website  watertownhistory.org

    ebook  History of Watertown, Wisconsin

 

 

Watertown Fire Department

 

2000-2023 SECTION ON HISTORY OF

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

1900-1999 section   Other Segments   Return to beginning  

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Established 1857

 

___ 2000 __________________

01 27       Police dept space problem, municipal bldg renovation, three police/fire precincts   WDT

 

02 27       TRAIN FIREFIGHTERS TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL CALLS

Watertown’s mayor and fire chief are proposing a plan they believe will quicken the fire department’s response time to emergency medical calls in the city.  Under the plan, which Fire Chief Richard Olson calls an affordable alternative staffing approach, the city would train paid on-call firefighters who are certified as basic emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to respond to emergency medical calls.  There are currently seven of them.  “We need to plug them in and make sure we can use them,” Olson said.  “For the city to own the equipment (to respond to emergency calls) and have the people and not use them is ludicrous.”

 

03 19       FIRE CHIEF RICHARD OLSON RETIRES

Fire Chief Richard Olson will retire March 31 after serving in Watertown for 5 1/2 years.  Olson gave formal notice of his retirement plans to the Watertown Police and Fire Commission this week.  Olson said, “I am age 53 and I'm qualified to retire and it has been my intention to do so at this time.  I have other things I want to do and I have some job opportunities that I will consider seriously.”  Olson said he recommends that the city appoint fire Capt. Henry Butts as interim fire chief while the department searches for Olson's replacement.  Olson succeeded Ron Weavel as chief.  Weavel held the post from 1987 [86] to 1994.

 

03 24       On-call firefighters for staffing needs; reinstate inter-facility transport program; Chief Olson   WDT

 

06 02       INTER-FACILITY TRANSPORT PROGRAM

A fire department service in which Watertown patients are transported to hospitals in cities such as Milwaukee and Madison has been revived after a several-month hiatus.  A measure to reinstate the inter-facility transport program was signed recently by Mayor Fred Smith, Interim Fire Chief Henry Butts and Watertown Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director Dr. Kathleen Hargarten.  An inter-facility transport occurs when the Watertown Memorial Hospital calls to ask the department to transport nonemergency patients to hospitals in Oconomowoc, Waukesha, Madison or Milwaukee for specialized care not available in Watertown.  On- or off-duty department personnel then take the patients in department ambulances to their destinations while ensuring the department is sufficiently staffed for city emergencies.  WDT

 

06 29       Joel Edwards retirement, began in the 1970s   WDT

 

10 11       WALTON ROAD GRASS FIRE

Smoke could be seen for miles around the city of Watertown Wednesday afternoon as firefighters from four departments fought a grass fire northwest of the city.  The fire was ignited by sparks caused by grinding of the tracks.  Workers for the Canadian Pacific Railroad were grinding the railroad tracks near Walton Road in the town of Shields when a spark apparently landed in some dry marsh grass, starting the fire, according to Watertown Fire Department Capt. Bill Schwenkner.  “The final result was a big fire, involving about 400 acres,” he said.  Schwenkner had no idea how far away smoke from the fire could be seen, but he said it was a very, very large fire.  The fire was northwest of the intersection of Walton Road and the railroad tracks and on the west side of the Beaver Dam River.  Some of the acreage burned is owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.   WDT

 

10 21       WATERTOWN TIRE RECYCLERS BIN FIRE

Firefighters spent more than 11/2 hours combating a smoldering fire in a 29-foot-high bin in the town of Shields.  Firefighters were called to Watertown Tire Recyclers, W7910 Provimi Rd, after waste material in the bin started on fire.  During the blaze, firefighters made three trips to Watertown to refill their tanker trucks with water because they could not access water at the site.  Employees of Camcorp, a company contracted by Watertown Tire, were repairing the bin and set the waste on fire while smoking and using a grinding tool.  The waste was a product of the tire recycling operation.   WDT

 

___ 2001 __________________

01 31       CANADIAN PACIFIC ENGINE FIRE

Fire struck the engine of a train bound for Illinois on the Canadian Pacific Railroad as it approached the northwest side of Watertown.  Watertown firefighters responded to the blaze at the railroad's intersection with Welsh Road just before 7 a.m.  No one was injured.  Seven firefighters contained the fire and fuel.  They spent about 20 minutes battling the fire, which caused about $30,000 in damage.   WDT

 

03 10       INVESTCAST FIRE

A mechanical failure caused the Saturday blaze at the Wisconsin Investcast warehouse, state investigators determined.  No criminal activity was to blame for the fire that destroyed most of the building, including its roof.  Investcast president Larry Blanton said he didn't anticipate serious disruptions in the work flow at the foundry.  He said area foundries and suppliers were supportive.   WDT

 

 

05 03       GLOBE MILL FIRE

   Flames continued to rise from the former Globe Mill on South Water Street as a state fire marshal searched the scene for a cause of the fire that completely destroyed the historic building.  As of late morning, the Watertown Fire Department was unable to explain why the fast-burning fire occurred, pushing flames through the building’s roof, but arson is believed to be the cause of the fire that destroyed the former mill and Watertown landmark. 

 

      Image Portfolio (scroll forward) 

 

05 12       1220 E. MAIN HOUSE FIRE  [portfolio of pics]

 

09 06       FIRE AT BANDSHELL

   

In 2001, a "suspicious" fire occurred at the bandshell.  There was approximately $30,000 in damage.

 

"The fire, which started in the first floor area and extended into the walls and roof of the band shell, was reported by a citizen who saw the smoke at 6:59 p.m.  Five hundred gallons of water and fire fighting foam, containing an extinguishing agent, were used to put out the fire which kept 22 firefighters on the scene for 2 1/2 hours.  'Smoke was just pouring out of the roof area and eastern most side of the structure,' said Watertown Fire Chief Henry Butts.  'Flames were visible for a short period of time but there was thick black smoke and you could hear the fire burning in the walls,' Butts said.  Two engines, one ladder and an EMS team also responded to the fire.  No one was injured in the incident.  'The structure had a good amount of fire damage and will have a significant amount when we’re done,' said Butts. "   Insurance covered most of the cost to repair the bandshell with the Watertown Park Department crew doing most of them.

 

09 11       9-11

  

 

___ 2002 __________________

02 11       MUD LAKE MARSH FIRE

About 100 acres of marshland were destroyed Thursday afternoon by a fire ignited with sparks from Canadian Pacific Railroad workers who were welding on the tracks.  Heavy winds caused the fire to quickly spread in the Mud Lake State Wildlife Area off Walton Road.  Firefighters set up to prevent the fire from threatening four Izaak Walton League of Watertown property buildings.  The initial call, which reached the Watertown Fire Department at 2:15 p.m., was placed by railroad workers to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, which transferred it to Watertown. Mutual aid was provided by the Reeseville Fire Department, who set up equipment on the opposite side of the Beaver Dam River in case the fire would jump it.  However, the fire extinguished upon reaching the river.   WDT

 

03 18       CITY HALL EXPANSION AND RENOVATION / Watertown Municipal Building

 

 

03 27       FUND-RAISING FOR A NEW LADDER TRUCK

A group of Watertown citizens has started a committee to organize fund-raising efforts for a new ladder truck.  Dennis Vanden Heuvel, who is a member of the city's police and fire commission, decided to start a fund-raising committee after seeing a need.   WDT

 

07 11       LIGHTS ‘N SIRENS EVENT   WDT, article & pics

 

12 07       AMONG THE TOP 5 %

The Watertown Fire Department ranks among the top 5 percent of departments in the state following a classification improvement by its auditors.  Earlier this year, Insurance Services Office Inc., or ISO, completed a public protection classification program of the station, which grades a community’s fire protection on a scale from one to 10.  One represents the best protection. Watertown, which had been rated a class four since its last audit in September 1987, improved to a three.   WDT

 

12 10       UNIT CITATION AWARD

Several Watertown firefighter/paramedics/ EMTs received a unit citation award for their work during an incident which occurred on Aug. 29.  They each received certificates and pins.  Fire Chief Henry Butts said the department was extremely busy that day having received 15 calls.  The certificate reads:  “While working on the 29th day of August 2002, during operations at Alarm #2002-1185, you responded to an alarm for a ‘structural collapse.’  Upon arrival, the incident was discovered to involve a victim who had fallen into the basement when roofing supports gave way.  The successful outcome of this incident depended directly on several fire units working together utilizing the low angle rope rescue system. Your professional manner and quick actions contributed to the success of this operation.”   WDT

 

___ 2003 __________________

01 24       FUND-RAISING EFFORT FOR NEW LADDER TRUCK

Spearheading a fund-raising effort for a new ladder truck for the city's fire department, Dennis Vanden Heuvel told members of the Watertown Rotary Club about the endeavor.  He began by narrating a scenario of someone who is sleeping and awakes to a smoke detector going off.  "The fire truck coming to your house is 23 years old and some of the equipment on it is over 40 years old," he said.  "Once the truck is in place, a firefighter climbs the ladder to mount the heavy 40-year-old spray nozzle, then climbs down the ladder to get the 3-inch fire hose and manually drag it back up the ladder to connect it to the nozzle.  That's what a group of us saw 10 months ago, and we had a lot of questions."   WDT

 

___ 2004 __________________

03 26       NEW HEAVY RESCUE SQUAD, SQUAD 1

Department’s new heavy rescue squad, Squad 1, is now in service.  After intense training and change of the graphics on the unit, the squad is ready for service.  The unit was purchased for $170,000, including shipping the unit from the North Greece Fire District near Rochester, N.Y.  Fire department management personnel made two trips to inspect and receive training on the vehicle before completing the purchase.  WDT

 

05 15       JAMES ACKER New Firefighter/Paramedic

The Watertown Fire Department has welcomed new firefighter/paramedic James Acker to its ranks.  Acker’s first day was Thursday.  “We are very happy to have Jim on board,” Watertown Fire Chief Henry Butts said.  “He brings a lot to our department with his experience, college degree and various state certifications in fire fighting and emergency services.  He is a very nice addition to our department.”  Acker told the Daily Times he began his career in fire fighting in 1993 with the town of Menasha Fire Department.   WDT

 

05 23       SECOND FIRE STATION

A could become a reality in Watertown as early as next year, under a scenario recommended by the finance committee of the Watertown Common Council.  Bielinski Homes, Inc., has offered to build a new fire station on property it owns at the corner of West Road and Horseshoe Road.  That is the edge of a large residential development Bielinski is undertaking, and a fire station there would dramatically improve response times when compared to the current station in the municipal building, according to Mayor John David.  Bielinski’s offer is to construct the new station at an approximate cost of $750,000.  The building would then be turned over to the city which would be responsible for maintenance and operational costs.   WDT

 

07 01       JERRY HEPP honorary parade marshal

Jerry Hepp will be the honorary fire chief for the city of Watertown during this year’s Fourth of July parade on Sunday.  He will be riding in Watertown Fire Department car # one during the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Water and West Main streets.  Units will travel down Main Street and conclude at Riverside Park.  Hepp is the first person to receive the new annual title because he was the top bidder in an auction for the aerial platform truck fund-raiser held at Badgerland Park in September.   WDT

 

07 07       SECOND FIRE STATION, West Side, on hold

A second fire station on Watertown’s west side is on hold after the Watertown Common Council voted not to make a decision on accepting a donation of land and a building.  The council voted 6-3 to postpone any decision indefinitely, after assurances that the donor, Bielinski Bros., will leave the door open on the offer for at least a couple years.  Bielinski Bros. is the developer of a large residential subdivision on the city’s west side.  The land offered is located at the corner of West Street and Horseshoe Road, at the western edge of the city limits.   WDT

 

07 28       BUSIEST DAY

The Watertown Fire Department experienced its busiest day ever on Friday, according to Fire Chief Henry Butts.  Emergency personnel responded to 17 calls in a 24-hour period, Butts said.  The previous record was 15 calls in a 24-hour period set on Aug. 29, 2002.  Calls to the fire department have been increasing steadily, Butts said.  “But one thing to take note is that the record was beat in less than two years,” he added.  Fire department personnel responded to one fire alarm, three hazardous material incidents, two car accidents, an inter-facility run and the rest of the calls were for paramedic assistance.  WDT

 

08 06       POPPERS BAR FIRE

The building that houses Poppers Bar and several apartments at 700 N. Fourth St. was heavily damaged Sunday in a fire that occurred at about 8:25 p.m.  Watertown Fire Chief Henry Butts told the Daily Times that the fire was likely caused by careless use of smoking materials in an upper apartment.  Butts said investigators discovered that the fire started in a chair in an upstairs dwelling and spread from there.  The bar was closed and no one was in the building at the time of the fire.  No injuries were reported.  Damage was estimated at $100,000 to the building owned by Ron Ziwisky.   WDT

 

08 29       AERIAL TRUCK FUND RAISING

The Watertown Aerial Truck Fund Raising Committee has completed the first group of fund-raising efforts and has collected $84,085.92 toward the project.  Those who participated in the presenting the city with a check included fire Chief Henry Butts, Mayor John David and committee members Jim Bird, Mike Rollert,  Dennis Vanden Heuvel and Bill Neubauer.   WDT

 

___ 2005 __________________

04 07       NEW FIRE ENGINE 1, a 2004 E-One Typhoon Pumper

Residents of the area will see a brand new fire Engine 1 when the Watertown Fire Department sounds the sirens as they go to emergency situations.  The new engine, a 2004 E-One Typhoon Pumper, can carry up to 1,000 gallons of water and can pump it out at a rate of 350 gallons per minute. Fire Chief Henry Butts said the new pumper will be the first truck out of the garage on the majority of emergency responses, and it will replace the former Engine 3, which is a 1972 Pirsch engine.   WDT

 

July

19-24       WATERTOWN TIRE RECYCLERS FIRE

 

          The incident became the largest coordinated response in Wisconsin history

 

WHS_006_275

 

A front-end loader started a fire at Watertown Tire Recyclers that could be seen for several miles and the amount of smoke created was so big it was captured by a satellite camera.  The fire started when shredded tires got into the engine compartment of a front-end loader. According to a state fire marshal report, the tire debris was piled in such a manner that ventilation and cooling of the shredded material was not complete.  Hot and humid conditions the week prior to the fire also contributed to the heat in the tire pile.

 

Pictures of the black smoke that filled the air above the recycling firm located in the Dodge County town of Shields were published worldwide.

 

The Watertown Fire Department, along with 107 others from around the state, responded to the fire between July 19-24, 2005.  The fire was extinguished using a special suppressant agent.  A bill of more than $1 million for fighting the fire was generated by the Dodge County Local Emergency Planning Committee and submitted to the firm, its owner Thomas Springer and his insurance carrier.

 

Before the fire occurred, neighbors of the recycling firm at W7910 Provimi Road had formed a group called Citizens for a Safe Environment with a goal of shutting down the business.  The group had sought noncompliance action from the county alleging the business was not meeting the permit requirements.  In fact, a representative from the state Department of Natural Resources was at the business talking with the owner when the fire broke out.

__________________________________________________________________

 

The massive fire occurring at the Watertown Tire Recyclers, LLC on the morning of Tuesday, July 19, 2005 in the town of Shields, at the intersection of Provimi and Rich roads, northwest of the city, was hard to miss at the time and will be long remembered. 

 

This fire would become The Really Big One in the 150 year history of the Watertown Fire Department.

 

It took crews five days to extinguish the fire.  The incident became the largest coordinated response in Wisconsin history.

 

           920       Firefighters who fought the fire

           106       Fire departments involved

                  10      Counties participating in the combined effort

 

                  11      Engines at the scene plus

                     8     Aerials and

            107     Tankers

 

            1,310     Man hours at the scene by Watertown Fire Department personnel

 

            2,600     Miles traveled by WFD Tankers 7 and Tanker 8 making

                325     Trips transporting water to scene

 

10,500,000     Gallons of water transported and used

            2,200    Gallons F500 suppression agent used

 

                     5      Days duration

                   35     Number of other calls received during the 5 days

 

       162,000     Cost in dollars to Watertown Fire Department

       120,000     Reimbursement in dollars received by WFD

 

 

Watertown Tire Recyclers operated on 12 acres of land and the facility contained three buildings and over one million tires stored in piles.

 

Billowing black smoke rising from the mounds of tire to more than 100 feet in the air could be seen from almost every street corner in Watertown, in the cities of Jefferson and Oconomowoc and points beyond.  The plume of smoke eventually reached over the western shore of Lake Michigan, more than 50 miles distant.

 

Fire department trucks, equipment and firefighters from surrounding communities, near and distant, arrived at the scene when the fire first broke out or during the days of it continuing to burn. 

 

Fire Chief Butts requested an “all-call page” that recalled two off-duty shifts of firefighters and 25 paid-on-call firefighters.  Butts struck seven alarms in rapid succession. Included in this were mutual aid tankers from Clyman, Ixonia, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Lebanon, Lowell, Reeseville and Waterloo; engines from Clyman, Lebanon, Lowell and Reeseville; and aerial ladders from Juneau and Waterloo.

 

A unified command post was established a half-mile east of the incident.  A Dodge County Emergency Government mobile command post was used as the operations center.

 

Representatives from the Watertown Fire Department, Watertown Police Department, Wisconsin State Police, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and Dodge County Sheriff's Department and health officials from the City of Watertown, Jefferson County and Dodge County were all present.

 

The DNR declared the fire a “Hazardous Substance Incident.”  Coincidentally, a DNR officer was conducting an inspection of the business at the time that the fire broke out.

 

Watertown street department crews were called in with front end loaders to move tires and create passageways.  A Bobcat moved propane tanks out of the vicinity of the fire.

 

Tanker trucks filled and refilled at a city fire hydrant in the parking lot of the Blain’s Farm & Fleet store (1400 West Main Street) and hauled water 2-1/2 miles to the scene of the blaze.  This was one of four tanker filling sites established.  Soon a convey was in place so to replenish holding tanks set up at the burning recycling business and, having done so, returned to the source for more. 

 

Watertown command officers were rotated each period so that a Watertown chief officer was always in command at the scene.  Shift rotation of personnel and equipment con-tinued with some departments rotating only manpower, leaving their apparatus in position and for other departments to use in their absence.

 

A fire suppression agent known as F500, which is similar to "wet water" was proposed to suppress the fire.

 

Assistant Fire Chief Michael Quint contacted a representative of the company that manu-factures the agent to obtain the details on its use, environmental impact and cost.

 

It was determined that the agent could be delivered to the incident the following day.

 

The company was asked to ship 480 five-gallon containers of the agent to the scene. Arrangements were made with the Wisconsin State Police to escort the tractor-trailer from the Illinois-Wisconsin border to the scene.

 

On Thursday, July 21, efforts continued to contain the fire until the suppression agent arrived at 6 p.m. The agent was dumped into the water holding tanks and then applied with conventional nozzles on handlines and master streams.  At 6:30 p.m., application of the agent began and continued throughout the night.

 

During the late evening and early Friday morning hours, dense fog set in.  Tanker operators were unable to see the edges of the highway during their more than two mile drive to continue water supply operations.  Watertown Assistant Fire Chief Neal Zinda asked the command post to contact the Dodge County Highway Department to supply highway cones every 150 feet so that the tanker operators could see the roadway. With the cones in place, the water shuttle operations continued throughout the night.

 

By Friday morning, July 22, the results could be seen and the fire was being extinguished.

 

Quint tapped the fire out on Sunday, July 24, at 1024 hours, five days after the initial alarm.

 

Firefighters operated 11 engines, eight aerials and 107 tankers at the scene during the operation. Other equipment that responded included a heavy rescue and two ambulances.

 

Over 10.5 million gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire, all of which was transported to the scene by the tanker shuttle operations.

 

The water used for firefighting operations dropped the Watertown municipal water storage system by nine feet. It took 10 days to replenish the water supply.  Some 2,200 gallons of F500 suppression agent was also used.

 

The Watertown Fire Department lost $20,000 worth of equipment fighting the fire. One thousand feet of 1-3/4-inch hose, 1,000 feet of 5-inch supply line and 2,000 feet of 2-1/2-inch hose was destroyed by being punctured by the pieces of wire that had been cut out of the tires.

 

Forty-three portable radio batteries, 12 pairs of gloves, 10 pairs of boots, several nozzles and hand tools were also destroyed.

 

Watertown Engines 3 and 4 were stripped of equipment to make Engines 1 and 2 fully equipped to be able to respond to alarms. It took several weeks to get the other two engines back in service.

 

Watertown Fire Department personnel spent 1,310 man hours at the scene. Watertown Tankers 7 and 8 each traveled 1,300 miles, making 325 trips hauling water to the scene.

 

Twice during the incident, on July 21 and July 23, severe weather passed through the area. Incident commanders were notified of the approaching weather and shut down all operations.  The aerial devices were taken down and all water flow was stopped. This let all firefighters find cover under apparatus, in ditches and elsewhere until the tornado and thunderstorm warnings were lifted.

 

The owner of Watertown Tire Recyclers, Tom Springer, had been the subject of criticism over time by area residents, who had formed a group called Citizens for a Safer Environment, in the attempt to either shut the place down or require it to be in full compliance with operating rules established by the county. 

 

The deadline for compliance had been July 1st and the drafting of non-compliance docu-ments was in progress at the time of the fire.

 

The fire was caused by shredded tires getting into the engine compartment of an end loader, according to a report released by the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation.  The tire debris had been piled was piled in such a manner that ventilation and cooling of the shredded material was not complete.  The heat could not escape and in due course a smolder heap (it only takes one) of tire shreds ignited and the fire soon spread throughout the maze of countless piled tires.

 

Almost a year after the fire Watertown Tire Recyclers LLC agreed to pay $320,000 in penalties and costs for allegations it had violated environmental laws.

 

The settlement resolved claims by the State of Wisconsin, Citizens for a Safe Environ-ment, the town of Shields, the City of Watertown, Dodge County and 94 other entities that responded to a fire at the facility.

 

According to the Department of Justice's complaint, prior to the fire, Watertown Tire Recyclers allegedly exceeded its allowed volume of tires, failed to maintain adequate fire lanes, stored tires improperly, and failed to submit required reports and to notify the Department of Natural Resources of problems and changes.

 

The settlement provided for payment of $267,893.21 to the local responders, $31,000 to the DNR for its fire response costs, and $21,106.79 to the state in forfeitures and surcharges.  It also called for the removal of all contaminated soil remaining at the site and also included stipulations that the tire collection and transportation business at the site would cease by 2010.

 

Municipalities did not recover the total amount of money spent on the fire fighting operations.  In Wisconsin, when the State Attorney General sues, all money received goes into the state education fund. Watertown received only a $120,000 reimbursement for the $162,000 cost of fighting the fire.

