascoigne, Linda Novak, Kenneth Tworek and Fire Chief Jim Nelson;
deluge gun on top, 1,000 feet of hose, ladders and pipe poles. “Both engines carry both Type A and Type B foam,” said Nelson, “which makes our water supplies go even further.” The department purchased two hydraulic cutters for its JAWS extrication unit in 2010. The new cutters are more durable and can cut through the stronger materials found in modern cars. After the purchase of a second set of extrication equipment five years ago, the department now carries a set on both the rescue truck and the ambulance. Three years ago, Presque Isle became one of the first organizations in the North Woods to purchase the most powerful handheld fire-knockdown tool available, called FIT-5. Nelson said they purchased two of the units at $1,300 each because they can be effectively deployed in a wide variety of structure fire scenarios, from incipient to fully involved, and in defensive, offensive and transitional modes. Additionally, Nelson said the hightech device interrupts flame and lowers temperature rapidly, making any interior attack safer. He said the nontoxic devices
second row, Kathy Nelson, Linda Chantry, Donna Jukich and Cathy Gascoigne; and front, Al Eschenbauch. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
work in contained areas in seconds, removing from the equation the molecular elements that fuel a fire’s chemical reaction — fuel, oxygen and heat. Marketers of the product say first responders who don’t have water or proper personnel available for an interior attack “can buy crews 15 minutes or more” by deploying the FIT-5 unit. Also in 2009, firefighters purchased two water-rescue suits and a set of rescue jacks for vehicle stabilization. The ambulance acquired a stair chair — a chair that allows EMTs to strap an injured person tightly in a chair for maneuvering in staircases and tight spaces. “It can be used with or without a short hard board,” said Jukich. “The unit features a track system on the back side so that patients can be scooted down tight stairwells without much lifting.” Five years ago, grants from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency allowed the department to purchase a thermal-imaging camera, new turnout gear and a new system to fill air tanks. In 2007, Presque Isle used an $11,655 federal grant to help purchase 16 two-
way radios, six pagers and a new truck radio for about $16,000. A Polaris six-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicle, which can pull a sled or trailer, and a special-purpose rescue sled help the department with off-road and snowmobile rescue operations. Also serving the department is a grass-fire truck with a 250-gallon tank and foam capabilities, purchased with a 50% matching grant from the DNR. The department The fire department is staffed by a tightly knit group of volunteers. Like many other departments, Presque Isle is able to offer minimal stipends and length-of-service awards to firefighters. Jim Nelson, a retired police officer from Racine, was named the new chief in early 2010 after serving four years on the department, including one year as assistant chief. He is also EMT-B certified. Douglas Wolter, a six-year firefighter, holds the rank of assistant chief. He is employed by Carl Wolter, who owns an excavation company. Kenneth Tworek, the former chief, To PRESQUE ISLE, Pg. 56
PRESQUE ISLE Page 56
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Presque Isle FROM PAGE 55 is certified in Firefighter I and II, as well as NIMS 700, 100 and 200. He retired from the Cook County Sheriff’s Department in Illinois and now lives in Marenisco, Mich. Tworek, who served three years as chief, served the Cook County Sheriff’s Department from 1974 to 2002. Ray Straubel, a former chief and assistant chief, is a self-employed solidwaste hauler who has completed Firefighter I training and other courses in his 28 years with the department. He is a state-certified firefighter. John Sitkiewitz is state-certified and has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, and has been an EMT in the National EMT Registry for 30 years. He works for the town. Al Eschenbauch, a former fire chief, is a 34-year department volunteer who is self-employed. Eschenbauch has completed numerous training courses and both Firefighter I and II. He is a certified EMT. Cathy Gascoigne, a 20-year member, is the secretary/treasurer. She is a self-employed medical transcriptionist. Donna Jukich has 18 years of experience with Presque Isle fire and rescue and is in her 12th year as the EMS director. Jukich is a registered nurse and co-owner of Cedar Bay Resort. Carl F. Wolter is the member with the longest standing on the squad — 51 years. He has completed many training courses. He is self-employed in excavating. Jay R. Gascoigne, a 40-year veteran of the department, works for the town. Bill Logan, a self-employed log home builder, has been with the department for 12 years. He is trained in Firefighter I. Joe Thoma, a firefighter for 16 years, has completed Firefighter I and II training. Forrest Jukich, a firefighter for 19 years, co-owns Cedar Bay Resort. He has Firefighter I training and has completed other courses. Adam Johnson has been an EMT and firefighter for 12 years. He owns Skyview Lodge & Supper Club. Linda Novak, now in her sixth year with the department, is the assistant EMS director. She has completed Firefighter I and II as well as becoming certified in CPR and EMT-Intermediate. She also has completed the introduction to wildland fire-fighting course. Mark Riegelman, with the depart-
This sign marks the Presque Isle Volunteer Fire Department fire station in the town of Presque Isle. It’s home to 25 volunteer firefight-
ment for seven years, is a retired airplane mechanic from Racine. Marshall Reckard, a firefighter who has served for seven years with the Presque Isle Fire Department, is retired from Ameritech. Jesse Moore, a six-year firefighter, works at Pukall Lumber Co. in Arbor Vitae. Cal Johnson, with the department for six years, is self-employed. Linda Chantry, a retired United Airlines customer service agent, is in her sixth year with the department. She is certified in CPR and EMT-Basic. Beth Marohn is in her sixth year as a first responder. She is self-employed in construction. Kathy Nelson, a retired registered nurse, is in her sixth year as an EMT. Sara Moore, an EMT and firefighter with three years’ experience, is certified in EMT-Intermediate, hazardous materials and human tracking. Richard Wallden is EMT-Basic certified.
ers and emergency medical services personnel, who serve northwestern Vilas County. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Thank you to all our area emergency personnel. Take a second for safety.
Presque Isle Who do you call?
Police 911
Fire 911
Ambulance 911
www.wisconsinpublicservice.com
WOODRUFF Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Woodruff Fire Department personnel posing with their new engine include, front row from left, Robert Blohm, Fire Chief Mike Timmons, Steve Timmons, Nick Krueger and Mike Pock-
Page 57
at; and back row, Ryan Krueger, Victor Gee, Kraig Timmons, Kyle Timmons, Matt Godard, Katie Pockat and Dustin Schowalter. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Woodruff Fire Department acquires $315,000 engine to replace ’84 truck ___________ BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR
___________
The Woodruff Fire Department took delivery of a new engine from Marion Body Works in 2012 and is equipping it for a variety of emergency needs, according to Fire Chief Mike Timmons. “The $315,000 engine features a 2,500gallon tank, a 1,250-gallon-per-minute pump and foam unit on a 2011 Kenworth chassis,” said Timmons. Timmons said tax dollars paid for a majority of the truck, but money has been set aside over a number of years. He said the department funded equipment for the truck through fundraisers. Engine 2, as it is called, replaced a 1984 engine, which was sold to a fire engine collector. Other features of the new truck include a generator system, power lifts for ladders and the portable water pond, scene lighting and 2,500 feet of large-diameter hose. “There also is storage for air packs and extra air bottles, lights, hose fittings, a radio and speaker system for the pump operator, axes and an AED (automated external defibrillator) purchased by the department,” said Timmons. The department also purchased three AEDs in 2011 at a cost of $1,400. The portable electronic devices automatically
diagnose potentially life-threatening cardiac problems in a patient. “We located one in the town hall, one in the first engine out and one in the fire station,” said Timmons. The department also purchased extrication equipment in 2011, including a JAWS unit, stabilizers, jacks and hydraulic tools. “The equipment is located in a storage compartment in our rescue truck that responds to car accidents,” said Timmons. “Many of the firefighters also completed extrication training and hybrid car training during the past year.” The Woodruff department also undertook a special project in 2011, refurbishing a 1958 fire truck that was an original unit with the department more than five decades ago. Timmons said the bright red fire truck is used in parades and for other activities to promote the fire department. “It was in private ownership, but was just sitting in a yard and getting rusty,” said Timmons. “We were able to buy it back, repair some of the metal on it and repaint. It looks just like it did back in 1958 when it was a vital truck for the department.” The truck has special meaning for longtime Woodruff firefighters and brothers Lyle and Ferd Gerhke, as Lyle has been with the department for 63 years and Ferd
for 56 years. Firefighter Nick Krueger was instrumental in leading the project and painting the truck. Fire-fighting fleet In addition to the new engine this year, the department took delivery of a 3,000gallon stainless-steel tanker in October 2009, replacing a 1976 tanker. Timmons said the tanker features a Kenworth chassis and a tank installed by Stainless & Repair of Marshfield Inc., a 500-gallon portable pump, large-diameter hose and a Fol-Da-Tank portable water reservor. The pool can hold 3,000 gallons of water at the scene of a fire, allowing tankers to be refilled at another location. The pool is mechanically loaded and unloaded on the passenger side of the tanker. Timmons said the tanker was purchased with taxpayer dollars through the fire department’s annual budget. In addition to the new engine and tanker, the emergency fleet includes a 1991 Pierce engine, a 1997 Chevrolet rescue/equipment truck and a 1993 F-350 Ford brush truck/water supply unit. The equipment truck carries the Cascade system, hand tools and a generator. The brush truck, previously used by the town crew for plowing, was restored to like-new condition and carries 250 gallons
