Trending Topics

New Wis. fire chief revives department with EMS-focused recruitment

Port Edwards’ first responders-only program has increased membership by focusing on those who do not want firefighter training

PORT EDWARDS, Wis. — The Port Edwards Fire Department is making a comeback less than a year after mass resignations threw it into crisis, the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune reported.

To boost membership, new Fire Chief Dustin Lease introduced a first responders-only program, allowing individuals to serve exclusively in EMS without firefighter training.

Since most of the department’s calls are for ambulance services, Lease said it makes sense to welcome volunteers who are solely interested in the medical side of operations.

Less than a year ago, Port Edwards residents were uncertain about the future of their fire department after 11 members, including the fire chief, resigned due to conflicts with the Village Board.

Approximately eight months after the Port Edwards Police and Fire Commission appointed Lease as chief, the department has expanded from nine to 22 members.

Beyond recruitment, Lease has prioritized shifting the culture within the Port Edwards Fire Department, aiming to make it more inclusive and community-focused. Traditionally seen as a men’s club, he envisions a more family-friendly environment where members actively engage with the community.

To foster interest among young people, Lease plans to establish a public service club in Port Edwards schools and launch a cadet program at the fire department in partnership with John Edwards High School. Through these initiatives, he hopes to inspire high school students to consider volunteering with their local fire department.

Trending
Authorities credit the PennSTAR pilot for not crashing into any homes
EMS Captain Alison Russo-Elling, a 9/11 first responder nearing retirement, was attacked near her Queens station while on a food break
Four people were airlifted to hospitals after a boat crashed into the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys
A man mowing near an abandoned building in Eastland, Texas, crashed his truck after being swarmed by bees from a disturbed hive

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.