 

Watertown Daily Times photo     WHS_006_243

 

       < PORTFOLIO OF PICS

 

 

2005

07 24 FIRE

Fire Extensively Damages St. Paul’s Episcopal

 

 

 

 

 

Firefighters use ladder trucks to spray the roof and attic areas of St. Paul's Episcopal church with thousands of gallons of water in an effort to knock down flames and halt progress of the blaze early Sunday morning (WHS_005_228)

 

Lightning struck St. Paul's Episcopal church during a severe late afternoon thunderstorm on Saturday, July 23.  Fire erupted in the early hours of the next day, Sunday morning.  The beautiful church, located at the intersection of Second and Spring streets, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

The fire started when the roof was struck by a lightning bolt, smoldering until 10:30 in the evening, when it spread from the roof to the steeple.  Neighbors feared that some structure in the area had been hit because of the severity of the lighting strike but police were not able to find any such evidence upon investigating the concerns called in to the department.

 

                                

 

   Video clip       

 

08 26       FEMA GRANT

The Watertown Fire Department has received a $132,300 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  According to fire Chief Henry Butts, the funds will be used to purchase 44 self-contained breathing apparatuses and 99 oxygen bottles from Bendlin Fire Equipment of Butler.  The units, which comply with modern standards of the National Fire Protection Association, are compatible with the department’s current tanks so firefighters will still be able to use the 70 oxygen bottles they hold.   WDT

 

08 30       WATERTOWN METAL PRODUCTS

One person was injured after a fire broke out at Watertown Metal Products, 1141 S. Tenth St.  A female employee was treated and transported to Watertown Memorial Hospital by the Watertown Fire Department after showing symptoms of heat inhalation.  The Watertown Fire Department received a call at 8:06 p.m. that a fire had broken out near the north end of the building.  All employees were evacuated while the firefighters fought the blaze, which was burning inside an approximately 20-foot air filter machine.

 

___ 2006 __________________

01 04       2005 BUSIEST YEAR EVER

The Watertown Fire Department had its busiest year ever in 2005 and for the second consecutive year responded to over 2,000 emergency calls.  According to Watertown Fire Chief Henry Butts, city firefighters in 2005 logged 2,134 emergency calls, which is 116 more than the 2,018 recorded in 2004.  That is an increase of about 6 percent.  Among the 2,134 calls, the fire department responded to 278 fire calls, with 55 of them being actual fires.  Out of those 55 fire calls, 28 were for structure fires.  Of the structure fires, 19 were located in the city, five were in rural contract areas and the other four were responded to as mutual aid.

 

                City reaches deal on fire contracts with townships, Doc WHS_005_549

 

12 21       2005 BUSIEST YEAR EVER

After months of negotiations it appears the city and surrounding townships have agreed on a formula that will determine the costs for future contracts for fire and emergency medical services. Watertown Mayor John David told Finance Committee members Thursday he was sending out the 2007 contracts for fire and EMS services to the surrounding townships that afternoon and he expected them to be signed by the proper officials.  Neale Jones, chairman for the town of Shields, said this morning the contracts still need to be approved by the appropriate committees but he believes they will eventually be signed.  The formula used on the 2007 contract would charge the residents in the townships of Emmet, Milford, Shields and Watertown in the city's service areas the same rate that citizens in Watertown pay for these services.  Watertown and the township residents will pay 80 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for fire and EMS services in 2007.

 

___ 2007 __________________

03 04       CRACKING FLOOR

The Watertown Common Council in closed session Thursday night decided to repair the cracking floor of the fire department garage with a carbon fiber reinforced fiberglass system. Watertown Mayor John David said today the council members awarded the contract to Maas Brothers in Watertown for about $387,000. Council members had also considered filling the basement below the floor with a structured grid of steel beams, but David said the carbon fiber reinforced fiberglass system was more favorable because it will give more strength to the floor in addition to keeping the basement fully accessible.   WDT

 

03 21       LIGHTS ‘N SIRENS PLANS

One of Watertown’s most popular summertime events, Lights ‘n Sirens, will be held at Riverside Park on Thursday, July 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.  Planning is under way for the eighth annual community safety fair.  This is a good opportunity for both children and adults to get “up close and personal” with local safety professionals.  The event is intended to promote injury prevention through education and provides the community the chance to meet with public safety personnel in a relaxed setting.  The event is sponsored by Watertown Area Health Services, Watertown Family Center, Watertown Police Department and Watertown Fire Department.   WDT

 

04 06       NEW AERIAL LADDER TRUCK

Watertown residents can begin to feel a little safer starting in May.  According to fire Chief Henry Butts, the Watertown Fire Department’s new aerial platform ladder truck will go into service on May 1.  Butts said the main advantage of the new unit is it will improve the fire department’s efficiency and the firefighters’ ability to work safely when aerial truck operations are needed.  The fire department’s current ladder truck was purchased in 1980 and because the company that built the vehicle is no longer in service, it is hard to obtain parts when it breaks down.   WDT

 

05 19       NEW AERIAL UNIT USED AT LEBANON

The Watertown Fire Department had the opportunity to use its new aerial ladder truck Monday when Lebanon firefighters sought mutual aid for a church fire.  Minimal fire damage was reported to Immanuel Lutheran Church at N572 County Highway R, according to Lebanon Fire Chief Brent Boyd.  A motorist driving by the century old church at about 3:30 p.m. Monday noticed flames and smoke from the top of the south tower near the cross.  “When we got the call for flames on the top of the church steeple near the cross, we requested a third alarm at that location when we left the station,” Boyd said.  Watertown and Ixonia fire departments responded to the scene, he said.   WDT

 

05 31       1301 S. FIFTH ST. FIRE

Two Alarm Warehouse Fire

 

06 01       FREIGHT HOUSE FIRE

 

A group of people standing outside a building

Description automatically generated with low confidence        A building on fire

Description automatically generated        A picture containing outdoor, sky, house, old

Description automatically generated   

Former freight house that was just north of the former C.M.&St. Paul train depot

 

07 21       TIRE FIRE SETTLEMENT up to date on second anniversary of fire

A hearing in Dodge County Circuit Court was canceled this week as the city of Watertown received a check for $36,000 as part of a settlement with Watertown Tire Recyclers, Inc.  The check, which was two months late, came during the week of the two-year anniversary of the tire fire at the recycling firm just northwest of Watertown.  The hearing was canceled when attorneys for Watertown Tire Recyclers withdrew a motion to reopen the judgment. According to attorney Vicki Zick of Johnson Creek, all payments have been made to date and there have been no changes to the settlement.  The city of Watertown received its check Tuesday, according to city Clerk Mike Hoppenrath.   WHS_005_550   

 

07 27       PERSONNEL

Listing of all fire department personnel

 

08 07       116 W MAIN FIRE

Above Rico’s Pizza  

 

---           PHOENIX FIRE BELL enshrined once again

In 2007 this writer was of the mind to take a photo of  the 1876 U.S. Centennial Bell of the Phoenix Engine House he remembered as being nicely displayed on the grounds of today’s City Hall, on the west side of the fire station, near the bank of the Rock River.  Alas, it was not to be found.  Most everyone could remember it and most of those folks thought it was still there.  In due course it was learned that the historic bell and its granite base was removed by the Street Department about eight years ago and was “hidden” at the back of a storage shed out by the airport.   On behalf of the Watertown Historical Society a plea was made to return the bell to the place it belongs, near the fire station.  So on the 150th anniversary of the Watertown Fire Department, the bell on its granite base was enshrined once again and is certain to be an attraction for those passing by or visiting the fire house.

       Image Portfolio 

 

08 12       Book on 150-year history of the Watertown Fire Dept released.

 

09 08       Controlled burn, training event

 

10 12       Keith Knollenberg hired as full-time firefighter/paramedic

 

11 12        Watertown Head Start visited to promote fire safety.

 

___ 2008 __________________

01 02       Perry Street apartment building totally destroyed by fire by a mattress fire     [WHS_005_555]

 

01 07       FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BLAZE AT BETHESDA.  Watertown firefighters battled a blaze today outside of a day services building at Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services Inc. that was caused by a damaged gas line.  The Watertown Fire Department received the call for the fire at the Bethesda building, 761 Milford St., today at 6:42 a.m.  Firefighters had the blaze under control at 6:55 a.m. and completely out at 7:14 a.m.  The fire occurred outside of the building and was caused by a cracked valve on a gas line.  Fire started when the gas came in contact with an ignition source in an air handling unit.  The building sustained minor smoke damage.   WDT

 

02 01       ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT.  The Watertown Fire Department has received a 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant of approximately $33,000.  In June 2007, Sen. Russ Feingold sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic Preparedness to support the fire department’s application for the grant.  The grant is provided by the U.S. Fire Administration to support training, wellness and fitness, fire-fighting equipment, personal protective equipment and modifications to fire stations and facilities.   WDT

 

02 28       Brad Fox joins dept as firefighter/paramedic

 

03 09       SOUTH TENTH ST HOME FIRE CLAIMS ONE

   Link to article 

 

03 29       316 SUMMIT AVE HOUSE FIRE

Vacant home at 316 Summit Ave., owned by Mae Snell-Lynch Gloede, was declared a total loss.  When firefighters arrived at the scene 75 percent of the home was engulfed in flames.  While battling the blaze, firefighters also had the task of keeping the flames from spreading to an adjacent building and a number of cars parked near the home.  Twenty-three firefighters from fire departments in Watertown and Ixonia battled blaze.  No injuries reported.  WDT story

 

  Image Portfolio      

 

04 25       North Washington St duplex fire caused by lightning

 

05            REPORT:  Planning for the effective use of rapid intervention crews for the Watertown Fire Dept; Michael H Quint, author

 

05 07       Mike Meyers recognized by City Council for 40 years of service    WDT, includes pic

 

05 07       Watertown aerial ladder provided mutual aid, Lake Mills apartment bldg    WDT story

 

05 07       Fire in town of Shields destroyed a two-story home and some records of the town board.  WDT

 

05 21       419 S. Washington St. resident awoken and notified of blaze by his dog   WDT

 

05 21       Mason Pugh new firefighter/paramedic, replaces Ray Tessmann.   WDT

 

07 07       Bottle rocket likely cause of fire, 216 N Church [ former Kusel Home ].   WDT

 

07 07       Lights ‘n Sirens safety fair held at Riverside Park.  [no link] WDT

 

07 08       City teen, Ben Richter, killed by lightning     WDT story      Local teen killed by lightning remembered   WDT story

 

07 08       Permit issued in June to install walls for lockers.   WDT

 

07 16       Department Commemorates 150 Years - Elk’s Club gathering

 

07 21       Four-unit apartment complex fire,  800 block Clark St; about $35,000 in damages   WDT

 

07 26       Husband, wife injured in plane crash at Watertown airport; Plane tumbled into hangar, then caught fire

 

00 08       Muscular Dystrophy Assn collection by firefighters

 

08 18       Common Council resolution denying request from firefighter looking for the city to pay a supplemental income   WDT

 

08 20       Department opposes Heron Landing subdivision due to length of response times   WDT

 

 

Biefeld Promoted to City Assistant Fire Chief

Watertown Daily Times, 09 02 2008

 

 

Kraig Biefeld has been promoted to assistant fire chief and director of Emergency Medical Services at the Watertown Fire Department.

 

Biefeld replaces former assistant fire chief Neal Zinda.

 

Biefeld started his career in fire service in June of 1993 with the city of Watertown as a paid-on-call firefighter.  During that time he went to school and received his paramedic license through Gateway Technical College in 1997.

 

He started working as a firefighter/paramedic with the city of Kaukauna in April of 2000 and accepted the same position with the Watertown Fire Department two years later.

 

Biefeld has an associate’s degree in Fire Protection and holds a Wisconsin Paramedic license I.  He is also certified as a firefighter Level I& Level II, motor pump operator-pumper, motor pump operator-aerial, fire officer, fire instructor, fire inspector and a hazardous materials technician. 

 

Biefeld, who is a CPR instructor, has attended classes at the National Fire Academy.  He has also been a member of the Multiple Dwelling Code Council since 2005, which is a governor-appointed position.

 

Biefeld has been married for 18 years to his wife Christine.  They have two children: Lynsey, 17, and Kirsten, 10.  The Biefelds also do foster care for children.

 

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve the Watertown Fire Department as assistant fire chief and director of Emergency Medical Services,” Biefeld said.

 

10 13       Fire damages detached garage on Division St    WDT

 

10 14       10-year-old helps family avert tragedy, Cole St    WDT

 

10 20       Villages of Lowell and Reeseville, EMS contracts for 2009.    WDT

 

10 27       STATE OF THE COMMUNITY LUNCHEON

Watertown Fire Chief Henry Butts Monday talked about the current role of the city’s fire department during the seventh annual state of the community luncheon sponsored by the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce.  The entire area the fire department supplies services to is approximately 101 square miles, Butts added.  “We have quite a large area to take care of and with that comes a lot of calls,” Butts said, while adding that the fire department responded to 2,083 calls in 2007 and just over 1,800 so far in 2008.

 

10 28       Fire Chief Butts talk about current role of the fire department    WDT

 

10 29       MCDONALD'S IS TOTAL LOSS.  First use of Mutual Aid Box Alarm System  

McDonald's, 625 S. Church St., was declared a total loss after a two-alarm fire burned through the roof of the restaurant.  The Watertown Police Department has determined from information provided by witnesses and fire personnel that the fire was caused by a malfunctioning piece of heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment on the roof of the building.

 

The Watertown Fire Department received a call for the structure fire Tuesday at 6:11 p.m. and when firefighters first arrived at the scene heavy smoke was pouring out of the roof on the east side of the building near the drive-through. A second alarm brought firefighters from Ixonia, Johnson Creek, Jefferson and Lebanon.  A total of 52 firefighters had the blaze under control in 2 hours and 10 minutes and had it extinguished in 3 hours and 14 minutes. The last group of firefighters left the scene at 9:47 p.m.  It took firefighters more than three hours and 82,500 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze.

 

For the first time since it was implemented on Sept. 1, the Watertown Fire Department used the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System and Watertown fire Chief Henry Butts said he could not have been more pleased with the results.  The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System is a coordinated effort that helps reduce the amount of time it takes to get needed equipment to the scene of an emergency.

 

“Instead of having to tell the dispatchers call this fire department and ask for this, call this fire department and ask for that and call this fire department and ask for that, all I had to do was say call Dodge and Jefferson County and strike the second alarm for a fire at this address and it was done,” Butts said.

 

A McDonald's employee was injured and taken to Watertown Medical Regional Center, but the injury was not directly related to the fire.  The person had a medical condition which was exasperated by the fire.  No firefighters were injured.

 

City assessor Tom Brandt said the McDonald's building was valued at approximately $630,000. The equipment inside the structure was estimated at about $146,000.  According to the city's Building, Safety and Zoning office, the first building permit issued to McDonald's was in April of 1975.  The owner of the building was Franchise Realty Interstate Corp. of Waukesha.    Watertown Daily Times, 10 29 2008 & Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 10 29 2008

 

PORTFOLIO OF IMAGES

 

2009 Cross Reference note:  May 4, 2009 - Big Macs. Quarter Pounders with Cheese. Happy Meals. Chicken McNuggets.  Those are all food items Watertown residents will once again be able to feast upon starting in June. The new McDonald’s on South Church Street is scheduled to open on June 9, according to operating manager Todd Pickett.  The new restaurant will be 5,200 square feet and feature the most recent styles of the McDonald’s corporation.  The restaurant will also have a playland area and a dual drive through lane. The former McDonald’s at the same location was declared a total loss in October of last year when a fire caused the building’s roof to collapse.

 

11 13       Bill Adams hired by department   WDT

 

11 14       Tanya Manke hired by department   WDT

 

11 15       Rock River Pizza Co. and River City Distributing Co.; a fund-raiser for the Watertown Fire Department   WDT

 

12 18       Watertown Food Pantry donation; drive sponsored by the Watertown Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 877    WDT

 

12 26       A garage in the Town of Watertown and its contents were declared a total loss    WDT

 

___ 2009 __________________

01 22       2008 WAS BUSIEST YEAR EVER

The Watertown Fire Department had its busiest year ever in 2008 with almost 2,200 calls for services.  According to the city fire department’s annual report, Watertown firefighters and paramedics received 2,186 calls for service last year, which is up about 5 percent from 2007’s total of 2,083.  Of those nearly 2,200 calls, 25 of them were for working structure fires.  Watertown firefighters were dispatched to 19 structure fires in 2007, 14 in 2006, 28 in 2005, 29 in 2004, 18 in 2003, 28 in 2002, 45 in 2001 and 28 in 2000.

 

02 06       Fire Department Auxiliary Schedule, several firefighters exceeding 600 hours per year    WDT

 

02 17       Fire Department rates for area towns set by Common Council    WDT

 

04 03       Lifestar Emergency Medical EMS considers Watertown; EMS rates    WDT

 

04 16       APPLIED MOLDED PRODUCTS ROOF FIRE

The roof of the former Applied Molded Products building on South Montgomery Street sustained about $10,000 in damages on Tuesday following a fire that was caused by a person using a cutting torch, according to Watertown assistant fire chief Kraig Biefeld.  The Watertown Fire Department was dispatched to the old Applied Molded Products facility, 426 S. Montgomery St., Tuesday at 12:34 p.m., and the firefighters who first arrived at the scene saw smoke coming from the northwest corner of the structure.

 

05 13       HAILED AS HEROES

Two local men are being hailed as heroes by fire and police officials for potentially saving the lives of several people during a blaze at a Jones Street home early Saturday morning.  According to Watertown fire Chief Henry Butts, the city’s fire department was notified Saturday at 3:19 a.m. of a house fire at 409 Jones St. and while en route to the scene, firefighters were told that people were jumping from the second floor of the home.  “This is the first time in 27 years that anybody has ever called me on the radio and said people were jumping from a building,” Butts said.  Butts was also told while driving to the scene that five people were inside the house when the fire started.  Those five people included a mother and four children.

 

06 25       Lifepak 12 cardiac defibrillator; Review of paid-on-call firefighters to augment fire services    WDT

 

06 29       Earl Nienow, 1930-2009, firefighter for 29 years, retired in 1986 as lieutenant    WDT

 

07 08       Breast cancer awareness and research, members be wearing pink T-shirts to support   WDT

 

08 22       Combustible gas detector donated; Chickens Unlimited    WDT

 

09 15       Rich Nienow honored, 30 years as auxiliary firefighter    WDT

 

09 29       Fire Prevention Week; open house; teaming with the Natl Fire Protection Assn; “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned”    WDT

 

09 30       Fire Department visit to Public Library at story time; Great Expectations Early Learning Center   WDT

 

12 14       Rural fire rate hike on agenda   WDT

 

___ 2010 __________________

01 25       ICE TRAINING EXERCISE

Members of department take part, on Rock river, near station    WDT [pic]

 

02 03       RESIDENTS HONORED

For rescues during May 2009 house fire, John Jeffery and Kyle West   WDT [pic]

 

02 10       TOWN OF WATERTOWN FIRE

Town of Watertown residence declared a total loss [$350,000, structure and contents]   WDT [pics]

 

03 18       SUPPORTING THE TROOPS

Starting Friday, Watertown Firefighters Local 877 and members of the Watertown Fire Department will be wearing red T-shirts every Friday to honor and support the troops at home and abroad.  This show of support for the troops has become a new tradition in fire service with departments throughout the country, wearing red T-shirts every Friday.

 

03 18       CITY FIRE CHIEF SAVES MAN FROM CHOKING TO DEATH

The Watertown Common Council was briefed on the recent actions of city fire Chief Henry Butts that saved a man from choking to death.  In a letter written to Watertown Mayor Ron Krueger, Pleasant Prairie fire Chief Paul Guilbert said Butts saved the life of Mike Callan of Middlefield. Conn., during the Wisconsin Fire Chiefs Education Association's spring conference held earlier this month in Lake Delton.  Callan was the guest speaker at the event, which was attended by approximately 65 fire chiefs from the state.

 

Menomonee Falls fire Chief Jeffrey S. Hevey wrote to Krueger that Butts assisted Callan to a standing position and administered three abdominal thrusts.  The third abdominal thrust discharged a piece of meat from Callan's airway.  Krueger discussed the letter about Butts' actions at Tuesday's council meeting and confirmed that the city will be recognizing the fire chief in the future.

 

03 27       213 S. SEVENTH ST. 

213 S. Seventh St.  $100,000 damage to home.  Primary fire hydrant malfunctioned; Second engine connected to another hydrant, pumping water to first engine.   WDT [pics]

 

04 14       $1,000 donation from Golden Living for continued enhancement of services   WDT [pic]

 

04 14       Fire at 1307 South Third   WDT

 

07 06       11th annual Lights 'n Sirens event returns to Watertown July 8 at Riverside Park   WDT

 

07 29       Muscular Dystrophy Association; Firefighters will remove their boots to collect money for   WDT

 

10 08       Students from Germany visit Department

 

12 17       ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF COMMITS SUICIDE

 

 

 

 

bbbbb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 22       FIREFIGHTERS RECEIVE LIFESAVING MEDALS

Several Watertown firefighters were presented with lifesaving medals during Tuesday’s common council meeting for helping revive Becky Schroeder, who on April 1 was found unresponsive and without a pulse.  AwardED were firefighter Brad Fox, firefighter Chad Butler, firefighter Ken Riggs, firefighter Greg Wellach, firefighter Brad Hering and acting fire Chief Kraig Biefeld.   WDT

 

DEC          COMPLAINT FILED BY ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF

Assistant Fire Chief Michael Quint complaint against the city, former fire Chief Henry Butts and Mayor Ron Krueger.

      Watertown fire department in turmoil after claims, suicide    WSJour article    

 

___ 2011 __________________

02 11       RIVER BEND RD FIRE

Portfolio of 18 images  

 

02 20       TEST AMERICA LABORATORIES destroyed by fire.

  

 

03 11       SURVIVE ALIVE HOUSE RESTORED

Editor, Daily Times:

 

The Watertown Kiwanis recently had a meeting honoring the volunteers who help to restore The Survive Alive House.  The house was built by Kiwanis about 16 years ago, along with the gracious Capt. Ken Peterson who was working at the Watertown Fire Department at that time and Dawn McBride who at that time was a Kiwanian.  They took hold of this project along with the Watertown Kiwanis to make this dream come true.  The materials were mostly donated by the local business to keep the cost within reason.  We all worked very hard on this project.  We had a lot of fun, story telling (doughnuts) and jokes while we worked.

 

The restoring of the house is now completed with the help of Ken Peterson, Deputy Chief Ralph Wandersee, material and time from John Toma from Toma Construction, Chuck Volrath redid the pay phone system, Jim Zuern with materials from Zuern Lumber and Steve Lehman for the new stove from Felton Electric.

 

The house will soon be at schools, gatherings, fairs, etc., to teach the children how to get out of a house in case of fire.  The house is completed with smoke added to detect a fire in progress so the children learn to keep low and get out quickly.  When you see this house out and about be sure to let the children go through as we have heard good results from the teaching of this Survive Alive House saved lives.

 

Many thanks to all.

Watertown Kiwanis

Edna DeWitt, Secretary

 

03 23       Steven Beer, Asst Chief of Operations, Fond du Lac Fire Dept, to be new chief of the Watertown Fire Department.