of water with a foam-induction system for battling woodland fires. Ongoing training Several members of the Woodruff department learned about the statewide mutual aid box alarm system last year. “The statewide program gave us training on being prepared for a major emergency in which we have to ‘go outside the box’ to get mutual aid,” said Timmons. “For example, if a major disaster hit our area, and we couldn’t get mutual aid from Arbor Vitae or St. Germain, we were trained in getting help from other areas such as Wausau or even beyond.” Eight members of the department also completed Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training in 2009. During RIT training, department personnel were given techniques to locate and rescue an injured or trapped firefighter. In addition to the RIT training, members of the department underwent haz-mat training through Nicolet Area Technical College. Furthermore, the department received National Incident Management System (NIMS) training in 2007. “Everyone in our department is now certified with NIMS,” said Timmons. “This is a nationwide class that is mandatory if To WOODRUFF, Pg. 59
Page 58
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
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WOODRUFF Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Oct. 10, 2012
Woodruff FROM PAGE 57 you want to apply for FEMA grants.” The department also attended courses through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Fire School, including how to fight wildland fires. Woodruff firefighters are trained to use the department’s thermal-imaging camera. It enables firefighters to locate the hottest fire spot in a smoke-filled building. The camera cost approximately $7,500. New fire hall in ’08 The Woodruff Fire Department moved into its new fire hall on Highway 47 in 2008, part of a $2.5 million project that involved construction of a town hall/police station and a separate town shop/fire station. The complex is located at 1418 Highway 47, about six blocks east of the intersection with Highway 51 in downtown Woodruff. Timmons said the department went from a building that offered four bays for five trucks to a 4,480-square-foot facility that has eight larger bays for its growing fleet of rescue equipment. “Now we’ve got six doors and a lot more room for moving around equipment. We built this to handle the department’s needs way into the future,” he said. Timmons said the station features an automatic exhaust-handling ventilation system that kicks in “at the slightest hint of fumes.” The station also has a meeting room and full shower facilities. A Cascade system used to fill air bottles for the selfcontained breathing apparatus is housed in a separate room at the new station. The department is comprised of about 20 state-certified firefighters. They are as follows: Mike Timmons has been a volunteer firefighter for the Woodruff Fire Department for 38 years. He is the department’s chief and the Woodruff town chairman. As a firefighter, he has completed courses in Firefighter I, officers training, educational methodology I, hazardous materials operations, DNR wildland fires and inspector. He was Firefighter of the Year in 1983 and is treasurer of the Northwoods Fire Prevention Committee. He has completed mod 2 for Firefighter I state certification and also has completed a three-part incident command system class. Victor Gee has been a volunteer firefighter for the Woodruff Fire Department for 10 years and is the assistant fire chief. He is a resident of Woodruff and is self-employed with North Star Emergency Vehicle Service. Gee is a state-certified firefighter, RIT trained, a DNR firefighter, training officer and is a certified emergency vehicle technician. Rodney Knapstein has been a volunteer firefighter for the Woodruff Fire Department for 35 years. He is a resident of Woodruff and is employed by Woodruff Appliance. He has completed mod 2 for the Firefighter I state-certification program and has also completed a three-part incident command system class, DNR wildland fire and haz-mat decontamination. Lyle Gehrke has been a volunteer firefighter for the Woodruff Fire Depart-
Woodruff Fire Chief Mike Timmons displays one of the storage compartments in the new engine. This compartment holds air packs for firefighters. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTOS
ment for 63 years. He is a former chief. He is a resident of Woodruff and is retired. He has completed mod 2 of the Firefighter I state-certification program, DNR wildland fire and has also completed a three-part incident command system class. Ferd Gehrke has been a volunteer firefighter for the Woodruff Fire Department for 56 years. He is a resident of Woodruff and is retired. As a firefighter, he has completed mod 2 of the Firefighter I state-certification program and has also completed a three-part incident command system class. Steve Timmons has been a volunteer firefighter for the Woodruff Fire Department for 16 years and currently holds the rank of captain. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae. Timmons is a certified firefighter and has completed the DNR wildland fire course, haz-mat decontamination, haz-mat awareness, NIMS training and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses. He also is a fire inspector. Kyle Timmons has been a volunteer firefighter for the Woodruff Fire Department for 12 years. He holds the rank of captain. He is a resident of Woodruff and is employed by Trapp Bros. He is a certified firefighter and has completed courses in DNR wildland fire and haz-mat decontamination. Michael Pockat Sr. has been a volunteer firefighter for the Woodruff Fire Department for 11 years. He is a resident of Woodruff and is employed by the town of Woodruff. He completed Firefighter I and is a certified firefighter. Ed Mejerle has completed Firefighter I and II training and is an nine-year member of the department. He has completed NIMS training and is employed at Ace Hardware. Brian Iverson is in his sixth year with the Woodruff department. He is employed by Howard Young Medical Center and is a state-certified firefighter. He has training in haz-mat awareness, RIT and CPR. Matt Godard has been a firefighter for
the Woodruff Fire Department for five years. He has completed Firefighter I and II, RIT, pump training and wildland fire training. He is employed by Badger Truck Repair. Bobby Blohm has been a member of the Woodruff department for five years. He
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has Firefighter I and RIT training and is a certified driver/operator. He is a resident of Woodruff and is employed by Lakewood Construction. Patrick Trapp has been with the department for three years and has taken Firefighter I, pump and RIT training. He is a resident of Woodruff and employed by Yamaha Motor Corp. Nick Krueger has been with the fire department for three years. He is a resident of Woodruff and is employed at Island Collision Center. Katy Pockat is a firefighter and has been with the department for three years. She lives in Woodruff and is employed at Save More Marketplace. She has Firefighter I training. Ryan Krueger has been with the fire department for two years. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed by Dennis Evenson. He has taken entry-level Firefighter I and II training and is a state-certified Firefighter I. Dustin Schowalter is a firefighter and a first-year member of the Woodruff Fire Department. He has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Nicolet College and was a May 2012 graduate of the 520-hour police academy from Northcentral Technical College. Josh Iverson and Kraig Timmons are junior members of the Woodruff Fire Department. Josh is the son of firefighter Brian Iverson and Kraig is the son of Fire Chief Mike Timmons. Both recruits have had training in fire-fighting techniques and volunteer at department events and fundraisers.
Nicolet College offers a broad range of training opportunities.
www.nicoletcollege.edu 715-365-4493 or 1-800-544-3039
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Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Vilas County Sheriff’s Department
Frank Tomlanovich, Vilas County Sheriff
The department is headed by Sheriff Frank Tomlanovich with Chief Deputy Joseph Fath. Operations Captain is Russell Kennedy and William Weiss is the Jail Administrator. Dale Soltow is the Communications Supervisor and James Galloway is the Emergency Management Director. In addition, there are five lieutenants, five detective sergeants, 20 deputies, three part-time deputies, four jail sergeants, 15 correctional officers, two part-time correctional officers, one telecommunications sergeant, 11 telecommunications officers and four law enforcement clerks. In 2011, the total number of complaints received was 18,632. Of the calls received, 2,089 were 911 calls. The department received 1,220 reports of traffic accidents. Of the 1,220 calls, 682 were reportable accidents resulting in property damage in excess of $1,000, personal injury or death. Deer were responsible for 423 accidents. There were eight reported bear accidents and three bobcat accidents. The county reported four traffic fatalities in 2011, which was up from the two reported in 2010. The sheriff’s department dispatches law enforcement and emergency services to 14 towns and the city of Eagle River. The countywide E911 system went online in 1997.
VILAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
VILAS COUNTY STATISTICAL FACTS* Yearly Full-Time Population (based on 2000 census) ....................19,741 Seasonal (peak) Population .........................................................96,000 Seasonal Dwellings (based on 2000 census) ..............................13,375 Permanent Dwellings (based on 1990 census)..............................7,000 Named Lakes.....................................................................................563 Unnamed Lakes.................................................................................757 ’95 Equalized Value ..........................................................1,690,179,600 ’05 Equalized Value ..........................................................6,170,900,800 Total Lake Acreage .............................................................93,889 acres Net Land Acreage .................................................................8,593 acres Cold Water Streams ............................................................................35 Warm Water Streams.........................................................................116 Intermittent Streams ............................................................................16
“The Vilas County Sheriff’s Department will enhance the quality of life in the community through our service to the public, protection of persons and property, and impartial enforcement of the law.”
MILES OF ROADS State .............................................................................................136.13 County ..........................................................................................205.84 Town...........................................................................................1,112.04 *From Wis. Blue Book, Extension Office
Information from the department’s 2010 annual report.
