Milwaukee Fire Chief discusses new mental health initiative for firefighters

This month’s issue of Milwaukee Magazine features a profile of Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski and the challenges the fire department is grappling with. Lipski, a fourth-generation Milwaukee firefighter, took the top spot in 2021 when the department was at a tipping point. He says staffing shortages have left firefighters overworked and exhausted as stations respond to an unprecedented volume of emergency calls. Lake Effect’s Xcaret Nuñez spoke with Lipski about what the fire department is doing to help address those issues — including the recent rollout of a new mental health initiative. The danger brought by rushing into a fire is well known. But what else does the job of a firefighter consist of? Many people aren't as aware — they’re becoming more aware — but they’re not as aware of what we do.
WUWM-FM 89.7 Milwaukee

Coming full circle: Oconomowoc woman named Watertown fire chief after starting career in department

Being sworn in as the new chief of the Watertown Fire Department felt like a sort-of homecoming for Oconomowoc resident Tanya Reynen. Having started her fulltime firefighting career at the Jefferson County department, Reynen said she developed many strong relationships, but chose to expand her experiences and opted to work on other departments as well. In the past few years she has served on Western Lakes Fire District, Lake Country Fire and Rescue and the Town of Brookfield Fire Department. As a fifth-generation firefighter and the first unofficial female chief of the Watertown Fire Department, to say that Reynen is passionate about making a difference could be considered an understatement. "I really look forward to being on the department and to help to keep growing and to support the members," Reynen said.
Greater Milwaukee Today - Metered Site

Green Bay electrical fire leaves 2 without a home, causes $90,000 in damage

Authorities in Green Bay say two people are without a home after an early Thursday morning fire caused an estimated $90,000 in damages. According to a release from the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, crews responded at 4:08 a.m. to reports of a house fire on 1229 Marquette Avenue. Once on scene, firefighters say all residents safely evacuated and they were able to see smoke coming from the one-story home. Officials say they worked quickly to put out the fire which was contained to just the attic of the home. In total, the fire resulted in about $90,000, however, no injuries were reported from the residents or the fire crews. The Green Bay Metro Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire started in the attic near the home’s front door and its cause was reported to be electrical.
WFRV-TV CBS 5 Green Bay

VIDEO: Passerby and Kenosha police officers rescue man from fire

Kenosha police officers and a brave passerby saved a man in a wheelchair from a burning building Thursday night. Kenosha police Officer Danielle Moore's body camera captured her running toward the house engulfed in flames near 69th Street and 57th Avenue just before 9 p.m. A man outside the home told her that there are still people inside the attached garage. "We got people that need help," the man, a resident of the home, said. Moore runs in and finds a man on the ground trying to get into a wheelchair. Next to him is Ellie Serrano, who was driving by and saw the fire, then ran into the building to help. "I pulled out the first guy — pulled him all the way out of the garage. And then, Officer Moore showed up as I was trying to get the second guy into the wheelchair," Serrano said. The two women were battling intense heat and choking on smoke.
WISN-TV ABC 12 Milwaukee

Waterford structure fire; crews face unexpected water supply challenge

PHOTO: Firefighters battling a structure fire in the Town of Waterford late Tuesday, May 7 had to deal with an unexpected water supply challenge. Emergency crews were dispatched to the home on High Drive in Waterford just before 10 p.m. Tuesday. Kansasville Fire & Rescue Department (KFRD) provided assistance to several other departments battling the fire. The water supply challenge caused for the Mutual Aid Box Alarm to be escalated to a second alarm. Kansasville firefighters responded to the scene with a tender carrying 3600 gallons of water to support the fire suppression efforts. The Racine County Fire Investigation Task Force was called to the scene.
WITI-TV FOX 6 Milwaukee

Higher demand seen in Eau Claire emergency departments

For more than a month, healthcare workers in the area have been working to maintain the same level of care in the Chippewa Valley as there are now only two emergency departments. Now, care is still being provided in the region, with some adjustments. “We have to work together so they get us back on the road,” Jon Schultz, the Eau Claire Fire Rescue Deputy Chief, said. First responders and healthcare staff are pulling together in the wake of hospital closures in the Chippewa Valley. “The hospitals have been doing a great job of getting us in and out as ambulances,” Jason Thom, the Fire Chief for Chippewa Falls Fire and Emergency Services, said. “Our wait time is minimal.” Thom said transport times have gone up, but that was expected with emergency departments based in Eau Claire.
WEAU-TV NBC 13 Eau Claire