 

04 01       Steven Beer declines appointment

 

04 12       PANEL TO GET HELP PICKING FIRE CHIEF

The Watertown Police and Fire Commission will be looking for outside assistance in selecting a new fire chief.  The commission decided on Monday to invite representatives from Voorhees Associates and Springsted to attend Wednesday’s meeting to explain their companies’ hiring practices.  Commission members have asked the two businesses to provide these services free of charge.

 

The police and fire commission had originally offered the open fire chief position to Steven Beer, but the assistant chief of operations for the Fond du Lac Fire Department declined to take the job about two weeks ago.  Beer informed the police and fire commission that he wasn't going to accept the position because of the recent police shooting in Fond du Lac that killed one officer and wounded another. He felt that walking away from his current job at this time would not be appropriate for the city of Fond du Lac and the department.

 

The police and fire commission originally received 17 applications for the fire chief position. That list was pared down to seven after commission members studied all of the submitted resumes. Those seven applicants were then asked to complete an essay in which each person was to outline his or her leadership skills, abilities and other attributes each could bring to the department.  From that list, five finalists were selected for face-to-face interviews. The commission had selected Beer out of that group.

 

The fire chief position has been open since Nov. 30, 2010, when former Chief Henry Butts resigned amid an internal investigation of the department.  Assistant Chief Kraig Biefeld was named acting chief upon Butts’ departure and will continue to serve that position until a new chief is on board.

 

05 26       FIREFIGHTERS FROM GUATEMALA VISITED; Hearts in Motion project

 

05 26       PROPANE EMERGENCY TRAINING

     N. First St. parking lot; WI Propane Education and Research Council, sponsor.

 

09 06       GREGORY MICHALEK APPOINTED FIRE CHIEF

  

 

Michalek succeeds former fire chief Henry Butts, who resigned on Nov. 30, 2010, amid an internal investigation of the fire department.  Assistant fire Chief Kraig Biefeld had been serving as acting fire chief between Butts’ resignation and Michalek’s first day on the job.  Michalek, who holds a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University, was most recently the fire chief of Bay City, Mich. He had served that position since 2009. He started working as a paid on-call firefighter for the fire department in La Grange, 111., in 1974 and was promoted to captain in 2001. He stayed with the La Grange Fire Department until he started his tenure with the Bay City Fire Department in 2009.

 

The police and fire commission in March of this year had originally picked Steven Beer, the assistant chief of operations for the Fond du Lac Fire Department, to be Watertown's fire chief, but he declined the job.  Beer informed the police and fire commission that he wasn't going to accept the position because of the police shooting in Fond du Lac that killed one officer and wounded another. He felt that walking away from his current job would not be appropriate for the city of Fond du Lac and the department.

 

09 22       DEPARTMENT NO LONGER ENDORSING businesses, residents or organizations.  In the past allowed solicitation on its behalf for public education materials.

 

11 15       CHIEF KRAIG BIEFELD presented the distinguished fire service award and plaque by the Watertown Police and Fire Commission in recognition of his service as interim fire chief from November 2010 to August.  The award says Biefeld's inspirational leadership contributed to and had a positive impact on the morale and well-being of the Watertown Fire Department.

 

12 21       Butts charged with theft.  Did not reimburse the city for airfare purchases made with the city’s credit card.

 

___ 2012 __________________

04 13       605 South Second St fire

 

05 17       GUNS N’ HOSES OF WATERTOWN WI KISS THE PIG CONTEST

The Watertown Citizen Police Academy Alumni is holding its first Guns N’ Hoses Watertown event to raise money for the police and fire departments.  The money raised will be divided equally between both departments for items on their wish list and an amount to be determined to go to the CPAA to help defray the cost of the event.  The event will be called “Guns N’ Hoses of Watertown WI Kiss the Pig Contest.” The contestants will be Watertown Alderman John Coughlin, police officer Marcie Repta and Assistant Fire Chief Ralph Wandersee.  The winner of the contest, the one who raises the most money in their name, will kiss a pig at the annual Lights ‘n Sirens event held at Riverside Park on July 12.

 

06 01       MATT PIEPER

Newest full-time firefighter/paramedic.  From Hustisford, worked as an on-call firefighter for 8 years before being hired full time at the beginning of May.

 

07 18       LIFE SAFETY AWARDS

The Watertown Common Council recognized five members of the Watertown Fire Department with life safety awards for saving the life of Gordon Hensler, of Watertown, in September 2011.  Firefighters Todd Christian, Chad Butler, Brad Hering, Brad Fox and William Adams responded to an emergency call for a man having a heart attack and when the firefighters arrived on scene Hensler was unresponsive with no pulse and not breathing . . . “I truly want to thank all of the personnel for their great service,” Hensler said. “I was revived twice.”   WDT article   

 

08 11       TRAINING SESSION AT RHINE RD AND PROSPECT ST.

The Watertown Fire Department conducted a training session on a house off of Rhine Road, lighting several controlled fires inside the home and having firefighters put them out, also training on search and rescue missions inside the burning home.  At the end of the training the house was completely ablaze and allowed to burn down.   WDT

> > Link to portfolio of pics  [156 image set; view individually or as a slide show]   [full reference is digital folder WFD WHS 006]

> > Link to video clip    [4:43 minutes]  /  [full video, 46:34 minutes] 

 

09 04       2012 Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Watertown Common Council will vote on.  Contract has already been approved by the Local 877 firefighters union and recommended by the finance committee.  Department agreed to a wage freeze for 2012 and said the contract continues most of the same conditions the firefighters had already been working under.  Expected to pass.

09 04       CHICKENS UNLIMITED donated $2,000 for the department’s new training center located near the Watertown Municipal Airport.  WDT

  

 

09 05       W7889 PROVIMI ROAD

Watertown firefighters responded on 09/04 at 9:43 p.m. to W7889 Provimi Road in Emmet after a lightning strike set a detached garage on fire.  The garage was a total a loss; the damage to be around $15,000.  WDT

 

09 10       103 ½ COLLEGE ST. DUPLEX.  9:11 p.m. a neighbor saw flickering lights and smoke coming out of a window.  Fire caused by a malfunctioning box fan.  The fire caused between $500-$1,000 in damage, mostly due to the smoke.     Link to portfolio of pics

 

09 19       FARMINGTON MARSH FIRE.  Fire and 35 mph. winds combined on September 19th to create a situation in which firefighters from throughout Jefferson County were forced to scramble to control a potentially disastrous situation in the marsh of the lowland valley west of N7153 Switzke Road in the town of Farmington.  The flames headed north and northeast as fast as the winds could carry them. North of the marsh were cornfields and beyond that, rural homes. The fire started when the property owners were burning vegetation along fence rows earlier in the day.  ATVs got behind the flames and got the fire out.”  About 60 acres of marsh and lowland were burned. Seven additional departments were called to the blaze, including Lake Mills, Ixonia, Waterloo, Helenville, Sullivan, Watertown and Jefferson.  Upon request, area farmers Dane Hartwig, Steve Shluter and Lloyd Holterman came in with large tractors and disk harrows to help dig up areas of vegetation and turn over soil.  A bulldozer from Weis Excavating of Johnson Creek also helped slice a fire break across the land downwind from the fire.

 

10 03       SETTLEMENT with former Asst Chief Michael Quint

The Watertown Common Council unanimously approved a settlement with former Assistant Fire Chief Michael Quint for $45,000 over a complaint Quint had filed in December 2010 against the city, former fire Chief Henry Butts and Mayor Ron Krueger.  Quint had alleged Butts sent hateful letters to various fire departments that were considering Quint for vacant fire chief positions after Quint and Butts signed a settlement in January of 2010 in which Quint voluntarily agreed to resign from the fire department.  Quint received nearly $60,000 in severance payments as part of the settlement.  Previously, in 2009, Quint filed a complaint against Butts alleging serious misconduct on Butt’s part.

 

As a condition of the first settlement, the city and Butts agreed a letter of reference from the mayor would be the sole reference from the city for Quint’s records.  The settlement also included a provision that stated both Butts and Quint would seek to avoid negative public comments about the other for the good of all parties.  The original complaint filed in December of 2010 said both Butts and Quint understood there may be separate causes of action for making such statements.

 

Quint later accused Butts of breaching the agreement by sending hateful letters to various fire departments across the county which were considering hiring Quint.  Quint had used DNA evidence from envelopes and soda cans to show that Butts was the person sending the letters.  Butts voluntarily resigned from his position on Nov. 30, 2010, amid an internal investigation of the fire department.

 

Quint’s complaint against the city, seeking almost $800,000 in damages, was denied by the Common Council in April of 2011.  Quint responded by filing a civil suit against the city in June of 2011 in Jefferson County Court.

 

10 13       OPEN HOUSE    Link to portfolio of pics

 

10 22          Special ride to school  

 

BOUGHTON ST. FIRE

12 04             Boughton St fire

Fire in second story bedroom of an apartment building at 1155 Boughton St, Unit 20; no injuries, but $20,000 in damage.  Firefighters found flames shooting out of a second floor window.  Bedroom was burnt out and other areas in the apartment were damaged by smoke and heat.  No injuries reported.   [image set CD_WHS_006 given to Fire Dept]   

 

12 08       WALTON ROAD FIRE [video clip] 

The Watertown Fire Department received a call of a barn fire at N111 Walton Road at 9:31 p.m.   The 40 feet by 50 feet barn was fully engulfed and burning rapidly when firefighters arrived on scene.  The barn was a complete loss and a home and several other buildings on the property were damaged by heat coming off the fire.  Investigators believe the fire was started by a torpedo heater being used in the barn.  14 Watertown firefighters responded to the fire and as well as several other area fire departments.  [image set CD_WHS_009 given to Fire Dept]

Before fire image    

 

12 11       NEW GRASS RIG 

  

 

-- --           RICHARD NIENOW

  

 

___ 2013 __________________

01 24       N9050 RIVER RD FIRE, [video clip].    Blaze in the basement knocked down in 10 mins.  Cause believed to be electrical.  $15,000-$20,000 damage.  Ixonia Fire Dept responded with mutual aid with engine, two tankers and manpower.

 

01 25       TOWN OF SHIELDS GARAGE FIRE, W9359 Garden Rd.  Fully engulfed and spread to nearby sheds.  Twelve departments responded.

 

01 31       BURLINGTON FIRE, Chief Michalek and engine company called upon to help battle.  Largest MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm Service) response in Wisconsin history. 

 

02 01       RAPPEL DOWN THE HOSE TOWER

  Assistant Chief Chad Butzine is the first volunteer to rappel down the hose tower while other firefighters look on. The department is spending time in the classroom and also learning first-hand how to rappel, belay, tie knots, find anchor points and build teamwork in order to train for ice rescues and ascending people from confined, lower spaces.  Rope rescue training requires firefighters to wear helmets, gloves, harnesses and good shoes.   [Slideshow of WDTimes images]

 

02 02       CADY ST FIRE, 213 W, [video clip]  

   A propane heater and delayed notification of fire led to the total loss of a house.  Fourteen departments assisted at the scene.   [Slideshow of WDTimes images]

 

02 17       1068 BOUGHTON GARAGE FIRE.    Illegal wood burning stove with faulty installation, $5,000 damage.

 

02 28       Firefighters Local 877 presented a check for $810 to Watertown Regional Medical Center for the Friend to Friend program. 

 

02 28       Firefighters rescued a wayward Labrador retriever who had ventured out on the Rock River.  West 4400 block of Riverview Rd.

04 02         Firefighters rappel down a nearly 45-foot-deep rock quarry using ropes and anchor points.

 

04 23       109 N. TENTH ST.  Structural fire.

                       

 

04 27       1911 GATEWAY DRIVE

Garage fire.    Owner tried to smoke squirrels out of garage and held the smoke bomb right up to the rafters, starting the fire.  Took about 5 minutes to knock down.

 

04 25       MOCK CRASH SCENE

    .Editor, Daily Times:  On behalf of the WHS Pledge of Excellence group, I would like to thank a number of people who were instrumental in presenting the Mock Crash Scene to the juniors and seniors on Thursday, April 25.  This event has been taking place every other year since 1997.  The first people on our list must be the fire department and EMS.  Assistant chief Kraig Biefeld took care of many of the details, while Lt. Layne Fohr, firefighters Brent Kurtz, Mason Taylor, Matt Pieper and Scott Umland were the men on the scene, showing the students what really happens at a car crash.  We cannot thank them enough . . . – Tammy Foerster and WHS Pledge of Excellence Group    WDT 05 02

 

04 29       STORY TIME JAMBOREE AT PUBLIC LIBRARY

  Dept. fields fire safety questions; equipment demo.

 

05 09       MORGANS ROADHOUSE BAR AND GRILL

in collaboration with River City Distributing, recently participated in a Guinness Gives Back promotion to raise funds for the Watertown Fire Department.  A total of $500 from a percentage of beverage sales and an event to learn how to pour Guinness from tap was donated to the fire department, which will be used for training and equipment.  The bar, located at 715 W. Main St., opened in January.  Pictured back row, Joe Kwapil of River City Distributing, Lt. Layne Fohr, firefighter/EMT Brent Kurtz and firefighter/paramedic Matt Pieper.  Front, bartender Kristen Unser, co-owner Craig Savage, fire Chief Greg Michalek and Assistant Chief Kraig Biefeld.  Not pictured is co-owner Tom Evert.

 

05 09       FISHER-BARTON FIRE

      Started by a furnace vent pipe.  $10,000-$15,000 damage.  Frederick St, Portion of building location of Village Blacksmith  

 

06 06       FIRE INSPECTION RESPONSIBILITY SHIFTED TO FIRE DEPT

The Watertown Finance Committee has approved shifting the responsibility of completing fire inspections for buildings in the city from the Building Safety and Zoning Departments to the Watertown Fire Department. 

 

“The number one reason was I’m responsible for all the fire inspections in the city by state law and a local ordinance and I had no authority over it,” Michalek said.  In addition to being responsible for conducting the inspections, Michalek said he wants to have six firefighters trained to complete the inspections by the middle of July. Currently the inspections are completed by Building Safety and Zoning Department Inspector Doug Zwieg.  Michalek added he would like to continue to use Zwieg as well as the firefighters to conduct the inspections.  “The firefighters already go out and do a pre-planning visit to every commercial building in the city, so they could complete the fire inspections at the same time.”  He added the inspections would also help firefighters become familiar with the buildings.

 

The city needs to complete approximately 918 fire inspections a year, with some 400 to 500 of those buildings require re-inspections every year.  The fire department would also complete fire inspections in the townships of Emmet, Watertown, Milford and Shields.

 

07 04       FIRE RUN TO 701 WILLOW CREEK PARKWAY

    Electrical; Malfunctioning dishwasher

 

07 11       LIGHTS N SIRENS EVENT at Riverside Park

 

08 09       FIRE AT 544 MILFORD ST.

    The department responded to a fire that started in the living room of the house. Two teenage children were home and sleeping when the fire ignited. They were able to escape the home safely.  The flames were contained to the living room, but smoke damage was reported throughout the home.  There were also two cats, two dogs and a boa constrictor snake inside the home at the time of the fire. All the animals made it out of the home safely.  The Johnson Creek, Beaver Dam and Ixonia fire departments also responded to the scene.  Approximately $35,000 in damage.  WDT

 

08 12       SHARES VEGETABLES WITH FIREFIGHTERS

Ramona Hackbarth plants a vegetable garden on the south side of town and shares the fruits of her labors with her neighbors and the firefighters at the municipal building.  Main Street bridge named for.

 

09 08       DETTMAN FARM FIRE, N7397 County N, Milford Township

   A farm building was deemed a total loss after an early morning fire just off of CTH N between I-94 and Grelton, the Tim Dettman farm N7397 County N.  The third major structure fire the Dettman farm operation has faced over the past decade.      WDTimes article 

 

09 29       501 N. FOURTH ST APARTMENT FIRE, Stacey's Bar

   The Watertown Fire Department responded at 2:02 a.m. for a report of a structure fire.  The back side of the building was fully engulfed with fire blowing out the back windows on the second floor when firefighters arrived on scene.  A 28-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly starting a fire in the apartments above Stacey's Bar that sent three people to the hospital.  Two people, one woman and one man, jumped from the second floor in the back of the building to escape the fire prior to firefighters arriving on scene.  The woman fell through the doors covering the steps leading into the basement of the bar and suffered an injury to her shoulder. The male who jumped suffered a broken leg.  Firefighters also rescued a male from an apartment in the front of the second floor.  The fire escalated to a third alarm with departments from Lake Mills, Clyman, Johnson Creek, Waterloo, Lebanon, Lake Mills EMS, Ixonia, Ryan Brothers, Juneau, Oconomowoc, Helenville, Sullivan, Jefferson, Reeseville, Rome and Juneau EMS responding to the blaze.  The rear apartments on the second floor were heavily damaged. The apartments and business on the first floor suffered smoke and water damage.

 

Awards:  Before the October 15 City Council meeting Fire Chief Greg Michalek presented Distinguished Service Medals to Assistant Chief Ralph Wandersee, Firefighter/EMT Brent Kurtz, Firefighter/Paramedic Chad Butler, Firefighter/EMT Brad Hering and Firefighter/ Paramedic Brad Fox for their service at the September 29, 2013 structure fire at 501 N. Fourth St; Unit Citation Awards to Assistant Chief Chad Butzine, Firefighter/ EMT Adam Fillmore and Firefighter/EMT Taylor Heinzel, Firefighter/EMT Jay Blasé and Firefighter Dwain Trewyn.  Mayor David expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to all the firefighters for the job well done at this fire.

 

10 03       N8482 COUNTY HIGHWAY X.  Town of Watertown

    An early morning fire in the town of Watertown brought out 20 area fire departments and caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to a single-family home.  The fire apparently started on the outside porch of the home from a discarded cigarette.  Blaze caused extensive damage to the second floor bedroom, first floor living room and dining room.  The family of four was home at the time of the fire, but everyone was able to escape the house without injuries.   WDTimes article,   WDTimes image portfolio 

 

10 08       St. HENRY’S 4-K CLASS FIELD TRIP TO FIRE STATION

    

 

10 15       FRIEND TO FRIEND OF WATERTOWN FUNDRAISER

Editor, Daily Times:  Watertown Fire Department Local 877 members hosted a brat and hot dog sale at the fire department’s open house on Oct. 5 to raise money for Friend to Friend of Watertown.  This program helps fund mammograms for women in need.  We would especially like to thank both Johnsonville of Watertown and Brownberry Bread of Oconomowoc for the donations of brats, hot dogs and buns.  With their help we were able to kick start our annual fundraiser and raise over $400.  Along with the brat and hot dog sale Local 877 is selling “pink gear” throughout the month of October, all proceeds go toward Friend to Friend.  – Watertown Fire Department Local No. 877 members.

 

11 07       GARAGE FIRE, 701 N. Church

     Detached garage fire knocked down within minutes

 

11 13       LIFE SAVING MEDALS / REPLACEMENT OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT SQUAD

Common Council Proceeding: Fire Chief Greg Michalek presented Fire Department Life Saving Medals to Rescue 1 (FF Pieper & Taylor) and Engine 1 (Lt. Fohr, FF Kurz, and FF/pm Esmeier).  These were awards presented for the crew's quick efforts on April 27, 2013 which resulted in Mr. David P. Smith being able to make a full recovery from the event.  Fire Chief also presented Life Saving Awards to Rescue 1 (FF Fox & Adams) and Engine 2 (Lt. Riggs, FF's Hering and Butler) for/their quick efforts on September 3, 2013 to save Mrs. Edna Delair and allow her to make a full recovery.  Mayor David expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Fire Fighters and Police Officers for the jobs well done at these incidents.

 

Discussion. 4. Discuss Fire Department apparatus repair.  Due to the age of the Heavy Equipment Squad and/the cost of repairs, the Finance Committee felt it was reasonable to not repair this vehicle and plan for its replacement.  Motion was made and seconded to not repair the vehicle.

 

12 12       SMOKE DAMAGES 1006 PLEASANT STREET HOME

At the time of construction the foundation under the front porch was never filled in.  A piece of plywood was placed under it and after a while the plywood dropped down about seven feet into the ground.  There was a crack into the top of the porch and cigarettes were falling down through it and one of the cigarettes ignited the plywood on fire.  The family had no idea the board was down there.  It has probably been in the ground for 40 years.  The smoke from the burning plywood pushed into the house through the basement, causing minor smoke damage.  Firefighters had to punch out the cinder blocks on either side of the porch to get at the fire.

  WHS portfolio of images;   WDTimes portfolio of images.

 

12 19       FIRE FROM SNOWMOBILE WORK DAMAGES GARAGE  /  730 Crestview Drive

Flames were knocked down quickly before they could spread to the home, which was attached to the garage.  A father and son were replacing a fuel line on a snowmobile in the garage when some fuel was spilled.  Both the father and son had some singed hair and smoke on their faces. But they were examined at the scene and both refused medical transport.  The home sustained some smoke damage.  The garage sustained structure damage.

   WDTimes portfolio of images

 

___ 2014 __________________

01 20       LIFE-SAVING MEDAL PRESENTATION 

                  Firefighters and paramedics for a call they responded to on Sept. 6, 2013, for a pulseless, non-breathing patient.  The quick response and skills performed on this patient saved his life and allowed for a full recovery.  L-R: firefighter-paramedic Scott Kreilkamp, firefighter-paramedic Jim Acker, Lt. Tim Gordon, firefighter Greg Wellach and firefighter-paramedic John Duvernell.

 

01 22       2014 FIRE PROTECTION AND EMS AGREEMENT / NEW AMBULANCE

The council approved a 2014 fire protection and EMS agreement with the towns of Emmet, Milford, Shields and Watertown.  The townships will pay $186,222.54 based on applying the same tax rate paid by residents and business of the city of Watertown.  That breaks down to $28,304.33 from the town of Shields, $47,340.23 from the town of Emmet, $26,122.62 from the town of Milford and $88,898.25 from the town of Watertown.  Fire Chief Greg Michalek said the agreement is similar to previous agreements but did add $6,000 to the cost. He added that cost was split across the four townships. 

 

Approved a resolution to purchase an ambulance from Jefferson Fire and Safety of Middleton for $193,498.40.

 

02 17       TWO VEHICLE FIRES DURING SUBZERO WEATHER

All-terrain vehicle in garage on 500 block of Milford St. and vehicle fire in driveway on 200 block of Bonner St.

 

03 04       ASSISTANT CHIEF RALPH WANDERSEE RETIRES

The Watertown Fire Department has announced Assistant Fire Chief Ralph Wandersee will retire on March 13 after working for the city for 30 years.  Wandersee has been with the department since Oct. 31, 1984.  Wandersee held every position in the department except for fire chief.

 

03 08       LIEUTENANT AND ASSISTANT CHIEF POSITIONS.  Common Council Proceedings

Fire Chief Greg Michalek was present to discuss changes he would like in the Fire Department Lieutenant and Assistant Chief positions.  After discussion and explanation of these changes, motion was made by Alderperson Romlein, seconded by Alderperson Tietz to approve this change in job descriptions and passed unanimously. 