VILAS COUNTY SHERIFF call (715) 479-4441 call (800) 472-7290 EMERGENCY DIAL 911
Vilas County Sheriff’s Department Employees DEPUTIES Randy Schneider Matthew McMahon Glenn Huelskamp Patrick Schmidt Theodore Indermuehle Joy Kohegyi Robert Minx
SHERIFF Frank Tomlanovich CHIEF DEPUTY Joseph Fath OPERATIONS CAPTAIN Russell Kennedy JAIL ADMINISTRATOR William Weiss COMMUNICATIONS LIEUTENANT Dale Soltow EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR James Galloway LIEUTENANTS Mark Collins Jeffrey Schaub Troy Kane
David Gardner Gerard Ritter
DETECTIVE SERGEANTS David Dobbs Carl Gauger Charisse Rozga-Anderson Louise Horn Christopher Petreikis
Peter Heller Ty Peterson Gregory Fulton George Crabtree Eric Santefort Michael Aderman Chad Christensen
PART-TIME DEPUTIES Kevin Schramke Michael Murray
Eric Neff Jason Molle Shyla Belzer Thomas Bill Emily Miller Dustin Pace Joshua Ciatti
Katy Saffia
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERGEANT Erica Buckton TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS Tracy Schilling Anthony Campion Thomas Belzer Joseph Casey Kimberlie Eggleston Amanda Mattke Lori Scarcelli Dennis Sengstock JAIL SERGEANTS Lyle Spurgeon Nancy Sippl
Patti Sieren Patricia Rine Dawn Grmick
Rodger Haugen Sue Bedish
CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS James Rozga Sherylyn Block Chad Rosinski Amanda Kuiper David Buckton Kristine Lovas Rebecca Gleason Thomas Stoltman Peter Lovas Kelly Schoepke
Mika Sauvola Michael Duwe Tammy Duwe Jamie Meier Joshua Collette
PART-TIME CORRECTIONAL OFFICER James Wiza LAW ENFORCEMENT CLERKS Marge Favorite Joy Spies
Abby Trapp Beth Komar
COUNTY BOARD Stephen Favorite, Chairperson Christopher Mayer, Vice Chairperson Alden Bauman, Second Vice Chairperson LAW ENFORCEMENT & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Mark Rogacki, Chairperson Alden Bauman, Vice Chairperson Sig Hjemvick Chris Mayer Jim Behling
ARBOR VITA E Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Arbor Vitae Fire Department members pose with their new utility vehicle. They include, front row from left, Karl Fink, Mike Van Meter, Todd Wiesendanger, Rod Organ, Ethan Sennett, Randy Trapp, Frank Kulpa, Rescue Chief Stan Lewis, Devin Roach, Jeff Biertzer; and back
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row, Todd Rucinski, Steve Congdon, James Romano, Rick Budish, Ruben Wohlfiel, William Saal, Wilbert “Doc” Herrmann, Jon Haling and Fire Chief Frank Bauers. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Arbor Vitae department purchases utility vehicle for trail, ice rescues ___________
BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR
___________
The Arbor Vitae Fire Department purchased and equipped a new utility vehicle for trail and ice rescues in 2012, according to Fire Chief Frank Bauers. The $30,000 John Deere Gator 825i is equipped with lights, compartments on both sides of the rear aluminum box for medical supplies and a vinyl cover. “The Gator can be equipped with wheels for trail rescue in the spring, summer and fall, or tracks for rescues on the trail or lake in the winter,” said Bauers. The fire chief said there are trail segments three miles from asphalt roads that can’t be reached by ambulance. “This four-wheel drive rig will allow us to reach those tough-to-get-to locations,” said Bauers. “The totally enclosed cab is heated for the driver and passenger, and back is covered with a vinyl top to protect the victim and EMS (emergency medical services) personnel.” Bauers said the Gator features a powerful 50-horsepower engine, steering wheel and side-by-side seating, compared to the department’s 15-year-old six-wheel all-terrain vehicle with handlebar steering. “The department paid for the Gator with no taxpayers’ dollars,” said Bauers. “The fire department budget, fundraisers and donations covered the cost.” Rescue Chief Stan Lewis led the
Gator project for the department. The rig was purchased at Lakeland Lawn and Equipment in Arbor Vitae. Other local businesses helped build the rescue unit. “Steel Design of Arbor Vitae built the box and Custom Covers and Awnings of Arbor Vitae made the cover,” said Lewis. “The lettering was donated by Ace Hardware, and the lettering and lighting were installed by fire department members.” Bauers said the next major purchase for the department will be a new Class A pumper to replace the current pumper that is 19 years old. He estimated the new truck will cost approximately $350,000. “Our firefighters also continue to train, taking a propane course and emergency vehicle driving classes at Nicolet College the past year,” said Bauers. “We also have monthly training sessions.” The department developed a new website in 2011, designed to assist firefighters and inform the public about activities within the department and the community. “The website was upgraded to serve the Arbor Vitae community and our firefighters,” said Bauers. “We feel it’s a nice addition to the department and the community.” Web administrator Mark Ross said the new website address is arborvitaefiredept.org. “The website features fire department news and events, firefighter profiles, photographs, educational opportunities for members, and an online store to pur-
chase department hats and shirts,” said Ross. Another feature may help the department in its fundraising efforts. Ross said community members can make donations to the fire department through the website. “It’s an easy way to donate or make a memorial donation,” said Ross. “There also is a firefighter honor roll on the site, as well as links to other fire and rescue organizations and memorials.” Community members can get information about fire department events, including the annual fireman’s picnic, as well as a weather link complete with 24hour local forecasts and radar. Bauers said the department also upgraded pagers and radios in 2011. “We updated the pagers from wide band to narrow band,” said Bauers. “Thirty-five members got updated pagers at an average cost of $450. The new radios cost $650 for handheld and $800 for two-ways.” In 2009, a $56,000 federal grant helped fund the training for the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training. Eleven firefighters from the Arbor Vitae department completed the training. “If a firefighter is trapped in a building, the RIT has the training to go into a fire to save the trapped fighter,” said Bauers. Arbor Vitae joined four other departments to form the West Central RIT. They include St. Germain, Plum Lake, Boulder Junction and Minocqua.
“All five departments send four personnel and RIT rescue equipment to a structure fire just for the safety of other firefighters,” said Bauers. In 2008, a grant helped the department pay for 10 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) tanks, 11 new sets of turnout gear and other pieces of equipment. SCBA tanks are the air tanks firefighters wear while fighting fires. They also acquired an enclosed fill chamber for the SCBA tanks. The department also purchased a new washing machine specially designed for cleaning turnout gear, along with 13 new face pieces with built-in microphones and voice amplifiers. The department also outfitted its heavy rescue truck with a mobile Cascade system to fill SCBA tanks in the field, according to Bauers. Six years ago, the Arbor Vitae Fire Department purchased a four-door, 2006 Chevy 1-ton truck as a rescue/fire truck. “Rescue 2 cost approximately $40,000 and was funded by money raised at the firemen’s picnic,” said Bauers. “There was no cost to the taxpayers and the truck was put together by the department.” A new pumper/tanker was put into use in March 2005. It features an 1,800gallon water tank and a 1,250-gallonsper-minute pump. The $207,000 Pierce rig was paid for To ARBOR VITAE, Pg. 62
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Arbor Vitae FROM PAGE 61 in halves with town of Arbor Vitae tax dollars and the department’s fundraisers. The truck features a Class A foam system, a front hose line and a deck gun. The department spent an additional $10,000 to equip the new truck. The equipment includes eight carbon-fiber breathing-apparatus cylinders and four Mustang Ice Commander suits. These suits are fitted for ice- and coldwater surface rescue. Lined with quilted material, the suits keep rescuers warm in frigid waters. The Arbor Vitae Fire Department puts on several fundraisers yearly, including its annual firemen’s picnic held the first weekend in August. Proceeds from the picnic pay for fire trucks, turnout gear and other rescue equipment. “We get excellent support from the community,” said Bauers. “We want to express our thanks for the support.” Due to the department’s state-of-theart equipment and training, Arbor Vitae holds a Class 8 fire rating. The fire department members are as follows: Frank Bauers has been a volunteer firefighter and First Responder for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 36 years and holds the rank of chief. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed by Pukall Lumber Co. Bauers has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, officers’ training, hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, ventilation and Wisconsin Fire Instructor I. He has attended various other Nicolet College courses. Rick Budish has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 36 years and holds the rank of assistant chief. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed at Budish Electric. Budish has completed courses in vehicle extrication, hazardous materials and ventilation and is a fire investigator. Michael Van Meter has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 14 years and holds the rank of second assistant chief. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed by the town of St. Germain. Van Meter has completed courses in Firefighter I and II and is a hazardous materials tech. He is a certified training officer, and has RIT, vehicle extrication and driver/operator training. He has taken many additional classes from Nicolet and Lake Superior Technical colleges. Todd Wiesendanger has been a volunteer firefighter and First Responder for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 25 years and holds the rank of captain. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed by Quality Heating. Wiesendanger has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, First Responder, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials and ventilation. He is also a training officer. Todd Hunter has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 36 years and holds the rank of lieutenant. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed as an electrician. Hunter has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Firefighter I and II refresher, officers’ training, Learning thru Burning, hazardous materials and venti-
Arbor Vitae Fire Department Rescue Chief Stan Lewis stands next to the department’s new utility vehicle that will be used for trail and ice rescues. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
lation. Todd Morgan has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 23 years. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is self-employed at Morgan Heating. Morgan has completed courses in Firefighter I, vehicle extrication, ventilation and hazardous materials. William Saal has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 36 years. He currently holds the rank of secretary and fire inspector. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae. Saal has completed courses in Firefighter I, first aid, hazardous materials and ventilation. Julie Howard has been a volunteer for the Arbor Vitae Rescue Squad for 15 years. She is a resident of Minocqua and is employed by Dale Burbie. She has completed the First Responder course and is the record keeper for training. Ryan Gehrig has been a volunteer firefighter and First Responder for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 13 years and holds the rank of treasurer. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed by Sedlak Chevrolet. Gehrig has completed courses in Firefighter I, hazardous materials awareness and emergency vehicle operations. Ruben Wohlfiel has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 36 years. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is retired. Wohlfiel has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials, ventilation, plus various other Nicolet courses. He was Fireman of the Year. Jeff Hunter has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 36 years. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed by Pukall Lumber Co. Hunter has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, Firefighter I and II refresher, first aid, hazardous materials, ventilation and Learning thru Burning. Wilbert “Doc” Herrmann has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 36 years. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is retired. Herrmann has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, vehicle extrication and haz-
ardous materials and ventilation. He has had eight years with the ambulance rescue service, is a professional photographer, attended fire investigation-arson seminars in Eagle River and has taken numerous Learning thru Burning courses through Nicolet. Todd Rucinski has been a volunteer firefighter and First Responder for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 25 years. He is the assistant rescue chief. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed by Budish Electric. Rucinski has completed courses in Firefighter I, First Responder, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials and ventilation. Jeff Biertzer has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 25 years and is employed by the Vilas County Highway Department. He has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, wildland fire, extrication and arson investigation. He was Firefighter of the Year in 1992. James Romano Jr. has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 19 years and a First Responder for 15 years. He is a First Responder training officer. He is a resident of Arbor Vitae and is employed at Romano Tile Co. Romano has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials operations and vehicle extrication. He also has National Incident Management System (NIMS) training, is certified in ice rescue and has training officer certification. Karl Fink has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 15 years. He is a resident of Minocqua and is employed by Fink Bros. Inc. Fink has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials awareness, incident command I, II and III, hazardous materials operations and tactics and operations. He also is a First Responder. Steve Congdon has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for 15 years. He is a resident of Woodruff and is employed by Laser Innovations Inc. He is the rescue squad captain. Congdon has completed courses in
Firefighter I and II, First Responder, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials tech and operations, ice rescue, fire investigation, wildland fire, strategies and tactics, and several Learning thru Burning and other related classes. He is a master smoke diver, driver and operator and is NIMS certified. A.J. Burgoyne has been an engineer for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for nine years. He is employed by Schneider Construction Corp. He has RIT, pump-operations and driver-operator training. Stanley Lewis of Arbor Vitae has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for six years. He has completed courses in Firefighter I and II and is a First Responder. He is a college student. Devin Roach has been a member of the Arbor Vitae Fire Department and Rescue Squad for five years. He is a certified firefighter and has RIT certification. He is employed at Eagle Electric. Michelle Van Meter has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for five years. She lives in Arbor Vitae and is employed at S.A. Loons. She is a student working toward an associate degree in registered nursing. She is a First Responder and has completed entrylevel Firefighter I and II training. William Shober has been a firefighter with two departments, including Arbor Vitae, for five years. He is a resident of Woodruff and works at Coontail Corner and The Granary. He has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, extrication, EVOC and cold-water rescue. Frank Kulpa has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for three years. He is self-employed. He has completed courses in Firefighter I and II and extrication. Brian Dierzen has been a volunteer firefighter and First Responder for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for three years. He is employed at Danco Heating and Plumbing. He has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II and First Responder. Mike Bernard has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for three years. He is finishing fire-fighting and First Responder training. He has extensive dive rescue and recovery experience. Brady Butler has been a volunteer firefighter with the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for three years. He has completed courses in Firefighter I, hazardous materials and RIT. Todd Albano has been a volunteer firefighter with the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for two years. He is employed at Danco Heating and Plumbing. He has his EMT license and is on the national registry of EMTs. He also has fire-fighting training. Chris Woynich has been a volunteer firefighter with the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for two years. He is employed at Lindgren Enclosures. He has completed courses in Firefighter I and II. Jonathan Haling has been a volunteer firefighter for the Arbor Vitae Fire Department for one year. He is employed by the Vilas County Highway Department. He has completed courses in Firefighter I and II.
LAC DU FLAMBEAU Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
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Lac du Flambeau eyes station addition ___________ BY DALLAS PULVER NEWS-REVIEW INTERN
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As the busiest department in Vilas County, the Lac du Flambeau Fire Department and ambulance crew respond to about 150 fire calls and more than 700 ambulance calls in the community every year. Although the department has seen fewer grass fires this year, ambulance calls have been more frequent. “Statistically, our fire numbers are below average, but the ambulance has been busier,” said Assistant Chief Chris Mayer. This year, the department will push for an addition to the station building. “We, like many departments in the area, are just out of room inside,” said Fire Chief Tom Wegner. Last year, using a $104,000 Assistance to Firefighters grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Lac du Flambeau Fire Department was able to update its entire self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) system. The department purchased 16 new apparatus to be worn by firefighters working in or around fires. To fill the new 4,500-pounds-per-square-inch (psi) tanks, the department upgraded to a four-bottle, 6,000-psi Cascade air-refilling station. “This replaced a little three-bottle cascade filler system that only went to 3,500 pounds which wouldn’t fill our new bottles,” said Wegner. “We were running 3,000-pound bottles before and you couldn’t fill them up quick enough.” With the cascade system, the department purchased a two-bottle explosionproof fill station with remote valves and gauges, according to Wegner. In addition, Lac du Flambeau replaced its old breathing air compressor with a new 6,000-psi model using some grant money and funds from the annual raffle and pancake breakfast fundraiser. “We threw another $18,000 into the compressor to update it,” said Wegner. “Everything’s been updated.” Wegner added that the Cascade filling station will provide easier, more fluent filling of air tanks while the SCBAs will supply firefighters with the proper gear to go in and fight fires. In 2009, the department took delivery of a 2009 triple combination pumper, an engine that includes a compressed-air foam system and other modern fire-fighting features. The Pierce/Freightliner unit is housed in the second station off Highway F, south of the downtown business district in Lac du Flambeau. Wegner, a 40-year fire service veteran, said the engine is outfitted with new hose, adapters, chain saw, generator, positive pressure fan, cord reels, portable lights and special fire-fighting nozzles for applying foam to fires. “All of this equipment was purchased with funds raised from the year’s raffle and pancake breakfast,” said Wegner.
Members of the Lac du Flambeau Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services include, front row from left, Mike Zimmerman, Gerald Ackley, Fred Writesman, Chris Mayer and Fire Chief Tom Wegner; second row, Lisa Schuman, Laura Ackley, Judy Wegner,
He said the cost of the new engine was $297,000 and it was delivered in February 2009. Also in 2009, the department received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the purchase of new turnout equipment for every firefighter. This consists of coats, pants, boots, helmets, gloves, flashlights, hoods and accountability tags. The total amount of the grant was $68,970. That same year, Lac du Flambeau bought two new semiautomatic defibrillators, one for each ambulance, paid for with fundraiser money. The fire department also received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in October 2006 in the amount of $154,000 to help with the purchase of a 3,000-gallon water tanker. This vehicle is a 2008 Freightliner M112 tandem-axle truck with a 3,000-gallon stainless-steelwrapped poly tank. The vehicle was built by U.S. Tanker in Burlington for a total price of $187,000. The department also added a 3,000gallon portable tank and a 500-gallonsper-minute (gpm) portable pump, purchased with funds from the yearly raffle and other fundraisers. Wegner also added that he would like to thank the Lac du Flambeau Police De-
Patty Zimmerman and Julia Dionne; and back row, Josh Brown, Bill Maki, Lance Chapman, Robert Schuman, Jenny Sharlow and Sarah Thompson. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