 

REVIEW DISCONTINUING USE OF A PRIVATE BILLING COMPANY

Chief Michalek was again present to ask the Finance Committee to discontinue use of a private billing company and bring the billing in-house. With the training for staff and the software, there would still be substantial savings to the city in doing this. There was some discussion and questions by the Finance Committee. Motion was made by Alderperson Tietz, seconded by Alderperson Romlein to continue to pursue the ability to do the billing for EMS & Fire services internally, by the Fire Department and passed unanimously.

 

LIFE SAVING MEDALS / UNIT CITATIONS

Mayor David introduced Fire Chief Michalek to present Life Saving Medals to the crew of Rescue 1 (Firefighter/ Paramedic Scott Umland and Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Esmeier) and the crew of Engine 2 (Assistant Chief Chad Butzine, Firefighter/Paramedic Mason Tayler and Firefighter/ Paramedic Matt Pieper for their efforts that resulted in saving the life of a man down and not breathing at the bowling alley at 766 N. Church Street. Chief Michalek also presented Unit Citations to the crew of Rescue 1 (Firefighter/Paramedic Brad Fox, Firefighter/Paramedic William Adams) and the crew of Engine 2 (Assistant Fire Chief Ralph Wandersee, Firefighter/ Paramedic Chad Butler, and Firefighter/EMT Brad Hering) for their efforts that resulted in saving the life of a female that had attempted suicide. Mayor David congratulated all present for their efforts. 

 

03 12       GARAGE FIRE, 507 S. Washington     Caused by an overloaded electrical circuit inside the detached garage.

 

03 20       GORDON PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF

       Tim Gordon, formerly a lieutenant, will be replacing retired assistant fire chief Ralph Wandersee.  Wandersee retired on March 13 after working for the department for 30 years.  Gordon has been with the Watertown Fire Department for almost 20 years. He also worked as a firefighter in Milwaukee for four years prior to joining the Watertown Department.  The other assistant fire chiefs on staff include Chad Butzine, Keith Becken and Kraig Biefeld.

 

03 27       FIRE PREVENTION GRANT

   The Watertown Fire Department has received a $1,500 fire prevention grant from FM Global, a commercial property insurer.  The award will be used to assist with pre-fire planning to efficiently collect and track data related to local community buildings.  The information will help the fire service respond in an emergency situation.   Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants quarterly to fire departments — as well as national, state, regional, local and community organizations worldwide — that best demonstrate a need for funding, where dollars can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause.

 

04 14       OFFICER’S QUICK ACTION HELPS RESIDENTS ESCAPE

No one was injured in a small fire at the Washington Inn, 516 E. Main St.  Officer Scott Kind was at the hotel at approximately 10 p.m. doing a verification check at the inn when he smelled smoke in the building, followed the smoke to a room that was unoccupied, alerted the fire department and other police officers and began an evacuation.  The building did not have a fire alarm system; there was a smoke detector in the room where the fire began, but it was not working at the time of the fire. A smoke detector in the hallway was working.  It is believed that the fire was started by a candle on the floor next to the sofa in the room.  Emergency officials also evacuated the Firecracker Pub which shares a building with the Washington Inn.    Video Clip  

 

04 18       DSPS RECOGNIZES DEPT.

 

The Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) visited the Watertown Fire Department.  The DSPS recognizes that the men and women of the department are dedicated to protecting the lives and safety of the citizens of Watertown.

 

04 27       WIND AND POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO BUILDING FAÇADE

      Wind and potential damage to building façade, especially 300 E Main (former Book World).

The Watertown Fire Department responded Sunday at 1:45 p.m. to the intersection of East Main and South Third streets to help the city take down the banner hung across the street after it was reported the high winds were damaging the siding of the buildings the banner was hung from. 

 

04 29       STORYTIME JAMBOREE

    Watertown Public Library event

 

05 07       CHAD BUTLER PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT

   Fire Chief Greg Michalek said Chad Butler has been promoted to lieutenant and will be transferring to the B shift starting Friday.  Butler previously worked as a firefighter/paramedic with the A shift.  Butler will be replacing Tim Gordon, who was promoted to assistant chief in March to replace the retired Ralph Wandersee.

 

05 12       STORM CAUSES PARTIAL ROOF COLLAPSE / Demolition of 223 W Main

    video       Portfolio of images 

A three-story building on the corner of West Main and South Washington streets was torn down Monday after being deemed unstable by the Watertown Fire Department following a partial collapse of the building’s roof during Monday’s storms.  Caused by water pooling on the roof and the high winds during the storm.  Weight of the debris from the roof then caved in the floor of the third story and piled onto the floor of the second story.  The building was empty at the time of the collapse.  Firefighters also evacuated the Why Not Bar and a second floor apartment next door at 221 W. Main St.

 

    TMJ video   

 

06 02       DEPARTMENT CONTAINS PETROLEUM-BASED LIQUID ON ROCK RIVER

Portfolio of images 

 

06 04       SECOND FLUID SPILL IN ROCK RIVER IN THREE DAYS

WDTimes article;  WDTimes portfolio of images  

 

06 04       CIVIL WAR-ERA CANNONBALL found in resident’s yard

   The Watertown Fire Department was called on June 4th and they contacted Milwaukee’s Bomb Squad.  The cannonball was made of brass, and contained gun powder.  It was about three-and-one-fourth inches wide, and weighed about five pounds.  The cannonball was detonated in the city’s quarry.   WDTimes story  

 

06 07       1334 COLONIAL DRIVE

Garage fire caused by heat lamp

 

07 02       LIFESAVING AWARDS

The common council recognized several citizens and firefighters with lifesaving awards for a call on May 5 at Piggly Wiggly where there was a man without a pulse and not breathing.  Citizen bystanders Andrea Olson and Cathleen Gurnee, a registered nurse at Watertown Regional Medical Center, provided CPR to the man until firefighters arrived.  The crew who arrived consisted of firefighter/EMT Wes Jahnke, Lt. Layne Fohr and Assistant Fire Chief Chad Butzine.  The patient has now made a full recovery and is doing well.  Due to overlapping calls at the time another crew to assist them was not available.

 

07 08       LIGHTS N SIRENS ANNUAL EVENT     Image Portfolio 

 

07 21       BEGIN IN-HOUSE BILLING

Council Proceedings:  Exhibit #8067, to authorize the Fire Department to begin in-house billing on September 1, 2014 for EMS Services, with a checking account to be opened at JPMorgan Chase Bank was presented.  Carried on a roll call vote: Yes – 9. No – none.

 

07 23       307 E MAIN CALL

   Equipment malfunction caused smoke.     Image Portfolio 

 

08 08       818 E MAIN STRUCTURAL FIRE

      Image Portfolio     

 

08 12       FIRE DEPARTMENT HONOREES

From left, firefighter/paramedics Scott Kreilkamp and Tanya Reynen and firefighter/EMT-B Greg Wellach were recently awarded life saving medals for their actions during a June 21 incident where they helped to save the life of a man who fell and had suffered what were at the time life-threatening injuries.

 

11 18       TWO NEW FULLTIME FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDICS

Lucas Vogt started at the department on June 25. He has his associate degree in fire protection technician from Waukesha County Technical College and is from both Hartford and Lake Country fire departments.  Dave Kruser started on Nov. 5 and has received his education from MATC Madison and Mercy Regional EMS in Janesville. Kruser is a former member of the Fitchburg Fire Department.  Vogt is filling a vacant firefighter/paramedic position due to promotions and Kruser is filling a firefighter/paramedic position vacated by William Adams, whom was hired in the city of Madison.

 

11 21       JEFFERSON ROAD FIRE

  

 

12 19       PRACTICE SCBA SKILLS

  

 

12 21       1118 RIVER DRIVE EXPLOSION AND HOUSE FIRE of 12 21 2014

         Portfolio of images 

Watertown firefighters responded at 7:23 a.m. to 1118 River Drive for a reported explosion and subsequent fire; the back of the house had been blown out.  Firefighters could not enter the building initially due to structural concerns, and the fire caused the roof to collapse.  The house will need to be torn down.  Five fire departments from surrounding areas were at the scene assisting.  Nobody in the house at the time of the explosion.

 

08 02 2019 - FOLLOW UP: WATERTOWN MAN CONVICTED OF ARSON IN HOME EXPLOSION

 

A former Watertown man, with an address listed at the Oshkosh Correctional Institution where he is serving time for stalking causing injury, was convicted in Jefferson County Circuit Court on one count each of burglary, domestic abuse and arson.  The arson conviction comes following a 2014 home explosion and fire in Watertown.  According to a criminal complaint in the matter, Craig S. Lillge, 40, formerly of Watertown, burglarized the home of his ex-girlfriend in Watertown and activated a gas valve, leading to the home’s explosion and subsequent fire. The home was a total loss.

 

Watertown’s then-fire Chief Greg Michalek said when firefighters arrived on the scene the back of the house had been blown out. Firefighters could not enter the building initially, due to structural concerns. The fire caused the roof to collapse. He said the house would need to be torn down. There was nobody in the house at the time of the explosion.

 

___ 2015 __________________

01 19       HAZARDOUS WASTE SPILL / LIFE SAVING AWARDS

The council will vote on the second reading of an ordinance to give the Watertown fire chief or authorized representative authority to bill those responsible for a hazardous waste spill for the cleanup of that waste.

 

Watertown Fire Department Life Saving Awards for Lt. Ken Riggs, Scott Umland, Brad Fox, Matt Pieper and Brad Hering for an emergency response where the above individuals resuscitated a patient believed to be having a heart attack and was found without a pulse and not breathing.  The patient is expected to make a complete recovery.

 

01 21       HIGH ROAD CHIMNEY FIRE

N8128 High Road fire confined to the chimney.

 

02 14       SPUNCAST: COMPRESSOR OVERHEATED

               

 

02 20       232 FREMONT ST. CHIMNEY FIRE

     Image Portfolio     

 

02 26       WHAT’S WITH THE CROWD?

Editor, Daily Times:

 

Many times we arrive on an emergency medical call to initiate patient care and are asked, “What’s with so many people?”

 

When someone calls 911 with a medical emergency the dispatchers (person you talk to) will ask you if the patient is having any trouble breathing, chest pain, is conscious or unresponsive. These are key words for us as responders to get an idea of how sick our patient may be. If our patient is very sick it is important that we have as many hands on deck as quickly as possible in these types of situations. 10 hands many times work much faster than just 4.

 

Oftentimes there are paramedics staffing the fire engine that day as well. This allows for more assistance in patient care such as starting IVs, pushing important medications, assisting in maintaining our patient’s airway. The engine company will also assist in carrying in appropriate medical equipment, getting the cot ready; assist in lifting/moving the patient; all of which saves time critical to patient outcome.

 

Not only does the engine respond to EMS calls, but the ambulance responds to many fire incidents as well. Every member of the fire department is “cross trained” which means that we are all firefighters and some level of EMT. When there is a fire incident the ambulance crew has fire fighting gear and breathing apparatus on the ambulance so they are ready to assist immediately. The ambulance crew will then act as firefighters and complete any task assigned from command.

 

Tanya Reynen, marketing committee, Watertown Fire Department

 

03 02       115 N. WASHINGTON

Apartment fire, electrical, contained to attic, $5000 damage

 

03 30       ACKER/FOX, EMT/FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Jim Acker, left, received a certificate for EMT of the Year, while Brad Fox received a certificate for Firefighter of the Year at the 67th Birthday Banquet of American Legion Post No. 189 on March 14.

  

 

04 09       NUMBER OF RUNS IN 2014 / MABAS / SAFER GRANT

The total number of runs in 2014 by the Watertown Fire Department was 2,369, with 579 of them being fire runs and 1,790 being EMS runs. This total number of runs is about 21.8 percent higher than in 2001, with almost twice as many fire calls.  Some of the increase in fire calls is due to the advent of the MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System).  MABAS was created by the Wisconsin State Legislature in 2006 as a mutual aid measure that deploys fire, rescue and emergency medical service personnel in a multijurisdictional or multi-agency response. The end result is a more comprehensive response, but that also places more calls on individual fire stations.

 

The city itself had a reduction in its fire department paid staff in the wake of the 2008 recession.  At the time, the department had 25 full-time employees. It currently has 22.  As part of its efforts to address the city's staffing concerns, the Watertown Fire Department has applied for the SAFER Grant.  The SAFER Grant would increase each shift by one staff member, bringing two shifts to a full crew of eight and a third shift to seven.

 

04 25       PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARD, Dodge County EMS banquet

  

 

04 28       MOCK PROM CRASH SCENARIO, Watertown High School

         

 

04 29       EMERGENCY SIREN UPGRADE, South and Benton streets

          

 

05 06       BRANDON WOJNOWSKI, a new full-time firefighter/ paramedic

Brandon Wojnowski, 23, began working with the department on March 11.  He comes to Watertown with six years of experience with Tess Corners Fire Department, first as a volunteer and then as a member of that department’s part-time staff for both fire and EMS.  Wojnowski went to Waukesha County Technical College for his firefighting certification and attended paramedic school at Gateway Technical College.  He began his career volunteering at Tess Corners Fire Department, and had started taking fire classes while still in high school.  He said his dad has been in fire service for 30 years, also beginning as a volunteer but is now a fire chief in Greendale.

 

05 06       NAMED 2014 DODGE COUNTY EMS SERVICE OF THE YEAR

 

Assistant Fire Chief Kraig Biefeld said the Dodge County EMS Association gave the award for reasons like the department’s 1,500 hours of continuing education in EMS and a save rate of 43.8 percent, more than four times the national average of 10.4 percent. 

 

The Watertown Fire Department has been providing EMS service to the city of Watertown and portions of Dodge County since 1975.  In 1993 the Watertown Fire Department became the first paramedic level service in Dodge County to offer paramedic intercept service to EMS agencies in Dodge County.  Aside from the high save rate, other accomplishments of the department in 2014 include paramedics becoming certified as Pre-Hospital Emergency Pediatric Providers (PEPP), license renewal for all EMS personnel and the purchase of a new ambulance.

 

05 11       JOHNSONVILLE FOODS FIRE

 

Firefighters responded at 12:57 a.m. on 05/10 to Johnsonville Sausage, 104 E. Division St., for a structure fire.  When firefighters arrived on the scene smoke was coming from the building and fire was seen on the roof.  The fire caused extensive damage inside the building.  The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries.  The blaze was under control in about an hour.

 

Johnsonville sausage makers use downtime productively  

Workers at destroyed Johnsonville plant still paid, learn power of volunteering  

 

05 13       BAKKEN CRUDE OIL RAIL RESPONSE CONSIDERATIONS

Council Proceedings, 04 21 2015   ///  Presentation regarding Fire Department readiness:  Assistant Fire Chief Biefeld was present in the absence of Chief Michalek to show a video and explain the various things regarding the Bakken Crude Oil Rail Response Considerations.  There are a growing number of concerns regarding the number of Crude Oil Tankers that are traveling through our City.  Assistant Chief Biefeld showed several different videos and explained the different types of preparedness and things that would take place in the event of an unforeseen derailment happening in or near Watertown.    Council Proceedings, 04 21 2015

 

06 01       PERRY ST. HOUSE FIRE

A mother and her two children (9 months and 2 years old) escaped a 1:59 a.m. fire at their home at 1041 Perry St., after being awakened by a fire alarm and barking dog.  Prior to the arrival of the fire department the woman had thrown her children out of a window to a police officer and then jumped out of the window herself to safety.

 

06 16       LOCATION OF ANOTHER FIRE STATION

Review Fire Station Analysis Executive Summary.  Fire Chief Michalek was present to discuss the conclusions of the analysis that was done on the location of another Fire Station within the City.  The study is recommending a site on Dayton Street for a second Fire Station.  It is located in an area in which we have many calls to and is also quite a distance from the Central Fire Station in the middle of our City.  Chief Michalek noted that our fire responses are up 100% since 2002.  In April of this year 29% of our calls were multiple calls for service, more than one call at a time.  Monthly, we are around 21% of our calls being multiple calls.  It would give us better response time if we had another location, especially for EMS calls which are going up substantially every month and annually.  This information was provided by the Chief for the Alderpersons to think about.  This will be coming back in the future for further discussion concerning another Fire Station in the City of Watertown.    Council Proceedings

 

06 16       PAGING SYSTEM BID

(same date) Review& approve Fire Department Paging System bid.  The current Paging System at the Fire Department is over 25 years old.  In the Budget for 2015 a new Paging System was approved.  $ 26,000.00 was budgeted.  The Chief did receive two bids for the System.  The low bidder was Scan Am, at$ 25,993.00. APS also put in a bid of$ 30,540.97.  There was discussion concerning the Paging System.  The Chief explained that this is an in- building paging system.  It will page out firefighters from all areas of the building.  Not only within the Fire Department and the Apparatus Floor, but in the dorm room, workout room, the basement offices, all these areas have to be covered by the paging system.  It also allows the firefighters to respond back verbally to the Dispatch Center.  Motion was made by Alderperson Larsen to recommend the purchase from Scan Am, seconded by Mayor David and passed unanimously.    Council Proceedings

 

07 07       LIGHTS N SIRENS ANNUAL EVENT

    Image Portfolio          Video clip  

 

07 14       SATELLITE FIRE STATION PROPOSED

Kraig Biefeld, assistant fire chief for the Watertown Fire Department, spoke with the Watertown Finance Committee about a recent fire station analysis that had been completed by Vandewalle and Associates.  The analysis recommends the construction of new stations in three different areas of the city to help improve the fire department’s ability to respond to an increasing number of calls in a very large area.  However, the analysis recognizes the financial constraints on such drastic actions and instead offers a single new satellite fire station on the city’s west side as the best first step to addressing these concerns.

 

The Watertown Fire Department’s service area includes more than the city of Watertown, it includes significant portions of the surrounding towns of Emmet and Shields in Dodge County and the towns of Watertown and Milton in Jefferson County.  The current city limits contains about 12.5 square miles, while the entire fire service area covers approximately 88 square miles.  Response times are another large factor in making the proposal to build satellite fire stations.  The standard response time for fulltime departments is six minutes, as set by the National Fire Protection Association.  Those six minutes are broken down into 60 seconds to answer the call and dispatch the fire department, between 60-90 seconds to get dressed and out the door and four minutes to reach the scene of the incident.  According to data from the Watertown Fire Department, the average response time is between six and seven minutes for three of the city’s four districts and just above five minutes for the final district.  This is due to a couple of reasons, including the large coverage area, but also the increasing prevalence of multiple calls coming in simultaneously.

 

The analysis states the first new station should be on the west side, as the station would largely serve present development not well served by the current station as well as some future residential and nonresidential expansion.  The proposed preferred site for the west side satellite facility is 127 Dayton St., a property previously identified by the Watertown Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission as one that would be possibly desired for parkland.  It was proposed that the whole parcel could be purchased, as the satellite facility would only require a portion of the land, and the remainder of it could be developed as parkland by the city.

 

08 01       PLANE CRASH ON BERYL DRIVE

        Image Portfolio  

Initial investigation showed that as 1978 single engine Cessna was approaching the Watertown Airport for a landing just before 6pm the plane lost engine power and crashed through some trees, coming to rest on private property.  The pilot, who was alone in the plane, received minor injuries and was transported to the Watertown Hospital.   Jefferson County Sheriff, Watertown Police Department, Watertown EMS and Watertown Fire Department responded to the scene.  Jefferson County Emergency Communications volunteers were also dispatched to the scene to assist.

 

08 18       GARAGE FIRE AT W8705 HIGH ROAD

       Image Portfolio  

Watertown firefighters responded Tuesday at 10:09 a.m. to the property after a passerby had seen the fire through the open garage door and notified the residents to evacuate; the cause of the fire was electrical.  Residents exited the building the garage door had come down on its own and cut off the oxygen for the fire, hampering it greatly and likely saving the house.  Extensive heat damage to the garage, vehicle and contents of the garage.    Aid sought for family displaced by fire.   WDTimes article

 

09 02       ROOF FIRE AT SPUNCAST

A malfunction of a furnace at Spuncast Inc., W6499 Rhine Road, caused a fire Tuesday night that was quickly extinguished by Watertown firefighters.  Firefighters responded to the facility at 10:52 p.m. after the malfunction had caused molten metal to go into the air and start a fire on the ceiling.  Flames could be seen through the roof upon arrival.  There were no injuries, but the production line had to be shut down and the building evacuated while the fire was put out.

 

09 03       SEVENTH FILL-THE-BOOT CAMPAIGN

(L-R) Fire Department members Brad Fox, Scott Umland, Ken Riggs, Tim Gordon and Elizabeth Wagler, Muscular Dystrophy Assn.

Department raised $6,878 during its seventh year of Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill-the-Boot campaign.  The department has raised roughly $65,000 since its first year of doing the campaign.

 

09 03       FIRST SOFTBALL GAME: FIRE DEPT vs. POLICE DEPT

The Watertown Fire Department will be going head-to-head with the Watertown Police Department in their first softball game Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Riverside Park.  The game, to be played annually, will act as a fundraiser for the Watertown Family Center. 

 

Oct           SERIES OF THREE ARTICLES

      DEPARTMENT AND ECONOMIC AND STAFFING ISSUES

      WDTimes, WDTimes 10 07 2015, WDTimes,

 

10 05       NEW INFRA-RED CAMERAS; EXHAUST SYSTEM UPGRADE

Review & approve accepting the Assistance Fire Fighter Grant for the Fire Department.  Chief Michalek was present to explain that we received a grant for $65,000.00, which will go toward some new infra-red cameras and to upgrade the Exhaust System in the Fire Department.  Motion was made and seconded to accept the grant.    Common Council proceedings.

 

10 05       ANDREA PETERS:  UPDATED JOB DESCRIPTION

Review & approve transfer of funds in the Fire Department from the Revenue Account to the Expense Account, to pay for the items that were awarded in the AFG Grant. Motion was made and seconded to approve the transfer. 3. Review & approve the updated job description for Andrea Peters.  Chief Michalek was present to explain that he had received an updated JDQ from Carlson Dettmann recommending the pay grade for Andrea’s position be moved from a Grade F to a Grade G.  The Chief is requesting that she be placed on Step 3. Motion was made and seconded to approve this pay grade change immediately.    Common Council proceedings.

 

10 05       NEED FOR NEW ENGINE

Fire Chief Greg Michalek was present to explain the need for a new engine. He appreciates this being included in the Capital Budget, as the newest engine is 11 years old, with the oldest being 31 years old. He also explained the need for at least one fire fighter, as he will be having two gone on FMLA again at the end of this year and he has a strain with the lack of staffing.    Common Council proceedings.

 

10 07       EXHAUST SYSTEM, THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS

The council voted 8-0 to purchase a completion and upgrade for the fire department’s vehicle exhaust system from Hastings Air Energy Inc. of New Berlin for $47,661.  The fire department had received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant that will cover up to 90 percent of the cost, so the city will only need to provide about $4,766 for this purchase.

 

The council also voted 8-0 to purchase two Argus Edge 320 thermal imaging cameras with truck charger from Jefferson Fire and Safety of Middleton for $12,404.  The Assistance to Firefighters Grant the department had received will also cover 90 percent of this cost, so the city will only need to provide about $1,240 for this purchase.