partment for all the help it has provided. “They respond to almost every fire and ambulance call and offer all the help they can,” said Wegner. “And if they aren’t there, it only takes us asking one time and they will show up right away.” Members of the fire department and the emergency medical technicians (EMTs) expressed their gratitude for the help of the Lac du Flambeau police department. Other equipment With a high number of emergency runs, the department needs reliable, upto-date equipment. In 2005, the Lac du Flambeau Fire Department purchased and installed a vehicle exhaust system for both stations. Wegner said the system hooks to all the exhaust pipes and starts when the vehicle is started and disconnects itself as the vehicle leaves the building. The contaminated exhaust is collected and filtered out the roof of the station. In addition to financial assistance from grants, the department also raises money through fundraisers. The department has a yearly raffle, as well as a pancake breakfast and open house in October. With the money generated from fundraisers, the department was able to purchase a thermal-imaging camera for about $7,000. “The camera helps us find hot spots in the building. Hot spots concealed in walls
also can be detected with it,” said Wegner. The department recently acquired a four-door brush truck outfitted with all the equipment necessary to fight woodland fires. It also provides transportation for members to and from training. The brush truck and two ambulances were funded by revenues from ambulance calls. The department also has a Pierce/Freightliner FL80 pumper, which carries 1,000 gallons of water. The department also has a rescue vehicle which is fully equipped with medical supplies, rescue/extrication tools, a Cascade air system, rescue tools and a 10,000-watt generator. Additionally, the department owns and operates a rescue snowmobile with a custom-made sled that makes rides safer and more comfortable on the trails for injured patients. Because of the equipment and training, the department carries a Class 7 rating. An agreement for automatic aid with Woodruff and the department’s tanker capacities enabled the department to move toward a better rating. Wegner said the better rating has resulted in lower insurance costs for homeowners and business owners. The department The Lac du Flambeau Fire DepartTo LAC DU FLAMBEAU, Pg. 64
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Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Lac du Flambeau FROM PAGE 63 ment and Ambulance Service continues to focus on training. Fire department personnel took numerous courses on terrorism and hazardous materials through Nicolet College in Rhinelander during 2007. The department will start an EMT training class in January 2013. In addition, most members of the department are trained in water and ice rescue and motor vehicle extrication. Besides training, the department focuses on recruiting new members. Station One in Lac du Flambeau houses engine No. 1, two tankers, two brush trucks, one ambulance, one rescue van and one support vehicle. The building has eight bays for parking vehicles as well as a training classroom and four offices. Station Two on Highway F houses engine No. 2, a 2,900-gallon tanker, one ambulance and the rescue boat in the winter. The department uses the second station as first out for the south and east side of Lac du Flambeau and second out for any other fire. The fire department members are as follows: Thomas Wegner is the fire chief and has been with the department for 17 years. He also served the Sussex Fire Department for 26 years and is certified in Firefighter III. He has completed training in electrical hazard response, hazardous materials response, incident command, ladder truck operations, methodology, fire instructor, LP gas, fire investigation, cold-water rescue, certified Wisconsin fire inspector and advanced vehicle extrication and he is EMT certified. Christopher Mayer has been with the fire department for 10 years. He has 12 years of experience as a firefighter for Bo di Lac. He is the owner of Crickets in Lac du Flambeau and currently holds the rank of assistant chief. Gerald Ackley of Lac du Flambeau currently holds the rank of department captain. He was Firefighter of the Year in Vilas County in 1991, and has been a firefighter for 41 years and an ambulance driver for 39 years. He is certified as a First Responder and in surface ice rescue. He has taken courses in CPR, Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials and LP gas fires equipment. He is also the maintenance officer. He is self-employed. Fred Writesman of Lac du Flambeau has been with the department for 22
years and is a state-certified firefighter. He is a department captain. He has completed courses in incident command, surface ice rescue, basic life support, vehicle extrication and rescue, fire investigation, water rescue and is a First Responder. He also does vehicle and station maintenance for the department and is employed by Pukall Lumber Co. Mike Zimmerman of Lac du Flambeau has been with the department for 13 years. He is a certified Firefighter I and EMT and currently holds the rank of lieutenant. George Thompson has been with the fire department for 12 years. He has experience and training in Firefighter I and II, advanced auto extrication, terrorism/biohazard, cold-water rescue and is Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) trained. He is employed by the Lac du Flambeau tribe and currently holds the rank of lieutenant. Paul Harris, who has been with the department for 35 years, retired as fire chief in 2008 after 15 years of service. He is a nationally registered EMT-D-E and a state-certified firefighter. He has taken emergency driving, surface ice rescue, incident command and fire investigation. He is retired. Laura Ackley has been a member of the department for 15 years and has completed courses in Firefighter I and Firefighter II. She is trained as an EMTD-A Airway Epinephrine. Judy Wegner of Lac du Flambeau has been with the department for 13 years, and also has 23 years of experience on the Sussex Fire Department as an EMT and firefighter. Her training includes Firefighter I and EMT-D-E. She owns Wegner’s Lazy Days Resort and drives a school bus for Lakeland Area Bus Service. Patricia Zimmerman of Lac du Flambeau has been an EMT for 11 years. She is employed by the Lac du Flambeau tribe. Jeremy Wegner of Minocqua has been a firefighter for 11 years. He is a certified Firefighter I, with ice rescue and wildland fire training. He is employed by The Beacons. David Kasprzyk Jr. of Lac du Flambeau has been with the fire department for 10 years. He is trained in Firefighter I, vehicle extrication, ice rescue, pumper operations, advanced pumping and as a First Responder. He is employed by Dolson. Julia Dionne has been with the department for 11 years as an EMT and a firefighter. She is an NREMT-B and has completed courses in entry-level Fire-
Lac du Flambeau Who do you call?
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fighter I and II. She is a resident of Lac du Flambeau. Richard Tabobondung has been with the fire department for nine years. He has taken the advanced driving course, advanced auto extrication, Firefighter I and II and is RIT trained. He has completed EMT training. Lisa Schuman has been an EMT for eight years. She works at Lac du Flambeau Indian Child Welfare. Alicia Thompson has completed courses in entry-level Firefighter I and II and cold-water rescue. She is employed by the Vilas County Department of Social Services. She is a resident of Lac du Flambeau. John Melzer has been a member of the department for eight years and has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, advanced extraction, cold-water rescue, thermal-imaging, fire inspector and wildland fire. Art Koser has been with the department for nine years. He has completed courses in Firefighter I and II and RIT. He is also an EMT. He is employed at Lake of the Torches Casino and is a resident of Lac du Flambeau. He has been a wildland firefighter for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for four years and is studying to become a paramedic. Robert Schuman Jr. has been with the department for five years and has completed courses in Firefighter I and II and EMT-B. He is employed by Lake of the Torches Casino. Sarah Thompson is in her fifth year as a firefighter. She has completed EMT-
B training and is employed by the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Historic Preservation Office. Amy Poupart is a member of the department and has completed courses in Firefighter I and II. She is employed by the Lac du Flambeau tribal accounting department. Pamela Waterman has been an EMT for Lac du Flambeau for four years and has completed basic training courses. Jeanette Sharlow is in her fourth year as an EMT with Lac du Flambeau. She is currently employed by the Lac du Flambeau Tribe as well as Lake of the Torches Casino. Melissa Thompson has been with the department for three years. She has completed EMT-B training and is employed at Peter Christensen Health Center. Anita Koser, in her third year as a Lac du Flambeau EMT, has completed basic training. Bill Maki is in his third year with the department and has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, LP gas fires and NIMS. Josh Brown has completed entrylevel firefighter training and is in his third year with the department. Lance Chapman is in his first year as a fightfighter for the department. He is employed by Lake of the Torches Casino. Firefighters Steve Gukich, Pete Kozlow, Sue Ackland and EMTs John Mattioli Jr. and Symone Perro are also members of the department.
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WINCHESTER Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Winchester Fire Department members displaying their new sign included, front row from left, Sulo Wainio, Joan Wainio and Kaity Meyer; middle row, Bryan Klug, Fire Chief Bill Sell, As-
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sistant Chief John Melzer and Jim Cayo; and back row (standing), Renee Melzer, Tyre Rayala, Dick Smith, Matt Schmidt and Marshall Reckard. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Winchester Fire Department gets new sign, water pump for truck ___________ BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR
___________
The Winchester Fire Department recently installed a new sign in front of its station and acquired a new water pump for one of its firefighting trucks. The department ordered the sign from Woodworks Signs in Winchester and funded the $3,000 cost of the project through private donations, according to Fire Chief William “Bill” Sell. “We installed it about a month ago,” he said. “We’re going to have a roof built over it sometime this fall and we’re going to do some landscaping around it as well.” Winchester also took delivery of a new pump for a cost of $9,500 from Melrose Park, Ill. The pump, which attaches to the front end of a 1998 forestry truck, pumps water at 500 gallons per minute. Firefighters use the truck and pump to fill a portable tanker when near a lake. Although the truck has no firefighting capabilities of its own currently, Sell said their goal is to attach a tank to it.