 

10 20       UNIT CITATION FOR ENGINE 2 AND RESCUE 3 at Common Council meeting

Mayor David presented a Unit Citation from the Fire Chief for Engine 2 and Rescue 3 which states: 

 

“On October 7, 2015, at approximately 0217 hrs, the Watertown Fire Department was dispatched to a single vehicle accident at S. Concord and Brian Court.  Initial information on dispatch was the vehicle crashed after a police chase and there was movement in the vehicle.  Engine 2 (with Assistant Chief Gordon, Lt. Riggs, and FF/PM Fox) and Rescue 3 (with FF/PM Pieper and FF/ PM Wojnowski) responded.  Upon arrival they found a midsized vehicle wrapped around a tree, almost cut in half.  Inside the vehicle were five (5) victims entangled in a heavily damaged vehicle.  Assistant Chief Gordon immediately requested a Box Alarm on a Life-safety card.  This brought an Engine and Ambulance from Johnson Creek, Engine, Ambulance and Chief Officer from Ixonia, Ambulance from Fort Atkinson Ryan Brothers, Ambulance from Waterloo, Heavy Rescue from Jefferson, and a Chief Officer from Lake Mills.  A Lake Mills Engine and Beaver Dam Ambulance changed quarters to our station.  Two helicopters were also requested and responded from UW Madison Hospital.  Engine 2 and Rescue 3 immediately started the difficult and arduous task of extrication.  Due to the extensive damage to the vehicle and entanglement of the victims, the extrication was very difficult and time consuming.  They were able to extricate two victims prior to the arrival of mutual aid companies.  All resources were required for the extrication for the victims in the front seats.  For their actions, at first with limited manpower and an extremely difficult extrication with multiple victims, Engine 2 and Rescue 3 are awarded Unit Citations.  Their professionalism, resourcefulness and skills in a very challenging and trying situation was no less than remarkable.”

 

11 08       TRAIN DERAILMENT, TANKER CARS LOADED WITH CANADIAN CRUDE

               < PORTFOLIO OF PICS

 “I was home when it happened about 150 yards to my south. 

It sounded like giant metal dumpster being dragged on concrete.

 

Tanker car derailment west of Montgomery Street crossing a little after 2 p.m., in the southwestern part of the city where the Canadian Pacific mainline and the Union Pacific branch line intersect.  Thirteen cars left the tracks at and near the intersection of the Canadian Pacific mainline and the Union Pacific branch line.  The 110-car train was bound for Chicago, with 109 of those cars carrying crude oil.  Canadian Pacific Railway says a broken rail caused an oil train derailment.

 

"What I saw was the main car that was leaking, jumped the tracks, landed into the back of that building, hit an electrical transformer box and also had the natural gas leaking to it’ said Assistant Fire Chief Kraig Biefeld.  “The leaking gas and spilled oil were in close proximity to the running generator in the building as well as an electrical transformer."

 

Shortly after, the Johnson Creek Fire Department arrived and Biefeld directed them to put down class B foam over the oil on one side of the leaking rail car while Watertown Fire Chief Greg Michalek had a crew spray the other side.  Firefighting foam creates a film over combustible fuel, minimizing its contact with oxygen and cooling the affected area.  When the Clyman and Ixonia fire departments arrived, Biefeld said he directed them to check on the other derailed cars for leaks before having the Clyman firefighters disconnect the power.  Biefeld said besides shutting off the power to the building, firefighters also had to disable the building's backup power sources.

 

"You opened the door and you could smell the crude oil fumes already, so if there was a spark that would have started a fire with that generator running," Biefeld said. "So they opened that door up, turned the generator off, and opened up the other four doors and pulled out fuses or anything to make sure the batteries weren't working."  Biefeld and the firefighters began to dig a path to divert the oil to a lower spot.   WDTimes story   

 

More details.   YouTube video clip 

 

11 23       FIRE PROTECTION & EMS AGREEMENTS

Exhibit #8238, to enter into Fire Protection & EMS Agreements with the Town of Watertown ($86,622.97), Town of Shields ($32,082.58), Town of Emmet ($52,831.69) and Town of Milford ($26,628.54) for 2016 was presented.  Carried on a roll call vote: Yes – (8) No – none (0).

 

11 23       HOME FIRE, 503 N. MONTGOMERY

A structure fire Friday night has left a home on North Montgomery Street with heavy smoke damage and some fire damage in its garage.

 

___ 2016 __________________

01 15       NEW TRAINING FACILITY AT AIRPORT

A large orange container next to a large stack of containers

Description automatically generated     WDTimes article   

Several area businesses have agreed to donate necessary materials to develop a new training facility for the Watertown Fire Department near the corner of South Twelfth Street and Air Park Drive.  The department expects the facility to be operational in the summer of 2017 with construction resuming in the spring.  The new facility will allow the department to train in things like fire extinguishment, confined space rescue, vehicle extrication, ventilation and much more.  To reduce the impact the facility has on the surrounding community, the fire department will only burn natural materials like wood and hay, avoiding the toxic fumes of plastics and chemicals.

 

Shipping containers, purchased with a grant through the Brandt-Quirk Foundation, will eventually be built into the structures that comprise the training facility. Johnsonville Sausage will also contribute to the project, supplying door frames, scrap metal and several other materials from its former factory.  Other businesses that have pledged services and materials include: Sherwin-Williams, Dodge Concrete, Rock River Blacksmith LLC and Jacobson Crane Service. 

 

 

01 25       LIFE SAVING AWARDS

Fire Chief Greg Michalek presented Life Saving Awards to crews of Rescue 3 and Engine 1 for their response to a 55-year-old female patient on December 28, 2015.  After two minutes of CPR, a pulse returned to the patient.  Those receiving Life Saving Awards at the meeting were Assistant Chief Butzine and Fire Fighter/EMT Brent Kurtz.  Not in attendance, but also receiving awards were Fire Fighter/Paramedic Pieper and Fire Fighter/Paramedic Reynan and Lieutenant Fohr.   Council Proceedings

 

01 25       PURCHASE OF MARION RESCUE PUMPER

Review & approve purchase of new fire engine.  Fire Chief Michalek was present to explain that 10 bids were received that ranged from $672.660.00 to $554.564.00.  The low bidder was Marion Truck Body, which is a Wisconsin based manufacturer and is the vehicle that is being recommended.  Citizen Dennis VandenHuevel was present to address color scheme.  Mr. VandenHuevel prefers vehicles to be red and white and feels the Committee should set a standard.  After considerable discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the purchase of the fire engine from Marion Truck Body and to allow the Chief and his Department to decide on the color scheme.  Motion passed unanimously.    Council Proceedings

 

02 02       BILLING / HIRE OF INTERN

 

8. Discuss & approve Fire Department Billing Write-offs.  Chief Michalek and Andrea Peters were present to explain that the transition between LifeQuest doing our billing and taking this over in-house, left accounts in the amount of $28,824.16, which are currently viewed as being uncollectable.  Motion was made and seconded to recommend the write-off of these accounts.  Motion passed unanimously

 

9. Discuss & approve Fire Department to hire an intern.  Chief Michalek and Andrea Peters explained that there is an opportunity to hire an intern for the Fire Department for approximately 72 hours.  This individual is seeking to finish her degree.  Motion was made and seconded to approve hiring this individual for 8 hours per week, with the cost to be taken from the Paid On-Call Fire Department Account.  Motion passed unanimously.    Council proceedings

 

02 09       PROPOSE BILLING AREA TOWNS FOR AID CALLS

DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER

The Watertown Police and Fire Commission discussed the burdensome amount of assistance the Watertown Fire Department is providing to departments in surrounding towns that are unable to respond to calls in their meeting Monday night.   Fire Chief Greg Michalek said the town of Lebanon in particular has put strain on the department’s finances and personnel.  He attended the Lebanon town board meeting Thursday and presented a proposal that would bill the town $475 for each call for aid.

 

The proposal and others like it may provide a temporary solution, while Michalek and others in the state push for fire districts that would better organize and fund fire departments in Wisconsin.   At its previous meeting, the commission spoke with state Sen. Scott Fitzgerald and state Rep. John Jagler about creating legislation for fire districts. Although it will likely be a lengthy process, the formation of a committee that will perform a legislative council study on the matter is in the works.

 

Michalek handed out the fire department’s very first monthly report newsletter.  The newsletter contains information about fire inspections, department training and even includes a monthly run count.  The newsletter will be available to the public on the department’s Facebook page.

 

02 24       SAFER GRANT; JOHN DEERE GATOR

The Finance Committee approved the fire department to apply for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant offered through FEMA.  The grant provides funds directly to fire departments for the hiring of additional firefighters on a renewable two-year basis.  The department will apply for money to hire three additional firefighters.

 

Allowed the transfer of a 2003 John Deere Gator from the water department to the fire department.  The fire department plans on using the Gator to respond to areas in city parks as well as for rural grass fires.  The department will get the vehicle inspected and fitted with the proper equipment once it is transferred.

 

03 04       FLOORING PROJECT IN FIRE DEPT

Council proceedings:  Committee Reports, Finance Committee, February 15, 2016:  Review & approve Fire Department flooring.  Street Superintendent Rick Schultz and Fire Chief Greg Michalek were present to show the breakdown of where the money was coming from for the flooring project in the Fire Department.  Money will come from the Fire Department Repair Account #01-52-31-20, Fire Department Supplies Account #01-52-3118, Municipal Building Capital Outlay Account #01-51-71-16, Municipal Building Repair Account #01-51-71-20 and Municipal Building Supplies Account #01-51-71-18.  Motion was made and seconded to approve the expense, which passed unanimously.

 

03 17       412 E MAIN, APT ABOVE VOGUE CLEANERS

    Image Portfolio          Video clip  

Fire was started in between the walls of the kitchen and one of the bedrooms and was most likely the result of an electrical malfunction.  The fire caused water to leak into the business downstairs but Vogue's products were able to be moved and were not damaged.

 

03 23       520 OAK PARK AVE, 1:56 a.m.

  

Fire started in the garage, was extinguished, but caused damage to the garage’s service door and drywall.

 

03 24       WITH INCREASED HEROIN USE

COMES INCREASE IN OVERDOSES

Heroin use has increased exponentially in recent years and, as a result, the number of overdoses has also increased. Paramedics irst responders find themselves attending to these individuals more and more frequently.  Tanya Reynen, a firefighter/paramedic at the Watertown Fire Department, has noticed the frequency of heroin related calls increasing in the last three years.   WDTimes story  

 

04 15       206 SILVER DRIVE STRUCTURAL FIRE

Garage fire spreads to attached home and to garage of neighbor.  Owner closed on home 3 hours prior to fire.

         WDTimes story      Video clip

 

03 04       DODGE CONCRETE FIRE ALARM

A picture containing sky, outdoor, road, factory

Description automatically generated  

N969 CTH L Hwy, Watertown.  Control panel fire on silo

 

05 20       DONATION FOR ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE

Chickens Unlimited donated $1,500 towards repurposing an all-terrain vehicle received in February from the water department.

 

06 07       NEW SPARKY THE FIRE DOG COSTUME

Council Proceedings:  Discuss & approve request for Pancake Breakfast – Fire Department Open House.  The Fire Department wants to get a new Sparky the Fire Dog costume to use for public relations events, classroom visits, station tours, etc.  The costume costs approximately $4,000.00.  They are proposing a Pancake Breakfast in conjunction with the Fire Department Open House.  Motion was made and seconded to approve this breakfast and the use of the funds to purchase the Sparky costume.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

07 01       404 DEWEY GARAGE FIRE

5 am unattached garage fire at this address.  Garage, contents and vehicle a total loss.

   

This is a 3-unit home with the lower level being one unit.  There were 3 adults and 4 small children down there.  Upstairs is 2 units, a 2 bedroom and a one bedroom.  In addition, between both upper units there were 3 snakes, a chameleon, a turtle, 4 cats and 4 dogs.

 

  Image Portfolio           Video clip       

 

08 16       VEHICLE FOR OFF-ROAD FIRE OPERATIONS

   WDTimes photo

The Watertown Fire Department recently finished customizing a John Deere Gator for off-road fire operations in city parks and rural areas.  The Gator is fitted with a portable pump, 50 feet of hose, a 70-gallon water tank and a stretcher.  The vehicle was transferred to the department earlier this year from the city’s water department and the equipment was donated by the fire department’s rural partners in the towns of Watertown, Emmet, Milford and Shields.

 

09 10       BATTLE OF THE BADGES

     FIRE DEPT vs POLICE DEPT, Charity Softball Classic

         

Team photo of members of the Watertown Fire Department and the Watertown Police Department after the Battle of the Badges fundraiser softball game.  Both of Watertown's public safety branches duked it out on the diamond for the Battle of the Badges, a charity softball event.  Battle of the Badges pitted the Watertown Fire Department against the Watertown Police Department in a friendly competition at Washington Park to raise funds for new playground equipment at Douglas Elementary School.

 

09 19       FIRE CHIEF PASSES EXECUTIVE FIRE OFFICER PROGRAM

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy announced earlier this summer that Watertown Fire Chief Greg Michalek successfully completed the Executive Fire Officer Program.

 

Each of the four courses required a written applied research product to demonstrate application of course theory and concepts to real life situations with the student’s own organization.  Each of these projects was evaluated through a formal process, and progression through the program was contingent on achieving each of these milestones.  Six months after completion of each of the courses, the EFOP participants were required to complete an ARP in their own organization.  The required executive level courses include executive development, executive analysis of community risk reduction, executive analysis of fire service operations in emergency management and executive leadership.

 

09 26       ELECTRICAL FIRE AT 208 1/2 N. FIFTH

Started by an electrical malfunction in between the ceiling of the first story and the floor of the second.  No injuries.  Estimated $20,000 in damage.  Link to portfolio of images   

 

09 27       PLAN TO HIRE ADDITIONAL FIREFIGHTER

The executive budget presented to finance committee included plan to hire one additional firefighter to bolster the ranks of the city’s understaffed fire department. This will be welcome news to the department, which has been short three firefighters since it was fully staffed in 2010, seeing a 33 percent increase in call volume over the same six years.

 

10 01       FIRE PREVENTION OPEN HOUSE & PANCAKE BREAKFAST

  

 

10 09       QUARRY ROAD BARN FIRE

Firefighters responded Sunday at 2:37 p.m. to W8131 Quarry Road for a barn fire.  The fire was extinguished but burned the roof of the barn.  No one was injured.

 

10 22       MASS CASUALTY TRAINING EXERCISE

         Video clip     

Mutual aid from numerous area departments.  Selected segments from video given Fire Department

 

12 10       LIVE FIRE TRAINING EXERCISE

The Watertown Fire Department will be conducting a training burn on December 10th.  The exercise is a live drill.  The house is located at 1004 S. 12th St.  WFD staff along with members from Waterloo, Johnson Creek, Clyman and Ixonia Fire Departments will practice extinguish fires for two to three hours starting around 8 a.m. A whole house burn will follow.  The area departments will practice skills in search and rescue, ventilation and fire extinguishment during the exercise.   Portfolio of pictures  

 

12 21       2016 MARION RESCUE PUMPER

  

A custom 2016 Marion rescue pumper was delivered to the Watertown Fire Department.  The truck, which was purchased by the city for $545,564, has the capability to carry a large amount of equipment in addition to 1,000 gallons of water

 

12 24       MARTIN ROAD GARAGE FIRE

Watertown firefighters responded Saturday at 10:11 p.m. to the W7000 block of Martin Road for a garage fire.  The garage was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived and it was deemed a total loss after the flames were extinguished.  No one was injured in the blaze.

 

___ 2017 __________________

01 10       DAN KARRELS & JOSHUA WEBER, new firefighters

         A picture containing person

Description automatically generated

Karrels was hired on Dec. 19, 2016, filling one of the firefighter/ paramedic positions while Weber was hired on Jan. 3 filling a position that had been vacant since 2010 due to city budget restrictions.

 

Karrels received a bachelor’s degree in science of public administration from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2012.  He obtained his firefighter one certificate in 2009, his EMT license in 2012 and his paramedic license in 2014.  He has worked for the Lisbon Fire Department and applied for the position in Watertown in 2015.

 

Dan Karrels began working for WFD in December of 2016, he is a firefighter/paramedic. Dan grew up in Hartland, WI. He says he became a firefighter to follow in his father's footsteps. His father was a firefighter for 34 years. Dan says some of his fondest childhood memories were visiting his father at work, and calling him at work to ask him what type of calls he had responded to that day.

 

Dan and his wife Megan have been married for two years. Dan's hobbies include golf, hunting and fishing. His favorite part of the job is seeing the difference that we make in people's lives.

 

Dan's most memorable moment at WFD was when he told his Battalion Chief that he met his daughter at the hospital, but it was actually his Battalion Chief's wife.

 

Weber currently lives in Fort Atkinson with his 9-year-old son and fiancée.  Weber had been with the Fort Atkinson Fire Department since 2002 and became a paramedic in 2011 after completing the program at Madison Area Technical College.  After obtaining his licensure, he worked as a paramedic for Ryan Brothers Ambulance Service in Madison.

 

02 10       506 COLLEGE AVE structural fire

          

Cause may have been electrical.  Estimated damage $10,000.

 

02 15       CRACKS IN HOSE TOWER

Street Superintendent Schultz was present to explain that there are some significant cracks in the hose tower in the Fire Department and they want to investigate why this is happening.  He has spoken to a structural engineer who will remove a few of the bricks and check the soil to see what might be causing this, at a cost not to exceed $1,000.00.    [City Council meeting of 02 07]

 

02 15       2017 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS AGREEMENT FOR TOWNSHIPS

Fire Chief Michalek presented the agreement with the Townships of Shields, Emmet, Milford & Watertown for EMS and Fire Protection.  The agreements are basically the same as the previous contracts but does include the requirement to pay their fire dues to the City.  The total for the four is $191,628.81.  Motion was made and seconded to recommend these contracts.  A resolution will be presented.     [City Council meeting of 02 07]

 

02 15       2017 CONTRACT FOR EMS COVERAGE FOR VILLAGE OF REESEVILLE

Fire Chief Michalek presented this contract in the amount of $11,795.00. Motion was made and seconded to recommend this contract, which passed unanimously. A resolution will be presented.      [City Council meeting of 02 07]

 

02 15       APPLICATION FOR “SAFER” GRANT

Fire Chief Michalek was present to explain this year’s SAFER Grant application.  It has changed a bit from the past, where the grant paid the total amount of wages and benefits for two years and a portion of the third year and then after that the municipality picked up all expenses.  This year’s application has the grant paying 75% in the first year and second years.  In the third year they pay 35%.  After that the municipality must pick up the entire amount.  Motion was made and seconded to approve this application and passed unanimously.      [City Council meeting of 02 07]

 

02 28       EMS BILL COLLECTION ENHANCED

Since it took over its own EMS billing duties in 2014, the Watertown Fire Department is seeing higher collection numbers because of more reliable methods made available by the state.  Established in 2009, the SDC allows the fire department to refer outstanding debts to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for collection action.  Before the change, the department used LifeQuest, a collections agency that specializes in fire and EMS billing.

 

The department also offers hardship requests to those with an inability to pay the bill in full or at all.  Patients can request their ambulance fee to be waived, reduced or divided into monthly payments.  Depending on circumstances like monthly household income, dependents and specific hardships, the city's finance committee makes determinations on a case-by-case basis on whether requests will be approved.   WDTimes article  

 

03 01       FREDDY THE FIRE TRUCK / SIREN REPLACEMENT

1. Review & approve purchase from Robotronics for the Fire Department.  Assistant Chief Biefeld was present to explain that the department had decided to change direction for the purchase from their Pancake Fundraiser.  They wish to purchase a Freddy the Fire Truck at a cost of $9,800.00 which will be used to inform children about fire safety.  The money will come from Fire Prevention Donations Acct. #01-58-11-04.  Motion was made, seconded and passed to approve this purchase.

 

2. Review & approve Fire Department Emergency Government Siren Replacement Proposal. The Fire Department received three bids and is recommending Federal Signal for a cost of $18,118.00.  Motion was made and seconded to recommend this purchase.  Motion passed unanimously. A resolution will be presented.

 

03 14       PART-TIME CLERK POSITION

Finance Committee, February 27, 2017.  Review and approve hiring of part-time clerk position for Fire Department.  Fire Chief Michalek recommended hiring Jane Rakos.  Motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to approve hiring Rakos.

 

04 25       LT. RIGGS RETIRES

After nearly three decades with the Watertown Fire Department, Lt. Ken Riggs finished up his final shift Tuesday afternoon.  Riggs began his career as a volunteer firefighter in Palmyra before taking a job with Bell Ambulance in Milwaukee where he worked for five years.  He joined the WFD in 1990 and has been an integral part of its team ever since. He was one of the original paramedics when the department started providing the service in the 1990’s.

 

04 25       RESCUE STRUTS & PORTABLE MONITOR NOZZLE

[same date] Unanimously authorized the fire department to purchase rescue struts and a one-man portable monitor nozzle for $4,400.  The struts are used to stabilize wrecked vehicles and buildings, allowing firefighters to access patients more efficiently.

 

05 05       DONATION FOR EXTRICATION EQUIPMENT

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #189 donated $300 to the Watertown Fire Department towards the purchase of extrication equipment.  The equipment is used to extricate victims that have been trapped in vehicles following collisions and other situations where victims need to be removed from equipment or wreckage.  This donation was obtained through the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #189’s fundraising efforts.

 

05 09       WATER RESCUE SUITS

Chickens Unlimited donated $1,200 to the Watertown Fire Department for the purchase of water rescue suits.  These suits are used for both ice and water rescue incidents as well as training for these types of incidents.

 

05 10       AIR PARK DRIVE STRUCTURE FIRE

Watertown firefighters responded Tuesday at 4:25 a.m. to the 200 block of Air Park Drive for a structure fire.  A porch of an apartment was partially burned after a resident disposed of a smoldering cigarette in a wicker basket.  The fire was extinguished and no one was injured.

 

05 17       1007 N. WATERFIRE

Mid-morning fire caused by a recalled dehumidifier left a portion of a duplex uninhabitable.  Started in basement and burned through a portion of the first floor.

 

05 24       NURSING HOME FIRE

A structure fire injured one resident at Dycora Transitional Health on Hospital Drive early Saturday morning.  “We’re not exactly sure of the cause of it yet, possibly electrical,” fire Chief Greg Michalek said.  “The fire burned the bed with the patient in it and part of the wall.”  Michalek said the blaze was contained to a single room of the 112-bed nursing home, but the wing it is located in also suffered water and smoke damage.  Firefighters along with a number of police officers and Dycora personnel were able to evacuate the 20 patients in the affected wing.  The sprinkler system activated and put the fire out but there was a lot of smoke.”

 

. . . . On August 9th Dycora Transitional Health Administrator Jameie Johnson headed a special luncheon held at the facility which sought to recognize firefighters and staff for their evacuation efforts during a fire.  In addition to the luncheon, Johnson handed out plaques and awards to the firefighters and staff who helped manage the crisis.  Dycora will dedicate a tree at the facility honoring Audrey Ninmann and her late husband, Arthur, who perished as a result of the fire.