Future plans for the Winchester Fire Department include updating its No. 2 fire engine with new lighting, updating a brush truck and replacing its 1983 tanker, which was pieced together nearly 30 years ago. “This is one of our oldest pieces of equipment,” said Sell. “It only has about a 1,200-gallon tank and we would like to get a 3,000-gallon tank like many of the other departments have. We’ll get rid of this vehicle and replace it totally.” Other future plans include a small remodel of part of the fire station facility to accommodate a training and exercise area, according to Sell. The Winchester Fire Department beefed up its remote rescue capabilities by equipping its Polaris Ranger XP with multiple slide-in units and traction options in 2011. The Ranger now features both all-terrain tires and snow tracks, allowing for trail rescues anytime of the year and in nearly any weather conditions. “The vehicle was purchased in 2009 and we added a new trailer early in 2010, giv-
ing the department a complete trail rescue package,” said Sell. The Ranger’s rear-cargo area features the option of two slide-in units. One unit includes a water/foam tank that can be used in the spring, summer and fall to battle brush fires. A second slide-in unit can be installed in the winter and used for patient transport when people may become injured on a trail or lake. The department also has a rescue trailer that can be pulled behind the Ranger for trail rescues in the summer or fall. The entire unit is hauled on a long trailer that is hooked up to the department’s rescue truck. With the tracks and slide-in units, Sell said the department has close to $26,000 in the specialized rescue vehicle. The Winchester Fire Department also received a $4,000 cost-share grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for much-needed equipment in 2011. With the grant, the department was able to purchase about $8,000 worth of gear, including a Honda portable pump,
1,500 feet of 1-inch hose, nozzle adapters and strainers. The department also installed seven dry water hydrants in the town. The hydrants were installed along lake edges in areas of higher population. The eventual goal of the department, according to Sell, is to lower the insurance rates for homeowners by achieving a Class 8 fire rating. Training was a priority for the department in 2010. Training sessions included practice in vehicle extrication, wildland fire attack, water supply and pump operations, off-road rescues, communication and global positioning system training and also interdepartmental training with Manitowish Waters Fire Co. and emergency medical services (EMS). Sell said these exercises helped prepare the department for emergency incidents. “Training is an important part of this department, as it allows the veterans to freshen up their skills and learn new equipment while the new recruits can see To WINCHESTER, Pg. 66
WINCHESTER Page 66
Oct. 10, 2012
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Winchester FROM PAGE 65 how things are done so everyone is prepared when a true emergency takes place,” he said. Other equipment In 2009, the Winchester Fire Department purchased a new rescue truck from Marion. The truck features a 2009 Fab 20-foot body on a 2009 Peterbilt Model 335 truck body with a 360-horsepower Paccar engine. It also is equipped with a walk-in body and a Cascade fill station for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bottles. There is storage space for 20 air bottles and seating for seven firefighters. Sell said a command desk, refrigerator, interior storage cabinets and an opening to enter the operator’s compartment are included in the truck body. The rescue truck is equipped with a front bumper extension with a toolbox, a Hannay hydraulic hose reel, an Amkus power unit to operate two hydraulic rescue tools, tire chains and floor-mounted slideout trays for easy tool access. The truck, with equipment, cost $290,000 and was paid for by the town. It also carries air rescue bags and blocking, stabilizing struts, an inflatable rescue boat, ice and water rescue equipment and a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) bag. In 2007, the department received a new ambulance with more overhead room and storage space. Ambulance director Ginger Brousil said the ambulance was purchased with money from an anonymous donation and fundraisers, along with $20,000 from the town. Six years ago, Winchester used a federal grant to purchase 24 sets of turnout gear, 12 new SCBAs, a $15,000 thermalimaging camera and rescue air bags. Assistant Fire Chief John Melzer said the thermal-imaging camera is a state-ofthe-art piece of equipment that is incredibly accurate at detecting any heat in walls, attics or any hidden places. Sell said the grant-writing team also was awarded a second grant that provided the department with a rescue truck. He said the department also purchased three cold-water rescue suits, ropes and other gear in response to 13 department members completing cold-water rescue training. “Along with Firefighter I and II, many of the members have had training in cold-
Winchester Fire Chief Bill Sell (left) and Assistant Chief John Melzer display the department’s new front-mount water pump. Pumping at 500 gallons per minute, firefighters use it to fill portable tanks. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
water rescue, extrication, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), imaging camera and advanced SCBA as well as pump engineer and operations,” said Sell. Winchester’s main pumper/tanker is a 2004 Pierce built on a Peterbilt chassis. The $275,000 rig came equipped with a compressed-air foam system, an apparatus that will cut down on water use during a fire. It includes a 3,000-gallon tank and a 1,500-gallons-per-minute (gpm) pump. Fire hall addition Winchester completed a 44- by 40-foot addition to the 14-year-old fire station in 2001, offering a separate two-bay area for the department’s ambulance, space for emergency medical technician (EMT) equipment and room for a washer, dryer and showers. With the county’s E911 system in place, Sell said a computer modem links Winchester to the county by computer and makes transmission of written dispatches possible. “Having professional dispatching 24 hours a day, provided by the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department, has greatly improved dispatching and response times,” Sell said. The following is a brief overview of each member: William “Bill” Sell, a 33-year department member, is the fire chief and an
EMT. He has been an EMT since 1978. He is self-employed as an excavator. John Melzer, the assistant fire chief, is a firefighter for the Winchester, Manitowish Waters and Lac du Flambeau departments and has completed both Firefighter I and Firefighter II training. He’s been trained in thermal-imaging camera use, advanced extrication, wildland fire-fighting, advanced SCBA and pump operations. He works at Lac du Flambeau Chippewa Housing Authority. Ginger Brousil is the ambulance director, a certified EMT and an entry-level firefighter. She has completed thermalimaging training and cold-water rescue. She has been with the department for eight years and is employed by the town of Winchester. Don Melzer Jr. is in his 11th year with Winchester Fire and Rescue. He has completed Firefighter I and cold-water rescue training. He works at Chicago Pub. He serves as a firefighter for Manitowish Waters as well. Richard “Dick” Smith has been with the department for 10 years. He is employed by Northern Capital Insurance. Bryan Klug, department captain, has been with the department for eight years. He has completed entry-level Firefighter I and II training, advanced extrication, coldwater rescue and thermal-imaging training. He is employed by CK Builders.
Paul Coan has been a firefighter for eight years. He is trained in Firefighter I and II, extrication, cold-water rescue, wildland fire, CPR and thermal imaging. Jim Cayo, an EMT and firefighter, has been with the department for seven years. He is a stay-at-home parent. Bill Shober has been with the fire department for six years. He is a resident of Manitowish Waters and is employed by Little Bohemia Lodge. Sulo Wainio, a six-year member, has completed extrication training and is a safety officer. He has completed Firefighter I training and is an owner of Thirty Point Trading Post and Tap. Joan T. Wainio also is a sixth-year firefighter with the department. She is trained in extrication. She is enrolled in Firefighter I training. She is an owner of Thirty Point Trading Post and Tap. Renee Melzer has been a Winchester EMS member for five years. She is secretary of emergency services and employed by Marshfield Clinic. Mathias Schmidt of Mercer has completed Firefighter I and II training, and is in his fourth year with the department. He also serves as a firefighter for Manitowish Waters. He has completed EVOC motor pump operator II training. He is trained in advanced auto extrication, landing zone safety, haz-mat operations, basic RIT and is wildland fire and CPR certified. Tyre Rayala, a resident of Manitowish Waters, is in his fourth year as a firefighter for the town of Winchester. He also serves on the Manitowish Waters department. He has taken Firefighter I and II, hazardous materials training, advanced extrication, wildland fire training and EMT-Basic training. Natasha Johnson, a resident of Manitowish Waters, is in her third year with the department. She is employed by Little Bohemia Lodge. Christine Wendt of Winchester is in her second year with the department and has completed entry-level firefighter class. She is self-employed. Brad Durango has completed entrylevel firefighter class. He’s from Winchester and is self-employed. New recruit Marshall Reckard has been with the department one year as an EMT and is from Presque Isle. New recruit Kaity Meyer is an EMT in training and has been with the department since November 2011. She has completed CNA and basic lifesaver training. She is employed by Howard Young Medical Center.
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BOULDER JUNCTION Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Boulder Junction Fire Department members include, front row from left, Eric Johnson, Jessica Mabie and Jeremy Mabie; second row, Amy Wilk, Jim Hanson, Trish Menzia, Megan Galasel and Linda Thayer; and back row, Raphael Moraczewski, Paul Newberg, Matt
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Reuss, Don Melzer, Dave Garner, Dan Potrykus, Jason Mauer, Jim Fragassi, Richard Wallden, Lee Hoffman and Dan Wahlgren. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Boulder Junction Fire Department emphasizes training during busy year ___________ BY DALLAS PULVER NEWS-REVIEW INTERN
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With three new members, the Boulder Junction Fire Department has emphasized training during a busy fire year. “Fire numbers have already surpassed those from last year,” said Fire Chief Jim Hanson. Staying current on training, the station hosted ice-water rescue training last winter. “We also have a couple of house burns coming up,” said Hanson. The 22nd annual chicken barbecue, the main fundraiser for the department was held July 7 and featured a children’s fire safety house. Funds for department equipment and training also are raised through T-shirt sales throughout the year. Last year the department purchased a new trailer for the rescue snowmobile, as well as a new powered cot. The pneumatic cot allows emergency medical technicians (EMT) to lift patients using less manpower and with less
risk of dropping patients. Also in 2011, members from the station participated in the Nicolet Collegerun hybrid vehicle training. Firefighters and EMTs learned how to properly extinguish a fire and rescue individuals from hybrid vehicle crashes. The Boulder Junction station continues to make use of the pumper purchased two years ago. The $300,000 rescue vehicle carries a compressed-air foam system to maximize fire-fighting effectiveness, while using less water. The 2010 Freightliner engine, built by Jefferson Fire in Middleton, includes Rosenbauer accessories, such as a pumping system that can turn out 1,500 gallons per minute (gpm), enough to sustain five hoses. It also includes a four-person cab and storage for extrication equipment. According to Hanson, the engine aided the department in maintaining its Class 7 ISO rating. In 2009, the department purchased a Ford F-250 rescue truck that carries an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), extrication equipment, air bags and stabilizer jacks.