 

06 06       DEPARTMENT BATHROOMS

Review & approve tile replace in Fire Department bathrooms.  Street Superintendent Schultz presented two bids.  Motion was made and seconded to approve the low bidder, Vogel’s Tile & Flooring of Fort Atkinson, in the amount of $4,430.15.  Motion passed unanimously.   Council proceedings of 06 06 2017

 

06 26       WESTERN AVE. WARNING SIREN REPLACED

  

New outdoor warning siren replaced an older siren located near Luther Prep on Western Ave.

 

06 28       509 S. FIFTH STREET STRUCTURE FIRE

    10:15 pm.  

The fire originated from cardboard boxes stored under the porch.  No injuries or serious damage reported.

 

07 04       FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

  

 

07 04       1430 HENRY ST. STRUCTURE FIRE

The apartment unit that caught fire was empty and no injuries were reported.  The fire is believed to have started on a couch and extinguished itself while firefighters were responding.

 

07 11       LIGHTS ‘N SIRENS

      Portfolio of 50 pics

 

07 17       AHA AWARD FOR EMS EXCELLENCE

The Watertown Fire Department has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Silver Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.  Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction, the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment.  To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

 

Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.  Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline Silver award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for one year.

 

The Watertown Fire Department is currently working with Watertown Regional Medical Center in achieving a Chest Pain accreditation.

 

07 21       REPAIRS TO DEPARTMENT ROOMS

Council Proceedings:  Review & approve repairs to Fire Department rooms.  Motion was made and seconded to move forward with the bid from Jefferson Glass at $2,900.00 to replace the windows and to authorize Street Superintendent Schultz to get the sanitary sewer pipes replaced as soon as possible.  This passed unanimously.

 

08 16       ACCEPTED SAFER GRANT

The City Council accepted the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant offered by the federal government. The SAFER grant will allow the city to hire three additional firefighters, welcome news for the fire department, which continues to experience record call volume. The grant would cover 75 percent of the new firefighters’ salaries for the first two years, with the city paying the remaining 25 percent. In the third year, the grant scales down to 35 percent of the stipends with the city responsible for 65 percent. The city would then take on full financial responsibility for the additional staff in the fourth year.

 

08 21       EXTRICATION TOOLS GRANT

Council Proceedings:  Committee Reports Finance Committee, August 1, 2017.  Review & approve Assistance to Firefighter Grant for purchase of Extrication tools.  Chief Michalek was present to explain this $35,000.00 grant, of which the City’s portion would be $3,150.00 to purchase new extrication equipment.  Motion was made and seconded to approve applying for this grant, which passed unanimously.

 

08 21       “SAFER” GRANT ACCEPTANCE

Council Proceedings:  RESOLUTIONS Exhibit #8507, to authorize the acceptance of a SAFER Grant from the Federal Government for three years for the hiring of three additional fire fighters, with the grant providing 75% of the usual annual cost for the first and second years and 35% of the annual cost for the third year was presented.  Sponsor: Mayor David. From: The Finance Committee. Alderperson Tietz moved for adoption of this resolution, seconded by Alderperson Kilps and carried on a roll call vote. Yes — 9. No — none.

 

08 22       KRAIG BIEFELD SELECTED AS INTERIM CHIEF

  

Assistant fire Chief Kraig Biefeld will once again assume the role of interim fire chief after being selected by the city’s Police and Fire Commission in its meeting Monday night.  Biefeld will undertake the duties and responsibilities of former fire Chief Greg Michalek while the commission continues its search for a new chief. 

 

Biefeld began his career with the city’s fire department in 1993 as a paid on-call member.  He eventually got his paramedic certification and moved on to work full time for the Kaukauna Fire Department for two years.  Biefeld then returned to Watertown in 2000 and has remained employed here ever since.  In 2008, Biefeld was named director of EMS.  He also served a stint as interim chief in 2010 between the transition of former Chief Henry Butts and Michalek.    WDTimes article

 

09 17       410 S. SIXTH ST FIRE INJURES OCCUPANT, KILLS TWO CATS

      Video clip 

A Watertown man was transported to the hospital after escaping a 3 a.m. fire in his 410 S. Sixth St. apartment early Sunday morning (09/17).  After receiving mutual aid assistance from a dozen area departments, firefighters were able to contain the blaze to one of the building’s four apartment units.  The apartment suffered over $50,000 in damage not including personal property lost that was lost in the fire.  The fire was a result of careless use of smoking materials which were placed in a trash receptacle.

 

09 26       FIRE, EMS DEAL WITH AREA TOWNSHIPS

The city’s finance committee approved a contract that will provide fire protection and EMS coverage for 2018 with the townships of Watertown, Milford, Emmet and Shields.  This year’s contract will total $204,537, about $13,000 more than last year’s.  Interim fire Chief Kraig Biefeld said because of a failure to update numbers in the formula, the townships have not been getting charged as much as they should have for the past several years.  The committee also approved a 5 percent increase for the city’s fire and EMS contract with the village of Reeseville, which hasn’t had its rate increased since 2010. The 5 percent will amount to $587 in 2018.

 

— Unanimously authorized the purchase of cabinets and countertops for the fire department kitchen.  The work will be completed by Peirick’s Semi Custom Cabinets for $18,523 if approved by the common council.

 

— Authorized the sale of a 1994 E-350 Ford ambulance on Wisconsin Surplus, an online auction website.

 

— Unanimously denied to accept the donation of a vintage Watertown fire truck from a private citizen. While the committee agreed the gesture was generous and the truck was a piece of history, it voted not to accept the donation because of the storage, maintenance and insurance costs associated with the fire truck.

 

— Approved to transfer money from the fire department’s repairs account to cover $8,480 in work done on the fire department training site at the corner of South Twelfth Street and Air Park Drive.

 

10 03       SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSES

The city's fire department will likely receive $340,000 for new self-contained breathing apparatuses.  It will also receive $3,000 in general fund dollars to replace a fire hose.   Watertown finance committee.

 

10 05       MDA FUNDRAISER

Members of the Watertown Fire Department hit the streets in September for their annual fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  This year’s donation to the MDA was just over $5,929.  The fire department and MDA have teamed up for the past nine years raising money to help fund research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and care centers, including the MDA Care Center at Dean Clinic, UW Hospital, American Family Children’s Hospital as well as Froedtert Clinic and Children’s Hospital. They also helped send more than 40 local children to “Wonderland,” an MDA summer camp in Camp Lake, at no cost to their families.

 

10 30       807 MAPLE CREST LANE FIRE

Five people were displaced from their home after a structure fire caused extensive damage to a single-family residence at 807 Maple Crest Lane Sunday night.  No one was injured in the blaze which took firefighters less than an hour to extinguish.  The fire is believed to have been started from discarded bonfire ashes that were placed in a garbage can in the garage.  Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the garage area, but the house suffered significant smoke damage.  Damages will total about $150,000.

 

11 08       ASSISTANT CLERK STOLE CASH

An assistant clerk at the Watertown Fire Department resigned in September after it was discovered that she stole a small amount of cash from the city.  The employee, Jane Rakos, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft in Watertown Municipal Court in October.  She was fined $857.20 for both citations and was also ordered to pay restitution to the city.  Both instances of theft involved denominations less than $100

 

12 05       AMBULANCE BILLING & RECEIVABLES

Review Ambulance Billing & Receivables. After considerable discussion, Fire Dept. Administrative Assistant Andrea Peters, felt she could set up a multi-tier system, similar to the previous provider, which would move aged receivables out of the current balance.  She will report back to the Finance Committee in December.    Common Council meeting of 12 05 2017

 

12 05       COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

Exhibit #8550, to approve the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters was presented. Sponsor: Mayor David. From: The Finance Committee. Alderperson Tietz moved for the adoption of this resolution, seconded by Alderperson Smith and carried on a roll call vote: Yes — 9. No — None.    Common Council meeting of 12 05 2017

 

12 13       TRAILER FIRE

$90,000 damage to a 900-sq. ft. trailer home at 9027 County Highway Q.  Fire contained to its area of origin

 

12 14       ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF FOUND NOT GUILTY

Watertown Assistant Fire Chief Tim Gordon was found not guilty of obstructing a police officer.  The municipal charge against Gordon was initiated by the city of Watertown and alleges he intentionally misrepresented an incident that occurred while he was on duty in March conducting a fire inspection.   WDTimes article   

 

12 29       EXTRICATION TOOLS / EMS RECEIVABLES

Fire Department. Interim Fire Chief Biefeld explained the City received a grant towards the purchase of these tools.  The grant will cover 90% of the cost.  The City’s net cost will be approximately $2,800.  Motion passed unanimously to recommend approval of the purchase.  Update on EMS billing. Andrea Peters of the Fire Department was present to explain that she worked with the software provider to develop a three-tier system for accounts in various phases of the collection process.  Motion passed unanimously to approve the new system for recording EMS receivable balances.

 

12 21       KRAIG BIEFELD IS CITY'S NEW FIRE CHIEF

                 

After serving as Watertown’s interim fire chief for the past several months, Kraig Biefeld has been selected to fill the fulltime position by the city’s Police and Fire Commission.  Biefeld will succeed Chief Greg Michalek, who retired in mid-August.

 

Biefeld said he hopes to supplement rich history of the Watertown Fire Department, which his own great-great-grandfather was a part of at the turn of the 20th century.

 

Biefeld began his career with the city’s fire department in 1993 as a paid on-call member.  He got his paramedic certification in 1997 and moved on to work full-time for the Kaukauna Fire Department for two years.  Biefeld then returned to Watertown in 2000 and has remained employed here ever since.  In 2008, Biefeld was named assistant chief and director of EMS.  His most recent stint as interim chief was his second, also holding the position in 2010 between the transition of former Chief Henry Butts and Michalek.

 

Biefeld holds an associates degree in fire protection and bachelor’s degree in fire science.  He recently completed the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy and is also a Wisconsin Certified Emergency Manager.

 

In addition to his lengthy history of public service, Biefeld is also heavily involved in the local community. He serves as a treatment foster parent, an assistant cub scout master, and a board member of the Watertown Historical Society.  He is also president of the Jefferson County EMS Association, secretary/treasurer for the Jefferson County Fire Chiefs Association, chairman for the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee and board member of the South Central Health Coalition.    WDTimes story   

 

      

 

Comment received:  “Congratulations Kraig.  You treat the citizens of Watertown like family.”

 

___ 2018 __________________

01 19       THREE NEW FIREFIGHTERS

   

Capitalizing on funds from a federal grant, the Watertown Fire Department added three firefighters to its ranks earlier this month.  The firefighters Eric Latter, Benjamin (Ben) Carl and Brian Richards all grew up in Wisconsin.

 

Latter, 26, received his fire and EMS training at Waukesha Technical College and got his start as a volunteer firefighter with the Allenton Volunteer Fire Department in 2010.  Latter said he enjoys spending much of his free time on outdoor activities like hunting, fishing and boating.

 

Carl received an associate’s degree in fire protection and paramedic training through Waukesha County Technical College and began his firefighting career with Hartford Fire and Rescue in 2014. He gained further experience as a paramedic working for Lifestar Emergency Medical Service.

 

Richards has worked for the town of Delafield, Pewaukee and Lake Country Fire Departments in various positions since 2008. He has an associates degrees in both firefighting and paramedicine.

 

01 22       REVIEW AND APPROVE FIRE CHIEF SALARY

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.   This was an adjustment to the original memo due to it not including Paramedic Add-On Pay.  The recommendation is Grade T, Step 3, plus the Paramedic add-on coming to approximately $42.47 per hour. Motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to approve the pay rate for the new Fire Chief.

 

01 23       FINANCE COMMITTEE AUTHORIZATIONS

Update on EMS billing.  Andrea Peters of the Fire Department was present to explain that she worked with the software provider to develop a three-tier system for accounts in various phases of the collection process.  Motion passed unanimously to approve the new system for recording EMS receivable balances.

 

Authorized the purchase of a variety of health and wellness equipment for the fire department including weightlifting equipment and an infrared sauna that will help detoxify firefighters after fires.  Firefighters across the nation experience higher rates of cancer than the normal population due to exposure to toxic metals and carcinogens.  The sauna is meant to help accelerate the expulsion of some of these toxins before they enter the bloodstream of firefighters.  The equipment will be paid for through funds raised from community events like the department’s annual pancake breakfast.

 

Authorized the purchase of six sets of Fire Dex turnout gear for the fire department.  The gear will be purchased from Emergency Response Solutions for $10,620.

 

Authorized the fire department to apply for a $50,000 grant to replace its breathing air compressor.  The 26-year-old compressor is noncompliant with current National Fire Protection Association regulations.  If the grant was received and accepted, the city would only be responsible for 10 percent of the compressor’s cost.

 

01 23       LIFESAVING AWARDS

Lt. Chad Butler along with firefighters Brent Kurtz, Brad Hering, Scott Kreilkamp and Brandon Wojnowski were presented with lifesaving awards for their efforts by Fire Chief Kraig Biefeld.

 

02 06       COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS:

REVIEW AND APPROVE PURCHASE OF FIRE DEPARTMENT TURNOUT GEAR

Chief Biefeld requested permission to purchase Turnout Gear that is in the budget. Motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to approve this purchase.

 

REVIEW AND APPROVE PURCHASE OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS EQUIPMENT

Biefeld explained that with donations and money from fund raisers the Fire Department would like to purchase weights and a sauna to detoxify firefighters after a fire. Motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to approve this purchase.

 

REVIEW AND APPROVE APPLYING FOR AFG GRANT

Chief Biefeld explained an opportunity to obtain a grant to replace the current Breathing Air Compressor.  The City share would be about $5,000 and the current compressor is 26 years old.  This would occur with the 2019 Budget.  Motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to apply for this AFG Grant.

 

LIFE SAVING AWARDS PRESENTED

Fire Chief Biefeld and Mayor David presented Life Saving Awards to Assistant Chief Butzine, Lieutenant Butler, Firefighters Kurtz, Hering, Kreilkamp and Wojnowski.  On July 23, 2017 they responded to a call for an unresponsive patient and administered life saving measures which allowed that individual to be here today.

 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EQUIPMENT

Exhibit #8585, to authorize purchase of Fire Department Health and Wellness Equipment in the amount of $7,108.31 from reserve account #01-58-11-04 was presented. Sponsor: Mayor David. From: Finance Committee. Alderperson Zgonc moved for adoption, seconded by Alderperson Raether and carried by roll call vote: Yes–8. No– None.

 

TURNOUT GEAR

Exhibit #8586, to authorize the purchase of Fire Department Turnout Gear from Emergency Response Solutions in the amount of $10,620.92 to be taken from account #01-5231-51 was presented.  Carried by roll call vote: Yes–8. No– none.

 

02 20       CHIEF BIEFELD, NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY COURSE

Four-year course for Executive Fire Officer Training Certification   

 

03 14       FIREFIGHTER/ EMT OF THE YEAR

   

Fire Chief Kraig Biefeld was honored by American Legion Post No. 189 as Firefighter/ EMT of the Year at a birthday banquet held Saturday celebrating the 99th anniversary of the founding of the American Legion.

 

03 14       SNOWMOBILE CLUB APPRECIATION

   

The Hubbleton Riders Snowmobile Club donated $400 to the Watertown Fire Department as a thank-you for the services the department provided at the Mid-State Grass Drag for snowmobiles at Badgerland in Watertown last summer.

 

03 20       COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS:

2019 FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS

Fire Chief Biefeld requested permission to pursue the opportunity to provide Fire and EMS coverage for 2019 Farm Tech Days at the Walter Farm in Jefferson County.  Motion made, seconded and passed to authorize pursuit of this opportunity.  Biefeld is to return with any final agreement.

 

EXPIRED TURNOUT GEAR

Review and approve disposal of expired turnout gear.  Chief Biefeld explained that 41 sets of turnout gear are expired and the Fire Department would like to donate them to Hearts in Motion and a local fire explorer program.  Motion made, seconded and passed to authorize the donations.

 

PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS TO PERFORM FIRE INSPECTIONS

Review and approve use of paid-on-call (POC) firefighters for fire inspections. Chief Biefeld explained that due to the number of inspections and increased call volume it is increasingly difficult to complete these inspections. He is recommending use of qualified POC firefighters to assist with completing inspections. Motion made, seconded and passed to authorize POC firefighters to assist with fire inspections within the 8 hour per week limitation.

 

NEW SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

The Watertown Finance Committee authorized several items brought forth by the city’s fire department, including the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus equipment.  The new SCBAs have a number of features that bring them up to National Fire Protection Association standards and will replace units that have been in service since 2004.  Some of these features include rechargeable batteries, voice amplifiers, better weight distribution and a 4,500 PSI tank, which will allow firefighters about 25 more minutes of air. Several of the SCBAs will also have built in thermal imaging cameras that will help identify fire and victim location.  After reviewing two quotes the committee unanimously voted to purchase the SCBAs and related equipment from MSA for $238,962.

 

03 26       913 LIBERTY LANE STRUCTURAL FIRE

No one was injured in a house fire that destroyed a home at 913 Liberty Lane.  The resident’s five occupants along with their pet dog were able to escape the blaze unharmed and by their own accord.  Firefighters arrived on scene around 4:13 a.m. to find the structure fully engulfed.

 

                 Video clip       

 

04 05       CHIEF BIEFELD TALK ON HAVNG EMERGENCY PLAN

Schurz Elementary School; Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP)

 

04 17       APPLICATION FOR THREE LUCAS DEVICES

 

Council Proceedings:  Foundation Grant for medical equipment.  Chief Biefeld explained he would like to apply for a grant from the Aurora Foundation to purchase three Lucas Devices, which provide chest compressions during CPR.  The units are $15,000 each, but with this grant there would be no cost to the City.  Motion carried to approve application.

 

04 27       BECKEN RETIRES AFTER 33 YEARS

After nearly 33 years with the Watertown Fire Department, firefighter Keith Becken worked his last shift with plans to retire.  Becken joined the WFD on Jan. 9, 1986, after working four years with the Greendale Fire Department.  He got his paramedic certification in 1993 and became an assistant chief in 1996.  Becken said he was drawn to the career because many of his family members, including his grandfather, father and brother, were involved in the fire service as well.

 

05 01       AMBULANCE USE FOR WARRIOR DASH EVENT

Council Proceedings:  Ambulance use for Warrior Dash event.  Fire Chief Biefeld explained the Warrior Dash/Run event at Milford Hills is required to have an ambulance with paramedics present during this event.  We charge $175/hour for our ambulance and would be on site approximately 10 hours.  Motion carried to approve the request.

 

05 01       CHANGE TO LEBANON EMS COVERAGE AGREEMENT

Council Proceedings:  Change to Lebanon EMS coverage agreement.  Fire Chief Biefeld presented Lebanon’s counter-offer of $250 per occurrence.  Motion carried to approve the change from the original $475 to $250.

 

05 01       FIREFIGHTER & LAW OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

  

Recognitions at 2nd District American Legion Spring Conference in West Bend.  Watertown Fire Chief Kraig Biefeld received the Firefighter of the Year award and Watertown Police Officer Stacy Schroeder received the Law Officer of the Year award.

 

05 01       MATT MARTIN NEWEST FIREFIGHTER

  

Martin, who attended Waukesha County Technical College for his fire and EMS training, began his first shift on April 20.  A child of a Military family, Martin grew up across the country and overseas.  He graduated from Muskego High School and is currently married with three children.

 

05 24       JIM ACKER NEW ASST FIRE CHIEF, DIRECTOR OF EMS

The promotion of Jim Acker to the position of assistant fire chief and director of EMS.  He succeeds Fire Chief Kraig Biefeld in that position.  Acker is a 14-year veteran with the department and served as union president for 11 years.  He has been instrumental with the development of a Health and Wellness program, as well as numerous departmental projects.  Acker began his fire career with the town of Menasha Fire Department, continuing with Lake Mills EMS, Bell Ambulance, Inc., Oregon Area Fire/ EMS District and the Watertown Fire Department.  His education includes an associate degree of applied science — paramedic, state of Wisconsin certified firefighter 1 and 2, motor pump operator, aerial motor operator, emergency services instructor 1, and fire officer 1.

 

06 05       TURNOUT GEAR

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS:  Fire Chief Biefeld explained 12 sets of gear were purchased but 17 are needed and a budget amendment would be needed to make the additional purchase.  Motion carried to allow this budget amendment.  Exhibit #8645, to authorize a budget amendment transferring funds from the Fire Department Salaries account to the Turnout Gear account was presented. Sponsor: Mayor David; From: Finance Committee. Carried by roll call vote.

 

06 13       MISSION:  LIFELINE EMS BRONZE AWARD

The Watertown Fire Department has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Bronze Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.  The Mission: Lifeline initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines.  Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

 

07 17       SALE OF SCBA UNITS

Council Proceedings.  Sale of Fire Dept. SCBA units.  Chief Biefeld proposed selling the old SCBA equipment to 5 Alarm Fire Supplies for an in-store credit of $4,600.  Motion carried to recommend approving the sale with the agreement that the City will not have liability if 5 Alarm resells the units.

 

07 23       ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF PAY RATE

Motion carried to approve the new Assistant Fire Chief pay rate at Grade N, Step 5.

 

08 24       JEFF PENNA AND JASON QUICKER, two new firefighters

  

The Watertown Fire Department recently hired two firefighter/paramedics to fill positions left open from retirement and promotions.  Jeff Penna and Jason Quicker started their new positions with the department at the beginning of August.

 

Penna brings with him almost a decade of EMS experience.  He worked several years as a critical care paramedic at Bell Ambulance and has been a member of the Johnson Creek Fire and EMS Department for the past 10 years.  Penna received his fire training through MATC.  He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.

 

Jason Quicker grew up in Richfield and joined the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company in September of 2013. He attended WCTC in Pewaukee and received his fire and paramedic certification.  In his free time, Quicker likes to be outdoors and go camping, climbing, hiking, fishing, boating and hunting.  He said he likes winter and is an avid snowmobiler, likes to snowboard and plays ice hockey.

 

08 22       BUTLER AND WELLACH PROMOTED

  

Chad Butler was promoted to the position of assistant chief/shift commander.  He replaces Keith Becken, who retired earlier in this year after 33 years of service.  Greg Wellach was promoted to the position of lieutenant.  He replaces Butler in that position.  Chad Butler is a lifelong resident of Watertown and started as a paid-on call member in 1995.  He became a full-time firefighter/ paramedic in 2001 and in 2014 was promoted to the position of lieutenant.

 

Wellach started with the Watertown Fire Department in 2004 as a paid, on-call member and was hired as a full-time firefighter in 2005.

 

Butler is assigned to “B” shift and Wellach is assigned to “C” crew.

 

09 10       POLICE DEPARTMENT BEATS FIRE BOYS

The fourth annual Watertown Fire Department vs. Watertown Police Department is in the books.  The final score was 20 to 10 in favor of the police department.  Everyone had a great time and thank you to everyone for supporting the Watertown High School Gosling Nest!

 

09 10       TOWNSHIP 2019 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS AGREEMENT

Council Proceedings.  Finance Committee.  The last contracts were out of date which means there will be a significant increase.  For this reason, the Finance Committee agreed to charge half of the new rate for 2019 and go to the full rate in 2020.  Motion carried to recommend to Common Council.

 

10 02       TOWNSHIP 2019 FIRE PROTECTION & EMS AGREEMENT (2)

Council Proceedings.  2019 Contract for EMS coverage for the Village of Reeseville.  Motion carried to approve this contract with a 2% rate increase.  Process to contract with external EMS Billing Company.  Motion carried to give Chief Biefeld permission to issue an RFP for external EMS billing services.  Exhibit #8691, to approve the 2019 Fire Protection & EMS Agreement with the Townships of Watertown, Milford, Emmet and Shields was presented.  Carried by roll call vote: Yes-9; No-0

 

10 03       WATERTOWN/HERINGEN EXCHANGE PROGRAM

  

German exchange students visited the Watertown Fire Department along with several other locations in Watertown on Oct. 3.  The students, along with teachers Kim Schneider, Andrea Voelker and Joerg Morge, were given the opportunity to learn about the city’s fire department, explore the apparatus and get a hands-on demonstration on some of the equipment.  The students were part of the Watertown/Heringen Exchange Program, where they visited the area from Sept. 27-Oct. 7.  The group was made up of 10th- and 11thgraders from Heringen, Germany.

 

10 07       FIRE PREVENTION OPEN HOUSE & PANCAKE BREAKAST

Public · Hosted by Watertown Fire Department

Sunday, October 7 at 8 AM – 12 PM

 

Fire Safety Week, Oct 7-13, 2018, 16 page pamphlet  

 

10 09       GARAGE FIRE AT W3091 COUNTY HIGHWAY CW

A passer-by who could see flames visible coming from the middle of the detached garage placed the call.  Watertown firefighters arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.  The Watertown Fire Department received help from Waterloo and Lake Mills for personnel, Ixonia and Johnson Creek for water tenders, Jefferson for an ambulance on scene and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for traffic control at the scene.  During the fire, the Watertown Fire Department also had two requests for EMS which were handled by the change of quarter companies that were at the station. These companies were Western Lakes EMS, Helenville Fire and Lebanon Fire.  The fire was contained to the area of origin by fire units and no injuries were reported from the fire.  The fire started inside the garage in the area of where a recently used lawn mower was parked.  Damage to the building and contents is estimated to be $25,000.

 

11 19       OAK HILL RD CHIMNEY FIRE

An evening chimney fire at the N9600 block of Oak Hill Road was contained to the chimney area.

 

11 29       RIVER GAUGES AND RFP’s

Common Council Proceeding:  Chief Biefeld is recommending the purchase of two more accurate gauges to replace the one that we currently have.  Motion carried to approve two river gauges from Solinst at a price of $4,396. 

`

EMS Billing Company for Watertown Fire Dept.  Seven RFP’s were sent out but only 3 bids were received back.  It is recommended to go with LifeQuest Services for a 3-year contract.  While their bid was slightly higher, it is a service the department is familiar with and had favorable service in the past.  Motion carried to recommend LifeQuest be awarded the contract for EMS billing for 2019 with following the terms in their proposal to us on November 1, 2018; provide a 30 day or other reasonable out clause in the contract and consider some adjustment in their proposed rate of 6.95% for billing us for their services . Ambulance billing write-offs.  This item was laid over to the next meeting of the Finance Committee.

 

12 08       PRACTICE BURN

Firefighters from Clyman, Waterloo and Watertown fire departments received some “real life” training with a practice burn at a former residence at 1112 West St.  Firefighters from the three departments practiced their search and rescue, victim removal and ventilation skills.  When training ended Saturday a controlled burn of the entire structure took place.

 

Not made aware of so video not captured.

 

12 28       BRIAN RICHARDS AND BEN CARL

       Completed 12 month exam, end of probationary period

 

___ 2019 __________________

01 09       WILL JONES JOINS DEPT.

  

Jones went to Madison College and is originally from Fort Atkinson.  He was a firefighter and paramedic at the Ashland Fire Department prior to coming to Watertown.

 

02 25       WAUPUN EQUIPMENT Co.   /   N9695 Frohling Lane

Estimated $1.1 million in damages and destroyed an implement repair building at Waupun Equipment Co. on the west side of Watertown.

 

03 05       FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB

Members of the Watertown Fire Department will join other fire departments across the state in scaling the U.S. Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee for the Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Firefighter Challenge, which will be held during the American Lung Association in Wisconsin’s Fight For Air Climb Saturday.  For the challenge, teams of five or more firefighters will compete for the title of the fastest fire department along with top fundraising team.  The teams are required to climb in full gear — helmet, mask, boots and air tank — which can add 50-75 pounds of weight as they tackle the 47 floors and 1,034 steps of the U.S. Bank Center building.

 

04 01       ALEXA WEGNER JOINS DEPT.

        

Alexa is a firefighter/paramedic and started her first day today on A Crew.  She will have a one-year probation, during which she will be tested monthly on fire and EMS skills.  Wegner lives in the town of Watertown with her fiancé, Tim, and their two dogs.  She began working for Jefferson EMS in 2013 and volunteered with the Jefferson Fire Department in 2017.  Wegner completed Waukesha County Technical College’s paramedic program in 2018.  After she finishes her probationary year with the department, Wegner wants to earn a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency response management from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

 

04 01       FIREFIGHTER HERING RECOGNIZED

    

Firefighter Brad Hering recognized at Common Council meeting by Mayor David for 15 years of service.

 

04 29       BURT CHRISTENSON

   

After 30 plus years of honor and bravery in the fire service, Burton Christenson has completed his last shift with the Fire Department.  Burt joined the Watertown Auxiliary in 2001 as a Firefighter/EMT.

 

05 23       CHRISTENSON, ACKER RECOGNIZED BY CITY

The council recognized the retirement of Firefighter/EMT Burton Christenson who has served the Watertown Fire Department since 2001.  He received a plaque from Mayor Emily McFarland and Fire Chief Kraig Biefeld gave him his helmet, a tradition the department does when someone retires.  The council also congratulated city employees for their service James Acker of the fire department for 15 years

 

06 04       PART-TIME CLERK/TYPIST POSITION

Res. Exh. #8829, to approve a budget amendment to decrease Auxiliary Salaries Account and increase Administrative Support Staff Account for the recent hire of a part-time clerk/typist for the Fire Department was presented.  Carried by roll call vote: Yes-7; No-0.

 

06 07       ORDINANCE

An ordinance to amend section 303-27 “modifications” of chapter 303, “fires and fire prevention” of the City of Watertown general ordinances.  From: public safety & welfare committee.  The common council of the City of Watertown does ordain as follows:  [published ordinance]

 

06 18       604 N. SECOND St. / Fire Displaces 4

The Watertown Fire Department responded to a call of smoke entering into the two-family residence located at 604 N. Second St. at 8:08 p.m.  Units arrived on scene at 8:10 p.m. to find that everyone had evacuated the residence.  The on-scene engine made entry into the residence and found smoke in the interior of the structure on the second floor. The fire crews found the origin of the fire by opening up walls and ceilings to find fire and charring in those areas. The fire crews disconnected the power to both residences and continued overhaul operations.  The fire displaced four occupants from the upper unit,” Watertown Fire Chief Kraig Biefeld said. “The fire department did not find any working smoke detectors in the residence.  The cause of the fire was electrical.  Damage estimated to be $7,500.

 

07 08       LADDER TRUCK UPDATE

Finance Committee.  Fire Department ladder truck update.  Chief Biefeld explained that more issues were found, but repairs are underway and coming in below the original estimate. 

 

07 11       20th ANNUAL COMMUNITY SAFETY FAIR  /  LIGHTS ‘N SIRENS EVENT  

6 to 8 p.m. at Riverside Park in Watertown.  This will be the 20th annual community safety fair.  Food and beverages will be available to all attendees.  The Watertown Police Department, Watertown Fire Department, Watertown Family Center, Watertown Regional Medical Center and Chickens Unlimited are sponsoring the event.

 

07 15       PUBLIC PROTECTION CLASSIFICATION REPORT

The city of Watertown received some good news with the recent report “Public Protection Classification Summary Report for Watertown” from the Insurance Service Office, according to Kraig Biefeld, city fire chief.

 

The report is a summary of Watertown’s ability to provide fire protection services to their community.  ISO has evaluated over 46,000 fire departments in the United States and has assigned each department a Public Protection Classification based on the data they collect from emergency communications, the water department, and the fire department.  Emergency communications counts for 10% of the points, the water department counts for 40% of the points and the fire department accounts for the remaining 50% of the points to determine a PPC.  The PPC codes go from 1-10 with one being the best rating and having an overall score between 90 and 100.

 

The latest report shows that Watertown’s PPC rating went from a Class 3 with a score of 74.21 in October 2014 to a Class 2 with a score of 80.83 which will go into effect in Oct. 1.  This is the first time the city has received this rating.  Only 1,945 communities in the United States have received a PPC of 2 or better which equates to 4.2% of all communities. The biggest increases came in fire department training and fire department company personnel. Fire department training increased 2.84 points for a score of 8.14 out of a possible 9 points, while the score of fire department personnel increased 1.04 points for a score of 5.83 out of a possible 15.00.

 

The report shows that when a community’s investment in fire protection and mitigation is higher, it results in lower fire losses to the community. Insurance companies then use the PPC ratings of a community for insurance underwriting to help establish premiums for homeowners and commercial businesses.  In general, the price of fire insurance in a community is substantially lower than in a community with a poor PPC grade.

 

07 27       1400 KIMBERLY COURT GARAGE FIRE

A Watertown garage fire that began Saturday night in a garbage can was quickly extinguished by the Watertown Fire Department but still may have caused an estimated $50,000 damage to the new structure and its contents, which included three cars.  it is believed the fire began in a garbage can where fireworks had been discarded.  There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.

 

08 06       COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

Fire Department Strategic Plan.  Motion carried to present this to the Committee of the Whole. 

 

Dodge County Sheriff’s Office & Watertown Fire Department Intergovernmental SWAT/ TEMS Memorandum of Understanding.  Dodge County provides all equipment and training for this, while Watertown FD covers costs of overtime for mandated training and call response.  Motion carried to approve this MOU.

 

Calculation process for EMS Service Coverage Agreements.  Motion carried to table this item and bring it back after getting quotes on what other cities are doing with service coverage fees.

 

Village of Reeseville EMS Service Coverage Agreement.  Motion carried to table this item until the calculation above is agreed upon.

 

09 10       JAMES BEAUBIEN, new hire

  

Firefighter/paramedic James Beaubien. Beaubien started on Aug. 9 and is currently assigned to “C” crew.  Beaubin replaces firefighter Scott Umland, who retired earlier this year.  Beaubien grew up in Newberry, Michigan, and moved to the Milwaukee area in 2012.  He started his career in public safety in 2011.  Some of his interests outside of work include fishing, playing sports and anything outdoors.  Beaubien will be on probation for the next year while he completes his training.

 

09 16       EMS ANNUAL CONTRACTS APPROVED

The Watertown Finance Committee Monday recommended numerous proposed emergency medical service (EMS) annual contracts between Watertown Fire Department and neighboring towns, with increases in charges slated for some towns in 2020.  One agreement the committee recommended was an EMS service coverage contract with nearby village of Reeseville. Under the proposed contract, Reeseville, which has used Watertown Fire EMS services since 2002, would be charged the same rate for EMS services as city of Watertown residents. This contract would see the EMS service cost for Reeseville go from $12,951.28 in 2019 to $24,619.39 in 2020, an additional $11,668.11, according to documents at the meeting.  Previously, Reeseville’s fee was determined through a formula created in 2002 based on village population. The new calculation would take into account the tax rate, the latest assessed value of the area covered and the percentage of EMS calls compared to Watertown EMS calls. City officials determined this would match the amount Watertown residents currently pay.  The committee also recommended a contract for the fire protection and EMS coverage for the towns of Watertown, Shields, Emmet and Milford, all of which the department has been servicing since 1926. The new contract calls for Watertown fire charges of $269,699.18 in 2020, up from $260,029.86 charged this year.

 

Another agreement approved was an EMS service coverage agreement with Johnson Creek that allows Watertown Fire Department to respond to calls requiring EMS if the Johnson Creek Fire and EMS services can’t adequately gather staff.  The agreement is similar to one that the department has with Lebanon, according to Biefeld, and allows for the departments to not be liable when responding to each others calls.  The committee also approved a mutual aid agreement with Juneau Fire Department that allows the requested agencies to provide backup equipment and personnel at no cost to the requesting department.

 

10 21       FINANCE COMMITTEE ACTIONS

Sale of Fire Dept. items on WI Surplus Online Auction.  Motion carried to approve sale of old breathing compressor.  Update on area protective services.  Chief Biefeld updated the Committee on conversations with some Dodge County departments about mergers and shared- service agreements for additional coverage.  No action taken.  Mutual Aid & Intercept Agreement updates with Lebanon EMS. Motion carried to approve this agreement.  Application to Firehouse Subs for LUCAS medical device for EMS.  Motion carried to approve grant application.  Changes to Call-In/Call Back Time in employee handbook.  Motion carried to approve changes as presented.

 

11 16       LIVE-BURN TRAINING SESSION

1225 North Fourth Street

 

12 11       NEW CLEAN AIR ROOM

The city filed a permit to build a clean room at 106 Jones St., the city’s administrative building.  The estimated cost of the project was $8,000.  The project was for the fire department and the room will house the department’s air compressor, which was purchased earlier this year, according to Chief Kraig Biefeld.  Biefeld said the room will prevent contaminants from entering the compressor in the air used to fill the department’s breathing apparatuses.  These apparatuses are used by firefighters during fires and other calls.

 

12 19       HONORED FOR LIFE-SAVING ACTIONS

             

Dispatcher Julia Schmelzer, Police officer James Simon, Watertown Fire Assistant Chief Tim Gordon, Fire Lt. Brad Fox, firefighter/ paramedic Mason Tayler, firefighter/paramedic Patrick Schultz, firefighter/ paramedic Jeff Penna and firefighter/paramedic Alexa Steinbach each received a life-saving award for their actions in saving the life of a patient earlier this year.

 

On Oct. 21, members of the Watertown police and fire departments were dispatched by Schmelzer to male patient who was not breathing and did not have a pulse.  While the personnel was en route, Schmelzer provided pre-arrival CPR instructions to the caller.  Officer Simon arrived on the scene shortly after and took over CPR until the Crew A fire personnel composed of Gordon, Fox, Tayler, Schultz, Penna and Steinbach arrived.

 

Department personnel took immediate action by providing continuous high-quality CPR using a LUCAS (Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System) device.  A LUCAS device is a chest compression system that helps providing chest compressions, applying a monitor, checking heart rhythm and delivering shocks to a patient’s heart, among other features.

 

Pre-arrival instructions, which played a key role in this live saving situation, is a fairly new practice by the Watertown dispatching team.  The dispatch center began implementing pre-arrival instructions in February of this year. The instructions fall under five categories: cardiac arrest with CPR for both adults and children; choking; seizures; delivery for an active labor; and bleeding.  All dispatch members are CPR certified and the unit received training from Wisconsin EMS as well as its own inside training.  Although the usage of instructions is in its infancy at the department, the dispatch team typically gives instructions one to two times a week.

 

All of the public service members honored received a certificate from the fire department for their actions.

 

___ 2020 __________________

01 21       $60,000 IN DAMAGES AT 923 LABAREE ST.

  

Watertown Fire Department received a call at 12:57 a.m. for an active fire with smoke and flames at 923 Labaree St.  The first arriving unit reported the fire was coming from the second story and the on-scene crews were able to knock down the fire from the exterior and get inside to put the fire out.  The source of the fire was determined to be electrical.

 

04 04       SMALL BLAZE AT NORTHERN TRAILS MEATS, 109 Emerald St

When firefighters arrived they found a man trying to extinguish the fire with a garden hose.  The fire, caused by a clothes dryer, was contained to a room in the building.  there is damage to the building’s electrical system, but no structural damage to the building.  The health department was called out to check the establishment because of the food inside the building, which it determined was fine.

 

05 13       FIRE KILLS DOG, CAUSES $120,000 DAMAGE

A fire Monday morning in Watertown killed a pet dog and caused approximately $120,000 damage to a single- family home at 917 Sand Street.  All occupants had escaped with the exception of one dog.  The dog was located, and CPR was performed.  Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.  The fire started in the basement, which hindered firefighting operations.  There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians; the occupants were able to get out of the house safely, along with three dogs.

 

0 6 29       FF/PARAMEDIC ALEXA STEINBACH

  

Swearing in of FF/Paramedic Steinbach and celebration of the completion of her probationary year.

 

07 01       DAN KARINEN & SHELBY PERKET

                          Two of the newest additions.

Dan Karinen is assigned to B crew and started in April.  Shelby Perket is assigned to C crew and started in June.

 

09 05       FIREFIGHTER AUSTIN BREWER

  

Newest department member, Firefighter Austin Brewer. 

 

Austin Grew up in the Town of Erin and is a 2017 graduate of Hartford Union High School. 

 

Austin comes from a family of firefighters, his father, grandfather and an uncle all serve or have served on the Ashippun Fire Department. 

 

Austin continued that tradition by also becoming a member of Ashippun Fire.  

 

Austin obtained his Emergency Medical Technician – Basic certification and his Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection Technician from Waukesha County Technical College.  He is currently finishing a Certificate program through Fox Valley Technical College for Paramedic.

 

10 09       NEW MARION RESCUE PUMPER

 

The Watertown Fire Department has taken delivery of a new rescue pumper from Marion with a 1,000-gallon tank and Hale QMAX 2,000-gpm pump.  This unit is mounted on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with a 450-hp Cummins ISL9 engine and Allison 3000EVS transmission.

 

09 05       FIREFIGHTER ALEX BRAUNSCHWEIG

The Watertown Fire Department would like to welcome our newest member, Firefighter Alex Braunschweig. 

 

Alex grew up in Wooland, Wisconsin until his move to Neosho, Wisconsin in 2015.  He is a 2015 graduate of Hartford Union High School. 

 

After high school Alex attended UW Steven Point studying Wildlife & Forestry Management for a year before obtaining his Firefighter I & II, Driver Operator and EMT Basic certifications from Moraine Park Technical College. 

 

Most recently Alex completed the Paramedic program through Fox Valley Technical College.

 

11 02       NEW Med 54 AMBULANCE / A F450 Lifeline vehicle

          Replaces Med 53

Features include its “door forward” layout, Power Load Cot, additional scene and spot lights, and auto dimming emergency lights. 

 

12 14       1153 BOUGHTON ST. KITCHEN FIRE

The first arriving units on the scene found a two-story residential apartment complex with smoke coming from a front door of the unit.  A cooking fire that started on the stove top.  Upon the fire engine's arrival, crews made entry into the apartment and knocked the fire down.  The rescue crew then entered the apartment to perform a search and found the family's cat.  Fire damage estimates are about $20,000.  There were no injuries to firefighters.  However, a civilian on scene and a cat were evaluated for smoke inhalation.

 

12 14       COVID-19 VACCINE

Fire Chief Biefeld and members of the department received the COVID-19 vaccine the week of December 14, 2020.

 

12 17       FORMER CHIEF CHARGED ON SEX OFFENSES

CORDELE, Georgia — Former Watertown Fire Department Chief Henry Butts, who resigned his position in Watertown in November of 2010 amidst an internal investigation into theft, has been indicted in Crisp County, Georgia on multiple sex offenses.  Butts faces five counts of aggravated sodomy, two counts of sexual battery and one count of sexual exploitation of children.  The offenses allegedly occurred between April 9 and Sept. 16, 2013.    WDTimes article    

 

12 24       COUNCIL OKs COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

     Police & Fire

A firefighter starting a career with the Watertown Fire Department after Jan. 1 will earn $51,139 annually or $24.58 an hour, according to a collective bargaining agreement approved between the city and Local 877 of the International Association of Fire Fighters.  The collective bargaining agreement covers years 2021 to 2023.  Firefighting employees will work a normal work cycle of one 24-hour tour of duty followed by one 24-hour period by another 24-hour tour of duty and so on.  The normal starting time for a tour of duty will be 7 a.m. All employees of the fire department will be required to live within a 45-mile radius of Watertown City Hall as a condition of employment.

 

Also, the city’s finance committee and the police officers reached a one-year collective bargaining agreement beginning Jan. 1, 2021.  All police employees will be required, within 12 months following their hire to live within a 25-mile radius of Watertown City Hall, which shall include the city limits of Lake Mills, Oconomowoc, and Jefferson. . . . WDTimes full text article  

 

___ 2021 __________________

03 01       FIRE KILLED NEARLY 200 CHICKENS

A fire caused $5,000 in damages and killed nearly 200 chickens Monday.  The department was paged out at 7:25 p.m. to a residence in the W5000 block of Horseshoe Road.  When fire units arrived a 20-foot-square chicken coop was fully engulfed in flames.  The cause of the fire may have been the space heaters.

 

03 12       RAUTERBERG NEW DEPUTY CHIEF

  

The Watertown Fire Department has named Anthony Rauterberg as its new deputy chief.  Rauterberg was raised in Milwaukee and is a graduate of St. Francis High School.  After high school, he attended Mercy School of EMS for his paramedic license.  He also attended Waldorf University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in fire science administration.

 

03 --         JADEN SCULLY JOINED DEPT

A picture containing text, tree, outdoor

Description automatically generated 

Started in March 2021.  Jaden grew up in Oconomowoc where he graduated High School in 2018.  Jaden chose to enter the fire service because he grew up with family in the fire service and had an interest in public safety.  Assigned to C shift and is attending paramedic class.

 

05 --         IAN STEMPER JOINED DEPT

A picture containing text

Description automatically generated 

Ian Stemper began working for WFD in May of 2021, as a firefighter/paramedic.  Ian grew up in Durand, Illinois and moved to Wisconsin in 2014.  Ian graduated from Durand High School in 2012.  He chose to enter the fire service because he has family in the fire service.  Ian also has family that served in the Military.  Currently assigned to A crew.

 

05 10       TIM GORDON RETIREMENT

The retirement of Battalion Chief Tim Gordon.  Tim joined the Watertown Fire Department in 1994 as a firefighter/paramedic.  Throughout his years in the fire service he has held the rank of Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, Watertown Firefighters Local 877 President and Battalion Chief.    

 

05 26       SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR RATUERBERG, FOX AND PIEPER

This week the Watertown Fire Department held a swearing in ceremony for 3 department members.  Anthony Ratuerberg was sworn in as Deputy Chief - Operations, Brad Fox was sworn in on his promotion to Battalion Chief and Matt Pieper was sworn in on his promotion to Lieutenant. 