It also pulls trailers that transport the department’s rescue snowmobile and boat. Three years ago, 10 members of the crew completed Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training in conjunction with firefighters from Conover, St. Germain, Arbor Vitae and Lac du Flambeau. RIT training focuses on rapid intervention techniques for the removal of downed firefighters or fire victims from a burning structure. The training includes work on techniques such as bridging walls, conducting basement rescues and ladder bailouts. Many of the department’s members also joined with Manitowish Waters firefighters for wildland fire suppression training, conducted by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Boulder Junction Fire Department has completed water-rescue training. For water rescues, the department is equipped with an 18-foot Alumacraft boat with a 40-horsepower Mercury electronic fuel-injected outboard and trailer. The 2005 model includes steps on the stern and carries several pieces of water-
rescue equipment. The department made large additions in 2007, when it took delivery of a new ambulance and a new tanker. The ambulance was purchased by the department for $107,000 at no cost to the town’s taxpayers. The Ford E-450 MedTech ambulance replaced a 2000 Braun ambulance, which was traded in for $28,000. The department also purchased a 2007 Sterling chassis for $89,000 which was converted into a tanker truck. The truck was equipped with the department’s 3,200-gallon stainless tank that was on a 1982 truck. A 36- by 48-foot storage shed was also added to the department’s facility on Highway M in Boulder Junction at a cost of $21,000. The shed houses the department’s rescue boat, snowmobile, ATV and Rescue 2 pickup truck which pulls rescue equipment. In 2005, the department purchased a $114,000 brush truck built by Custom To BOULDER JUNCTION, Pg. 68
BOULDER JUNCTION Page 68
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Boulder Junction FROM PAGE 67 Fab & Body of Tigerton. The purchase was made possible by a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, which required just a 10% local share. The brush truck can carry 300 gallons of water, which is enhanced by a compressed-air foam system capable of delivering three different types of foam for various fire-fighting applications. “It can be used for assistance with structure fires, to foam down and protect accessory buildings and for fighting wildland fires,” said Hanson. “We could go in ahead of a forest fire and cover a structure with foam, which would protect it for an hour or more.” Hanson said the truck carries wildland fire-fighting equipment such as hand tools, bladder bags, 1,000 feet of 1inch forest fire hose and 300 feet of 11⁄2inch line. Search-and-rescue capabilities are yet another asset of the Boulder Junction department, which became field-ready for such activities in 2004. Myk Hensley is a member of Headwaters Search and Rescue and has helped the department set up for it. The department’s commitment to continuous improvement has made it possible for Boulder Junction to maintain its ISO rating of Class 7, saving property owners money on their homeowners insurance. “ISO looks at equipment, record keeping, manpower, water-carrying abilities — everything,” Hanson said. “It’s a real step forward for the department.” The department’s 2000 Welch engine helped Boulder Junction get the better rating. The engine has a 1,250-gpm pump and is equipped with two types of foam. The department also purchased a Hurst 56-ton three-air bag system for the truck. The lift bags can be inflated with the air packs used by firefighters for interior attacks. The department also owns a thermalimaging camera to locate fires within walls and people trapped in a burning building, and a water supply truck to fill tankers at lakes. Most of Boulder Junction’s vehicles are kept in a 7,600-square-foot fire building complete with training room, offices, rest room and seven vehicle stalls with separate doors.
The department Fire Chief James A. Hanson has been a firefighter and EMT in Boulder Junction for six years, but has 29 total years of firefighter service in other communities. He has associate degrees in police and fire science, is a certified emergency manager, EMT-B, Firefighter I and II and fire science instructor. He is employed by the Boulder Junction Police Department. Jim Fragassi, assistant chief, has been a volunteer firefighter for the Boulder Junction Fire Department for six years. He is a resident of Boulder Junction and is a retired firefighter from Winnetka, Ill. Matthew Reuss, has been with the department for six years and serves as captain. He has completed Firefighter I, Firefighter II, wildland firefighting and EMT training. He is employed by Reuss Construction Co. John Titel has been a volunteer for the fire department for 30 years and an EMT for 28 years. He is the department’s fire investigator. Titel has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, numerous Learning thru Burning courses, fire ground command, arson investigation and mod 1. He also has completed hazardous materials tech training. He is employed at Ahlborn Equipment. Myk Hensley, a 25-year veteran, is a driver-operator and is certified in surface ice rescue. Hensley is trained in human search-and-rescue techniques. Paul Newberg, safety officer, is a 21year veteran as a state-certified firefighter and an EMT. He is employed by Spirit Medical Transport. Bill Saal serves as fire inspector for Boulder Junction, as well as Woodruff, Lac du Flambeau, Lake Tomahawk and Arbor Vitae. Eric Johnson has been with the department for five years. He has completed entry-level Firefighter I and II training and wildland fire-fighting. He is the fire prevention officer and public education coordinator. Doug Bailey has been a volunteer with the department for 38 years and has been an EMT for the ambulance service for 36 years. He is a resident of Boulder Junction and is employed by Northwoods Personally Yours. Bailey has completed courses in Firefighter I and II, mod 1, search and rescue, ice diver specialist, advanced open-water diving, state EMT, hazardous materials, DNR-related training, practice burns through Nicolet College and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Boulder Junction Who do you call?
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Fire 911
Ambulance 911
certification. Jonathan Dobbs has been an EMT with the department for 16 years and owns a resort on Trout Lake. Dan Potrykus has served on the department for 12 years. He owns Boulder Junction Motor Lodge. Linda Thayer has been a volunteer for the Boulder Junction Fire Department for seven years. She is an EMT. Megan Galasel has been a volunteer EMT for the Boulder Junction department for seven years. She is an EMT-B and is employed by CareTakers LLC. She is a resident of Boulder Junction. Steven Bartling of Manitowish Waters has been a volunteer for the Boulder Junction Fire Department for seven years. He is a firefighter and EMT. He is trained in ice rescue and vehicle extrication. Jessica Mabie has been a volunteer EMT for eight years, a firefighter for seven years and a paramedic for two years. She completed paramedic training at North Central Technical College in Wausau. She is employed by Howard Young Medical Center. Jeremiah Mabie has been with the department for three years. He has eight years of experience as a firefighter and is employed by Trout Creek Cranberry Co. Lee Hoffman has been with the department for eight years. He has completed entry-level Firefighter I and II and is also cross-trained as an EMT. He is the owner of Granary Restaurant in Boulder Junction. Jim Johnson has been with the de-
partment for seven years. He has completed entry-level Firefighter I and II. He is the owner of Boulder Bear Motor Lodge. Theo Indermuehle has been a firefighter and EMT for the department for seven years. Jason Maurer is serving his second year with the department and has entrylevel Firefighter I training. He is employed by Knitt’s Hardware in Boulder Junction. Troy Beda has been with the department for four years and is employed by Beda’s Mobile Repair. He has completed entry-level Firefighter I training. Joshua Thompson, has been with the department for four years and is employed by Boulder Marine Center. He has completed entry-level Firefighter I training. Don Melzer is in his third year as a firefighter and has completed Firefighter I and cold-water rescue training. He also serves the Manitowish Waters Fire Co. Amy Wilk has completed EMT-B training and is employed by Howard Young Medical Center. Susan Donato has served as an EMT for six years. David Gardner has completed Firefighter I training and works at Rainbo Lodge. Dan Wahlgren is in his first year as a firefighter and is employed by Sysco Foods. Trish Menzia, EMT, serves as the department secretary. Karment Tornow is the department treasurer.
MA NITOWISH WATERS Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
Members of the Manitowish Waters Fire Company include, back row from left, Mathias Schmidt, Don Melzer, Skip Skrobot, Bill King, B.J. Bauers, Bob Skrobot and Daryll Behnke;
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second row, Harry Kaczmarek, Heather Bauers, Tyrel Rayala and David Krembs; and front, Aiden Bauers, department supporter. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO
Manitowish Waters Fire Company to take delivery of rescue pumper ___________ BY DALLAS PULVER NEWS-REVIEW INTERN
___________
The Manitowish Waters Fire Company will take delivery of a new rescue pumper truck in 2013. The department planned in advance for the pumper and is now entering the final stage of the purchase. “We’re drawing up specs and meeting with sales reps over the next few months,” said Fire Chief Leonard “Skip” Skrobot. “The rescue pumper will be a great addition to our company’s growing arsenal of fire trucks and equipment.” Last year was highlighted by the addition of a mural to the side of a company truck, in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001. Skrobot said the mural was done by Calm Water Solutions of Manitowish Waters. “He’s one of the guys in town here, and he does it for a living,” said Skrobot. “He did the mural for us and gave us a banner to hang on the other side of the truck. He did a really great job.” The department displayed the work publicly at its weekly Music in the Park event in Manitowish Waters. “That day we supplied sandwiches and beverages and thanked the town for their support,” said Skrobot.
In 2009, the fire department took delivery of a 3,000-gallon tanker truck, a Marque-made ambulance and a heavy-duty all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Skrobot said the $155,000 tanker, manufactured by Stainless and Repair Inc. in Marshfield, was purchased using revenues the fire company received from leasing its services to the town. “We are one of only four fire companies in the state of Wisconsin that are independent, nonprofit corporations,” said Skrobot. “The beauty of not being a division of town government is that we can eliminate most of the politics.” The tanker is a 2007 Sterling pre-emission diesel that replaces two smaller tankers of early 1970s vintage. Skrobot said no town money was used to purchase the ambulance, with the $115,000 raised solely through donations and company fundraisers, such as the annual Harley-Davidson motorcycle raffle. Taxpayer-supplemented funds did help with the purchase of a $12,000 four-wheel drive ATV, along with a thermal-imaging camera and a multi-gas detection meter. Skrobot said the camera allows firefighters to find people trapped in heavy smoke more quickly or detect heat inside walls and ceilings. He said the meter can be used to detect four kinds of gases, including carbon
monoxide, propane, methane and oxygen. Skrobot said community support of the fire company is a huge reason for its success, both in updating equipment and attracting firefighters. “We get a lot of support for our fundraisers, including our largest, which is the raffling of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle,” he said. “We draw a winner in September every year.” Manitowish Waters, one of the oldest fire departments in the county at 54 years, is also one of the best equipped. In addition to two modern engines (2004 and 1994), it has a 2009 tanker, a 2008 first-response truck and an equipment van. The department received a $2,825 matching grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 2008 to purchase new backpacks, forestry hose, forestry coveralls and helmets. Most of the members also went through wildfire training that spring, taught by DNR firefighters. Department members, both individually and as a group, improve their training every year. Recently, the firefighters have concentrated time on cross training with the Winchester Fire Department. In doing this, both teams are ready to work together in a large emergency incident. In 2007, six firefighters were trained in water rescue and three were scuba rated.