 

06 03       FIRM TO EXPLORE NEW FIRE STATION

Watertown Common Council members agreed to allow the fire department to spend $18,500 of its budgeted funds to hire Five Bugles Design of Eau Claire, which specializes in the planning and design of public safety buildings.  The current fire station is 60 years old and needs replacing.  It was built in 1964 with room for five emergency vehicles, but it now houses 13 including four ambulances and two tenders, which are large, water-carrying capacity motor vehicles which provide water for firefighting in areas not serviced by a municipal water supply.  The City of Watertown began its emergency medical services in 1975.

 

06 07       HIGH SCHOOL NHS DONATES TO DEPT.

The Watertown High School National Honors Society chapter used funds raised through an Emil’s Pizza fundraiser and donated $500 to the local fire department.  The fire department partnered with Watertown High School and the NHS chapter to offer two CPR training classes next year so Watertown students will have the opportunity to be better prepared to handle certain medical emergencies.

 

06 10       BRAD HERING RETIREMENT

A picture containing text

Description automatically generated  

 

06 12       FIRE AT 203 LAFAYETTE ST.

An overheated fan motor caused $50,000 in damages to a two-story, single-family residence.  Call of a residential structure fire at 12:34 p.m.  Kristianne Busshardt is the homeowner.  Upon arrival, firefighters could see smoke coming out of the second-story windows.

 

06 15       FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC OPENING

A picture containing text, screenshot, newspaper

Description automatically generated  

 

06 15       CHAD A. BUTZINE, 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

A group of people standing in front of a podium

Description automatically generated with low confidence

 

06 29       SMOKE DETECTORS DONATED

A group of people standing next to a vehicle

Description automatically generated with low confidence  

Blain's Farm & Fleet donation of smoke detectors for Community Risk Reduction Program

 

08 XX       TANNER HANSON

A picture containing outdoor

Description automatically generated  

Firefighter/Paramedic Tanner Hanson started his fire service career in 2018.  Tanner grew up in Stoughton, where he graduated from Stoughton High School in 2018.  Tanner was hired at WFD in August of 2021.  Tanner enjoys spending time with his family & friends, he also enjoys the outdoors, working out, and snowboarding.

 

09 11       20 YEAR REMEMBRANCE AND COMMEMORATION OF 2001 ATTACK

Fire truck parked outside a building

Description automatically generated with low confidence  

 

09 15       INCREASING DEMANDS PLACED ON DEPARTMENT

Watertown Fire Chief Kraig Biefeld spoke recently about the demands placed on the city’s fire department in 2021, saying one of the things that worries him most is simply being able to recruit and retain staff members qualified to respond to emergency calls.  

 

The chief has witnessed requirements increase from a person needing to have Firefighter I certification and an EMT Basic license, to the need for Firefighter II certification and all applicants being required to be paramedics.  Watertown firefighter candidates need a minimum of Firefighter II certification and be licensed as a paramedic within one year of hire to be qualified.

 

The fire department currently has a staff of 24 fulltime personnel in this division that work on a 24-hour basis on three shifts of eight, with a minimum staffing of six.  Personnel work an average of 56 hours a week or 2,912 hours per year.  This staff provides a dual role, in which they have to know two disciplines, one as a firefighter and one as a paramedic.

 

Statistics provided by the department indicate its run volume has increased nearly 30% since 2009, but staffing in that same time period has only increased to just shy of 4%.  The net cost, per capita, for the Watertown Fire Department is $107 per resident, while the average fire department in the state costs $159 per person.

 

Watertown is “an urbanized city” with 68.9% being residential properties, 21.6% commercial properties, 6.5% manufacturing, and 3% making up other types of properties. It covers 12.4 square miles, surrounded by rural, farmland communities.

 

The Watertown Fire Department covers an area surrounding the City of Watertown through a fire and EMS contract with the townships of Watertown, Milford, Emmet, and Shields, for a total of 101.1 square miles of fire and EMS coverage and provides EMS transport service to the Township of Lebanon.  The city’s population was estimated to be 23,945 in 2020.  The population in the rural coverage area is 3,215. 

 

When there are large incidents, fire departments in the area will use the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System.  MABAS has been able to help with mutual-aid response; in 2020, the Watertown Fire Department responded to 106 requests for mutual aid, while receiving mutual aid 25 times.

 

10 06       KITCHEN FIRE AT 211 S. WARREN

A morning kitchen fire caused an estimated $10,000 in damages at 211 S. Warren St.  The department received the fire call at 9:36 a.m. and arrived just two minutes following the page.  The fire started near the stove and was contained to the kitchen, but there is smoke damage throughout the residence.

 

12 07       ALEX BRAUNSCHWEIG BIO

A firefighter putting out a fire

Description automatically generated with low confidence  

Alex Braunschweig began working for WFD in September of 2020.  Alex is a firefighter/paramedic.  Alex grew up in Woodland, WI.  Some of Alex's hobbies are hunting, fishing, family trips, softball, baseball and volunteer work. Alex recently (Sept '21) married his high school sweetheart.

 

12 16       PAUL H. NOE (1934–2021)

A person wearing glasses and a suit

Description automatically generated with medium confidence          Link to obit  

Paul worked as a firefighter for the City of Watertown for 22 years.

 

___ 2022 __________________

01 10       RYAN IWAMOTO

A picture containing person, grass, military uniform, standing

Description automatically generated  

Ryan Iwamoto began working for WFD in May of 2021.  Ryan is currently a probationary firefighter/paramedic.  Ryan grew up in Kailua-Kona Hawaii.  Ryan moved to Wisconsin at the age of 25.  He graduated in 2006 from Kealakehe High School.  Ryan also has an Associate Degree in food service.  Ryan's hobbies include various outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, ATV riding and boating.  After taking various fire and EMS classes for five years, Ryan is excited to become a fulltime firefighter/paramedic.

 

01 12       FIRE CHIEF BIEFELD TO END 29-YEAR CAREER

A picture containing person, person, clothing, indoor

Description automatically generated            A picture containing building, bell, outdoor, stone

Description automatically generated           Text

Description automatically generated

 

City officials announced Kraig Biefeld will retire from the Watertown Fire Department effective May 2.

 

Biefeld began as a parttime paid-on-call firefighter with the City of Watertown in 1993 and became a paramedic in 1997.  He briefly left Watertown to start as a full-time firefighter with the City of Kaukauna and returned to the area in 2000 as a firefighter and paramedic in Watertown.  He was promoted to assistant chief and EMS director in 2008 and promoted to fire chief in 2017.  

 

Under Biefeld’s supervision the fire department was able to achieve an Insurance Service Office (ISO) score of two which falls into the top 3% of fire department in the nation.  The ISO provides this score, often called the “ISO fire score,” to homeowners insurance companies.  Insurers then use it to help set homeowners’ insurance rates.  The lower the number the better equipped a municipal fire department is to put out a fire, the less likely one’s house is to burn down.  Biefeld was also instrumental in updating the city emergency action plan and creating the continuity of operations plan (COOP) that helped provide guidance to the city during the start of the COVID pandemic.

 

Biefeld said his most memorable calls during his career at the Watertown Fire Department included the massive tire fi re in 2005 which burned for weeks with plumes of its smoke seen in the City of Milwaukee, the flooding in 2008, the train derailment in 2015, and the rain/flooding event in 2018 were all events he didn’t forget.

 

Biefeld has served his community through his fire service, but also through volunteering with the Boy Scouts and as a board member for Leadership Wisconsin.  He also serves as secretary/treasurer for the Jefferson County Fire Chiefs Association, Jefferson County EMS Association president, Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Commission chairperson, Mutual Aid Box Alarm System trainer, and MABAS Policy and Procedures Committee chairperson.

 

Biefeld won’t take part in the creation of a new Watertown fire station, which council members agreed in June to spend $18,500 of its budgeted funds to plan and design the public safety building.

 

Biefeld retirement video tribute:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=667312311228341&ref=sharing

 

 

02 01       PATRICK “PAT” J. THEDER

       August 20, 1945 - February 1, 2022

A person sitting at a desk

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Patrick “Pat” J. Theder, 76, of Watertown, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Select Specialty Hospital in Milwaukee.

 

Patrick John Theder was born on August 20, 1945 in Watertown, the son of Peter and Betty (nee Crouch) Theder.  He was a 1963 graduate of Watertown High School.  He served in the United States Marine Corp.  On April 12, 1969, he married Pamela Griep at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Watertown.  Pat had been employed as a firefighter and EMT, starting with the Watertown Fire Department in 1967. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1978 and then promoted to captain in 1995.  After he retired from the fire department in 1998, he was the Jefferson County Coroner for 18 years.  Pat was a member of the Marine Corp League, the VFW and American Legion Post 189.  He loved spending time at his lake home with friends.

 

Pat is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pam Theder; daughters, Wendy (Tony) Cataldo, Heidi Theder, and Naddy (Danny) DeWitz; granddaughters, Alicia, Brittney, Kiersten, and Molly; great-grandchildren, Aiden, James, Arabella, Ciara, and Journi; siblings, Mike (Karen) Theder and Susan (Gary) Reynolds; as well as other relatives and friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and great-granddaughter, Galiana.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family.

 

02 02       615 N. FOURTH ST. HOUSE FIRE

The Watertown Fire Department responded today to a call to 615 N. Fourth Street in the City of Watertown for a house with a large amount of smoke coming from it.  Fire units arrived on scene shortly after the call to find the house with an active fire and requested help from neighboring fire departments.  The sole occupant was just returning home at the time the fire was reported, and with help from Watertown Police, was given a warm place to stay during the time of the fire.  The occupant denied any smoke inhalation or injuries at that time.  Arriving units entered the house and were able to have the fire suppressed within 12 minutes of being on scene.  Watertown Fire Department and mutual aid units stayed on scene for roughly 1.5 hours for overhaul.

 

The cause of the fire was investigated by the Watertown Fire Department fire investigator and deemed to be accidental with the probable cause being paper product too close to a heat vent pipe.  The damage to the house is estimated to be over $42,500 and is extensive.  There are no reported injuries from the fire.

 

The Watertown Fire Department requested help through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS). The following units arrived on scene to assist; Waterloo, Johnson Creek, CLR, Lebanon, and Hustisford.

 

-- --           YEARS OF SERVICE

Kreilkamp, Scott G:  30 Years

Heimerl, Robert A:  10 Years

Peters, Andrea L:  10 Years

Brant, Joshua P:  5 Years

 

02 21       BRANDON WOJNOWSKI BIO

A picture containing person, outdoor, nature

Description automatically generated  

Brandon Wojnowski, aka "Wojo," began working for WFD in March of 2015.  Brandon grew up in Muskego WI.  His father was a firefighter and Brandon grew up around the fire department.  He always loved his father's passion for helping others and making a difference in people's lives, that's why Brandon became a firefighter.  Brandon's hobbies include deer and duck hunting, fishing, riding his Harley and traveling.  Brandon currently has a fiancé, Lindsay, and they have a dog named Bailey.  Brandon loves that this job involves being able to make a difference in people's lives and that he has so much fun doing it.  Brandon says that some of the most memorable moments of his career came during his probationary year.  During that year he was able to respond to many unique incidents, those incidents included structure fires, plane crashes and a train derailment.

 

04 09       STRUCTURE FIRE CLAIMS LIFE

The WFD was dispatched to a call at Watertown East Apartments located at 1153 Boughton St at 3:49 a.m. for an apartment with a large amount of smoke coming from it.  The fire was called in by another tenant at the apartment complex.

 

Fire units arrived on scene shortly after the call to find an apartment building with smoke coming from one of the apartment units.  There was a report of possible victims in the fire. The arriving units made entry to the apartment and started a search and were able to knock down any fire.  The Watertown Police Department was able to determine that some of the occupants were able to self-evacuate and that there were possibly more occupants inside the apartment complex.  A fire victim was found in the apartment unit and was transported to the Watertown Regional Medical Center and later succumbed to injuries.  The fire was contained to the apartment unit

 

The State Fire Marshall has been called to help investigate this fire with the support of the Watertown Police Department and the Watertown Fire Department Fire Investigator. The cause of the fire is not known at this time and is being investigated. The damage to the unit was extensive and is estimated to be over $30,000 in damage. The Red Cross was called for the displaced occupants.

 

The Watertown Fire Department requested help through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) and the following units arrived on scene to assist; Ixonia, Waterloo, Johnson Creek, CLR, Lebanon, and Lake Mills EMS.

 

There were no working smoke detectors present in the apartment.

 

04 25       ALEX BRAUNSCHWEIG, & JADEN SCULLY SWEARING IN

A group of people standing next to a firetruck

Description automatically generated with medium confidence     < scroll forward

 

05 05       TRAVIS TEESCH NEW FIRE CHIEF

A person wearing a military uniform

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Travis Teesch will be the city’s new chief of fire and emergency operations, replacing Kraig Biefeld, who retired.

 

Teesch comes to Watertown from his former position as assistant fire chief in Kaukauna, where he served since August of 1999.

 

Teesch holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in fire and emergency response management and a Master of Science in administration from the University of South Dakota. 

 

In addition to his long-term employment as assistant chief in Kaukauna, Teesch has also served as an adjunct instructor at Fox Valley Technical College, was a State of Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board member from 2003 to 2009 and is the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 127 secretary, serving from 2017 to present.

 

Teesch will begin his new role in the City of Watertown on June 7, 2022.  Deputy Chief Anthony Rauterberg will serve as acting chief in the interim.

 

05 07       CONTROLLED BURN

A picture containing outdoor, fire, ground, hydrant

Description automatically generated

The Watertown Fire Department held a training burn with area departments that included Clyman, Lowell, Reeseville (CLR) and Waterloo.  Burning in acquired structures allows firefighters the opportunity to see the process and changes of fire behavior and how the heat in the room changes in various conditions.  These trainings provide knowledge and repetition of tactics to properly prepare firefighters to the conditions they could face on any given day.

 

05 17       HONORED FOR SAVING A LIFE

At the Common Council meeting a group of firefighter/paramedics were honored for saving a life on scene.  Battalion Chief Chad Butler, Lieutenant Greg Wellach, Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Brant, Firefighter/Paramedic Cory Schultz, Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Esmeier, Firefighter/Paramedic Alex Braunschweig, EMT Advanced student Brett Meints.  Firefighter/Paramedic Cory Schultz also received commendation for his commitment to community CPR education and his dedication to the citizens of Watertown

 

06 08       EX-CHIEF BUTTS SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS

A picture containing text, person

Description automatically generated 

CORDELE, Georgia — Former Watertown Fire Department Chief Henry Butts, who will turn 58 in July, will spend at least the next 25 years in Georgia state prison after being convicted on multiple sex offenses in that state.  As part of a plea agreement in late May, Butts entered pleas of guilty to six counts of aggravated sodomy, and one count each of aggravated sexual battery and sexual exploitation of children.

 

10 28       STRUCTURE FIRE AT 300 LAUREN LANE

On October 28th at 3:43 pm the Watertown Fire Department received a call from Watertown Police Dispatch Center for a report of a garage fire at 300 Lauren Lane.

 

Prior to arrival, crews could see heavy smoke in the sky and requested a MABAS Box Alarm to the Working Still level bringing in additional fire/EMS units and command staff to the scene.  Upon arrival, fire department personnel found an attached garage with heavy fire showing and dark smoke coming from the eves of the townhouse.

 

Firefighters used 2 attack hose lines to start extinguishing the fire and prevent it from spreading to the adjacent townhomes.  Crews then went interior and extinguished any fire inside the structure.  There were working smoke detectors within the units.  All occupants were outside of the affected townhouse.  An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.  No injuries were reported.  The Red Cross is assisting the residents affected by the fire.

 

Fire damage estimates are about $180,000.

 

11 01       AUTUMN STEGGALL  /  New Firefighter/Paramedic

A picture containing person

Description automatically generated

 

12 09       100 WESTERN AVENUE FIRE

          THREE FATALITIES

A picture containing outdoor, snow, sky, tree

Description automatically generated 

The Watertown Fire & Police Departments, along with the State Fire Marshall are actively investigating a fire that occurred in the 100 Block of Western Ave.

 

Police and Fire personnel were dispatched at approximately 12:36am for a reported house fire. 

 

Upon arrival the home was engulfed in flames, and personnel were informed that residents were still trapped inside.

 

Firefighters attempted to rescue the victims, but were driven back by the intense heat, smoke, and flames.

 

Firefighters worked inside and outside to extinguish the blaze.

The Police Department can confirm that three victims lost their lives in the fire. The Police and Fire department will not be releasing the names or ages of the victims at this time.

 

The cause of the fire is under active investigation as personnel continue to process the scene.

 

Assisting agencies include; Fire agencies responding through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Fire Marshalls office.

 

12 25       W3855 EBENEZER DR 

On December 25th, Christmas Day, at 10:59 pm the Watertown Fire Department received a call from Jefferson County Dispatch Center for a report of a fire at W3855 Ebenezer Drive.

 

Prior to arrival, crews requested a MABAS Box Alarm to the Box Level bringing in additional fire/EMS units and command staff to the scene.  Crews could see a glow from the fire while responding.  Upon arrival, the engine company found an approximately 120 x 60 metal barn that was well involved.

 

Firefighters used multiple attack hose lines and provided a defensive attack while protecting nearby buildings from catching on fire as well.  About 28,000 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire.  All staff were accounted for and no injuries were reported.  An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

 

Fire damage estimates are unknown at this time.

 

The Watertown Fire Department was assisted on the scene by Jefferson County Sheriffs Department, Lake Mills Fire, Lake Mills EMS, Johnson Creek Fire, Waterloo Fire, Jefferson Fire, Lebanon Fire, and CLR Fire (Clyman, Lowell, Reeseville), Ashippun Fire, Ixonia Fire, Juneau EMS, Sullivan Fire, Columbus Fire, Cambridge Fire, and Western Lakes Rehab Unit.  Western Lakes EMS and Hustisford Fire Department provided coverage at the station during this incident.

 

___ 2023 __________________

02 06       CARLOS WALDSCHMIDT

A picture containing bus, person, outdoor, transport

Description automatically generated 

New hire firefighter/paramedic Carlos Waldschmidt.  Carlos worked his first shift today, assigned to B crew.

 

02 22       DESIGN BID FOR NEW FIRE STATION APPROVED

Watertown Common Council members voted to hire Short Elliot Hendrickson of Madison at a cost of $547,580 to design the city’s new fire station.  The current station stands at 17,268 square feet, and it’s no longer suitable for the department’s needs and not cost effective to renovate.  Current station lacks adequate space for our apparatus and our firefighters, proper areas for conducting training, performing maintenance or decontamination equipment and gear.

 

The new fire station will be constructed off Church Street, west of the Able Light Thrift shop.  The piece of land is a 7.6-acre plot near 621 Bernard and 668 Johnson streets, but does not yet have a designated address.  The city purchased the land for the fire station in late 2022 using fund balance money, meaning that no money was borrowed to buy the plot.  The estimated cost of the fire station is between $11-$13 million.          WDTimes article   

 

WFD_FACILITY_CONCEPT_STUDY  < pdf file

 

03 02       DENNIS "DENNY" SCHRAMM (1939-2023)

A picture containing text, necktie, wearing, person

Description automatically generated

April 3, 1939 - March 2, 2023  <>  Dennis "Denny" M. Schramm, 84, of Watertown was called to his new home.  He had endured his struggle with Parkinson's disease and other ailments for 10 years.  He became a firefighter on January 1, 1968, promoted to Lieutenant in 1975 and Captain in 1978. He was EMT and served as the department's training officer. His job was something he was proud of and enjoyed for 24 years.         WDTimes obit 

 

09 29       1220 AMERICAN WAY / COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE BLAZE

A commercial structure fire on Friday afternoon sent one person to the hospital and caused nearly $125,000 in damages.  Watertown Fire Department crews were called at 2:12 p.m. Friday for a report of a fire at The Roller Specialist, 1220 American Way.  When firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming from an open garage door.  An employee used a fire extinguisher to control the spread of the fire until emergency crews arrived.  The investigation revealed that the fire originated from hot embers after the use of machinery.  Loss estimates are $125,000 for the building, equipment and other contents inside the building.

 

The Roller Specialist, which was founded in 1994, is one of the Midwest’s industrial and printing roller custom shop.  The business has approximately 50 employees and custom manufactures rollers for industries across the U.S.

 

___ 2024 __________________

01 26       211 N. MAPLE St, Structure Fire

On January 26, 2024, at 8:30 pm, the Watertown Fire Department responded to a call from the Jefferson County Dispatch Center reporting a fire at 211 N. Maple Street.

 

Prior to our arrival, automatic aid was initiated, elevating the incident to a MABAS Box Working Still Level.  Upon arrival, the ambulance crew discovered a detached garage with flames visible.  The engine company conducted a thorough walk-around of the garage, revealing flames on all four sides with exposures.  Firefighters effectively utilized two attack hose lines, leading to a swift extinguishment of the fire.  Approximately 2,000 gallons of water and 5 gallons of foam were used in the firefighting effort. All occupants and staff were safely accounted for, and no injuries were reported.

 

03 13       TANYA REYNEN APPOINTED FIRE CHIEF

Reynen’s career in public service spans nearly two decades, marked by significant contributions and achievements.  Most recently, she served as the Deputy Chief of Training Center at Lake Country Fire Rescue, where she spearheaded innovative initiatives and fostered a culture of excellence.  Prior to her tenure at Lake Country Fire Rescue, Reynen served in various capacities including as a paid on call Firefighter/Paramedic at Western Lakes Fire District, an adjunct Fire/EMS instructor at Waukesha County Technical College, and as a Firefighter/Paramedic at Watertown Fire Department and Town of Brookfield Fire Department.

 

Chief Reynen will take command of the department in April. A public swearing-in ceremony will be held at that time.

 

 

 

        < PORTFOLIO OF PICS

 

 

 

THIS CHAPTER IS A WORK IN PROGRESS

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

1900-1999 section   Other Segments   Return to beginning  

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Cross References:

Fuermann Brewery; Fire Department occupies former site of brewery.

 

Special Police.   The Watertown Historical Society collection has a picture of seventeen "Special Police of the Watertown Fire Department."  The men were all Civil War veterans and appear to be wearing military hats.  They were led by Capt. Leonard Jaehrling.  He came to Watertown from Germany for a time, then went to New York, where he joined a Civil War detachment as a captain.  He was sent to Watertown as a recruiting officer and remained here after the war.  He formed this group of aides to the fire department.

 

 

 

 

 

150 year history book now available in ebook format

 

 

Early badge [of John 'Put' [“Putt”] Reichardt (Reichert)

 

The Watertown Fire Department: 1857-2007

 

Front cover                         Back cover 

Index to book

Review of book

 

492 pages, $19.95 + $7 s/h if applicable

 

The 150 year history of the Watertown Fire Department is now available.  This comprehensive reference book is filled with images and details on the history of the department, fully indexed and also documents the major fires that have occurred in the city.

 

All proceeds derived from the sale of this book go to benefit the Watertown Historical Society.  Those wishing to order copies, which make fine gifts, may do so by sending their check of this amount to the Watertown Historical Society, 919 Charles St., Watertown, WI  53094.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents 

History of Watertown, Wisconsin

Index