They are equipped with cold-water dry suits and an inflatable rescue boat. Other equipment The department made use of a Homeland Security grant to purchase a first-response truck, turnout gear and new selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in 2006. The 1-ton Chevrolet pickup is equipped with 300 gallons of water and foam that can maximize the effectiveness of the water supply tenfold. The 2006 truck also is equipped with a 500-gallons-per-minute pump and both 2-inch and 4-inch hose. Skrobot said they received 17 full sets of turnout gear and a dozen air tanks, masks and communication equipment. “We purchased a special radio attachment that goes with the face masks, allowing firefighters to communicate better during interior attacks,” he said. “The additional feature fits our Motorola radios.” The Manitowish Waters fleet includes a pumper/tanker with compressed-air foam. Skrobot said the state-of-the-art unit features a severe-duty Freightliner chassis, has 3,000 gallons of tank space and includes some of the newest pumping technology available today. For the first time, he said, the truck carTo MANITOWISH WATERS, Pg. 70
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Manitowish Waters FROM PAGE 69 ries the traditional water-foam mixture being used almost universally by fire departments, along with the new-wave compressed-air foam system. “Compressed-air foam breaks the surface tension of water, seeks out carbon and follows air currents in a building, just like a fire would,” said Skrobot. “It smothers and cools a fire with virtually no water damage. Hose lines are lighter because they are carrying one-half air.” The town board appropriates about $40,000 annually to finance the fire department, $14,000 of which is allocated for updating large apparatus, including fire trucks. The company also includes certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who operate an ambulance squad. They recently took delivery of a 2009 Marque ambulance that meets today’s standards for wider, longer emergency vehicles. About the company Manitowish Waters Fire Company was organized under a corporate charter in 1957 and, five years later, it started the first ambulance service in Vilas County. It is financed through tax dollars, user fees, annual fundraisers, annual appeal letters and private donations. The department voted nearly a decade ago to accept stipends from the town to reimburse firefighters and emergency medical service personnel for the time they spend responding to emergency calls. The fire company’s equipment and training allows the town to maintain a Class 8 insurance rating. Following are brief biographical sketches of department members Chief Leonard “Skip” Skrobot Jr. has been a firefighter for 47 years and is state certified. He is a self-employed carpenter. He served as the fire department’s president, vice president and assistant
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News chief prior to being elected chief, and has served as an EMT since 1975. He is a charter member of the Northwoods Fire Prevention Committee as a fire investigator, and is currently a member of the Vilas County and state of Wisconsin fire chiefs associations. Assistant Chief Bob Skrobot, certified in Firefighter II, has served as a firefighter for 19 years and is currently the company’s vice president. A 1994 graduate of Lakeland Union High School, he is a self-employed carpenter. Secretary Debbie Skrobot has been a firefighter for 32 years and also serves as an EMT. A former secretary of the Northwoods Fire Prevention Committee, she organizes fire-prevention activities at North Lakeland Elementary School and at other youth-oriented facilities in the area. She is employed at Associated Bank in Mercer. Capt. William Dietz is a state-certified Firefighter I who has received specialized training in industrial fires, ventilation practices, incident command, strategy/tactics, auto extrication and breathing apparatus. He is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-certified and is a member of the Northwoods Fire Prevention Committee. He is owner-operator of Dietz’s Service in Manitowish Waters. Capt. Harry Kaczmarek has been a firefighter for 41 years. Until he retired, he owned Harry’s Supermarket. He has completed Firefighter I training and numerous fire-training classes over the years. Since his retirement, he spends time serving the department by keeping the trucks clean and serviced and maintaining the fire hall. Capt. Kenneth Deakin has been a firefighter for 59 years, including his tour of service as captain firefighter and paramedic in Milwaukee prior to his retirement. Since then, he has served as a volunteer on the Manitowish Waters department and is considered one of its most valuable and experienced members. Ambulance Capt. Daryll Behnkehas been an EMT for 11 years. He is
trained in epinephrine, defibrillation and nonvisualized airway. He is responsible for keeping all EMTs aware of developments in emergency medical training, certification and trends. He also evaluates the status of the ambulance and its supplies. He is self-employed, and is a parttime school bus driver for the North Lakeland area school transportation system. Bill King has served the department during the summer months for the last 12 years. He spends his winters in Racine, where he worked as a police officer for 31 years before his retirement, and as a volunteer EMT and firefighter on the Sturtevant Fire Department for 15 years. David Krembs has been a firefighter for 24 years and has completed Firefighter I and other fire-fighting training programs. He is employed at Coon’s Franklin Lodge in Arbor Vitae. Robert Polic is state certified in Firefighter I and II. He completed his EMT training at Nicolet College and is a nationally registered EMT. He is a self-employed consultant. Lisa Behnke has been an EMT for the ambulance squad for nine years and is the company’s new treasurer, replacing the retired Dorothy Krembs. She completed her training at Nicolet and is a nationally registered EMT. She is a school bus driver for North Lakeland Elementary. Beth Kebl, an 11-year veteran and former vice president, is trained in entrylevel Firefighter I and II along with ice rescue, wildland fire and extrication. She is a self-employed saleswoman of industrial chemicals. Bryan Klug is a seven-year company member and former director who has completed entry-level Firefighter I and II. He has training in cold-water rescue and extrication. He is employed by CK Builders. Mathias Schmidt of Mercer, who completed his entry-level Firefighter I and II, has been with the company for seven years. He has completed EVOC motor pump operator II training. He is a former director. He is trained in advanced
auto extrication, landing zone safety, hazmat operations, basic Rapid Intervention Team and is wildland fire and CPR certified. He is employed at Little Star Garage. In his eighth year with the company is Richard Indermuehle, who has completed Firefighter I training and is employed at Alder Lake Cranberry Company He is a company director. Chris Sindberg, also an eight-year department member and director, has completed entry-level Firefighter I and II along with extrication training. Steven Bartling, who is in his ninth year with the department, holds the rank of captain. He is employed at Bartling’s Manitowish Cranberry Company Tyrel Rayala, who has completed entry-level Firefighter I and II, is also trained in advanced auto extrication and wildland fire. He has been with the department six years. He recently completed EMT training at Nicolet. He is employed by Northern Wisconsin Security and Sound. John Melzer, the assistant chief at Winchester and also a department member in Lac du Flambeau, is in his fourth year with the Manitowish Waters Fire Company B.J. and Heather Bauers, a husband-and-wife team who own Bauers Electric and have completed entry-level Firefighter I and II courses, are in their fourth year with the company. Heather recently completed training at Nicolet and is now a certified EMT. Don Melzer Jr. is in his third year as a firefighter for the company. He has completed Firefighter I and cold-water rescue training. Graham McFarland, in his third year with the company, has completed entry-level Firefighter I and II. He is a resident of Manitowish Waters but also serves the Winchester Fire Department. Renee Melzer served as a Manitowish Waters EMT for the past three years. Don Melzer has been a volunteer firefighter for Manitowish Waters Fire Company for the past three years.
Local Heroes ~ Saving Lives Every Day Manitowish Waters
DIETZ’S
SERVICE INC. Since 1961
THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COMMUNITY.
Supporting the community that supports one another
Thank You for 55 Years of Service
215 County Hwy. W, Manitowish Waters 877-543-2085
We salute our local firefighters and EMTs
Thank you
Serving Pizzas, Burgers, Sandwiches & Daily Specials Open Noon Mon.-Tues.-Wed., 11 a.m. Thur.-Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m. on Sun. Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. 3-6 p.m.
396 Hwy. 51 S., Manitowish Waters, WI
715-543-2305
OPEN YEAR-ROUND 7 days a week, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. 715.543.2550 397 Hwy. 51 South, Manitowish Waters, WI
for all your hard work!
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS! YOU ARE VERY APPRECIATED!
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
THANK YOU
WE SALUTE THE FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL THAT KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE
to our local emergency and rescue personnel!
LAND O’ LAKES
RHINELANDER
4348 Highway B, Unit B 715.547.6118
1630 N. Chippewa Dr. 715.361.5480
THREE LAKES
WOODRUFF
6951 S. Michigan Street 715.546.2543
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611 Veterans Parkway 715.358.8610
888.929.9902 | www.psbwi.com |
Always see the Potential
Member FDIC
CLINADS-011
Ahlborn EQUIPMENT, INC. proudly salutes its local emergency personnel.
Thank you for your tireless service to the community.
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• Senior Menu • Kids’ Menu • Daily Specials
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Page 72
Oct. 10, 2012
Courtesy of the News-Review and The Three Lakes News
COUNT PROVIDING 24/7 MEDICAL CARE WHEN AND WHERE YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES NEED IT.
Ministry Health Care would like to thank all emergency and rescue personnel – the first link in emergency care for people who are having a medical or trauma emergency. Their extraordinary compassion, courage and expertise deserves special recognition.
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