[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6392052,"mediaKeyId","2110517-c29b1658b305a68a5100f0041a632d31","parentId",2110517,"title","Port Washington announces training, school safety steps, smoke‑detector program and small grants for EMS tools","audioSeconds",1723,"startMs",739000,"endMs",2462000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110517-c29b1658b305a68a5100f0041a632d31&start=739&end=2462","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110517-c29b1658b305a68a5100f0041a632d31/thumbnail_739000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6392052/Port-Washington/Ozaukee-County/Wisconsin/Port-Washington-announces-training-school-safety-steps-smokedetector-program-and-small-grants-for-EMS-tools","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392052-ffe4224a4c5485c05e4c2a2c913cbd65/orig.mp4?Expires=1777248333&Signature=G40ubIZeNe8sZ84RhHH~3bDja-QrdzSACN2oifdkfnpgJj~hcubqiHJZXuJg8gEPray8qP5uhOpLf3M9pLEJ7CgM0SBrsGjMqdp0yeMCt2Qx2uZc0kjKO3rryO-nei8Q6ZLxRgSbPsImNRVAPm3a13Xgr7tgAFW7gD8A2TeIjwh5E0KeDHyx6KYwebWwFi6BOaMCT-e85qtdIxZMz2~0O6lPUmxkLae8ool0KNNU0yMi0RoIEEzDDu8hwyx~VxYgocI3BMEzTHN7sUSElboeyojxUfVsHZ1WfudihI8ZO6Nuw50qGBPyCMwshdknS45LWHV4iUI7xGV77nqrf7ZNbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-14T02:01:03Z","article","Police and fire chiefs outlined training and community safety initiatives at the Jan. 13 Police and Fire Commission meeting.

Police Chief Hingis described upcoming MILO scenario training at the Cedarburg Police Department on Jan. 29–30, a simulator for decision‑making and de‑escalation that the department will later have in the new police facility. He invited commissioners to observe or participate and provided contact instructions for scheduling. Hingis also said Lieutenant Nye is organizing a Citizens Academy for late winter or early spring, with a suggested session size of about 10 people because of the hands‑on elements.

On school safety, chiefs said they had met with the school district that day to review safety plans, discuss a memorandum of understanding to link camera systems with Ozaki dispatch and plan “stop the bleed” training for all school staff on Jan. 27 in two one‑hour sessions (11 a.m.–noon and noon–1 p.m.). Instructors will include fire department personnel, Port Washington police, the sheriff's department and medical direction staff from Ascension.

The Fire and EMS Association, led by ambulance driver David Luft, is developing a community smoke‑detector program to purchase and install combination smoke/carbon monoxide units for single‑family homes that cannot afford or install them; an application process for residents is expected within a month.

Chief DeBoer said the department received a grant from the Kelman Cares Foundation for just under $1,000 to place forcible‑entry tools on ambulances after an incident showed existing tools were inadequate. DeBoer also summarized recent fire calls and mutual aid responses and noted a house fire and a multi‑vehicle crash that required Flight for Life transport for two patients.

Chiefs provided a public‑safety‑building update: contracts are under review, bids are being prepared, and council will receive a presentation by Bray at the Jan. 21 meeting with updated budget information. Staff posted a revised FAQ and a working‑session link on department social channels and said tours of the new building are available by appointment.

No formal actions were taken; the item was informational and centered on scheduling and small grants.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025 01 13 City of Port Washington, WI Police and Fire Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Police and fire chiefs gave updates on officer training (MILO), Citizens Academy, school safety and ‘stop the bleed’ sessions; the Fire & EMS Association plans a community smoke‑detector program and the department received a small Kelman Cares Foundation grant for forcible‑entry tools.","taxTitle","Port Washington, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin","taxId",70176,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6392055,"Port Washington fire department fills referendum‑funded roles, revises command structure and onboarding",124,1814000,1938000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110517-c29b1658b305a68a5100f0041a632d31&start=1814&end=1938","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110517-c29b1658b305a68a5100f0041a632d31/thumbnail_1814000.jpg","/articles/6392055/Port-Washington/Ozaukee-County/Wisconsin/Port-Washington-fire-department-fills-referendumfunded-roles-revises-command-structure-and-onboarding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392055-0a1ca6b72c01b1a3675618b0b9025440/orig.mp4?Expires=1777248333&Signature=H423u6dfex3VnzrxEsQCw~1WctFlpxSzQF05DNm~hwtBZPJkCC64lwhgYVzozkpG5T-QR4OhN4svuP6qVKURPzcpe5qNVtZUCa-iQ8JDkPTCJmjsaQIuh~az3SszHxcaiOSSW0MYJQNxqCrRsl~4VS6oGeRHYvjt4b-ckx7wK5idu0SfUauNfCYSquATATdZaA2NveDFGg5d59~rHc0vQxhoHLnjXtEbNNDYQIjk9bYaIrA-6NLCE8nN3TaOUV5~fM~dXABtq--FI6deuV5IfIIb12tZaBMf5hMJyhTLadgjsIwY9aSmqPzIOpwpzjQYIh6tOTnMB2U9XlaTkOUGLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Port Washington fire and emergency medical services reported new hires, a resignation and organizational changes at the Police and Fire Commission meeting on Jan. 13.

Fire Chief DeBoer said probationary firefighter Zachary Cox resigned after not completing Firefighter I certification. Chief DeBoer reported the department has filled all referendum‑funded full‑time positions but had one member resign to pursue education. New hires and promotions include Bethany Price and Benedict Beck (lieutenant‑paramedic positions), promotions for Cameron Karstead, and firefighter‑paramedic hires Peter Newman and Brad Wachter. Two internal candidates — firefighter‑paramedic McKenna Ferry and firefighter‑paramedic Jacob Hodorff — accepted full‑time positions; the swearing‑in will occur at the Jan. 21 common council meeting at 6:30 p.m., with a reception to follow at the fire station.

Chief DeBoer said the department revised its orientation and onboarding materials to create a general department orientation packet with subchapters (firefighting, EMS, special teams, dive, driver/operator). Each section includes checklists, mentor supervision and a written protocol exam. On the approach to verifying outside experience, a chief summarized the intent as “trust but verify,” saying even experienced hires must demonstrate working knowledge of department protocols and equipment before release to solo duty.

The department reorganized officer responsibilities to give clearer ownership of training and community risk reduction; a vacant deputy chief position will be posted toward the end of January with the department hoping to have a hire by about March. Two lieutenant positions remain vacant but will be held open until additional firefighters are added to allow internal promotion without creating gaps. The department plans gradual phase‑out of one EMS‑only lieutenant position currently held by Sam Lorge when operational needs and staffing permit.

Chief DeBoer said many of the revised orientation and special‑teams materials are being built or vetted and that driver‑operator and special‑teams sections are in active development. No formal personnel actions were taken at the commission meeting; chiefs reported staffing status and posted‑job plans for council and HR processes.","The fire department reported hires and promotions that filled referendum‑funded positions, a resignation, revised orientation checklists for new hires, and plans to post a vacant deputy chief job with an expected start around March.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6392061,"Port Washington first responders recognized after on‑scene resuscitation",298,131000,429000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110517-c29b1658b305a68a5100f0041a632d31&start=131&end=429","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110517-c29b1658b305a68a5100f0041a632d31/thumbnail_131000.jpg","/articles/6392061/Port-Washington/Ozaukee-County/Wisconsin/Port-Washington-first-responders-recognized-after-onscene-resuscitation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392061-5849c7d0c9eb36027b42cbbdb2fc2593/orig.mp4?Expires=1777248333&Signature=b3XZq6lnYlEjUuMTrMlW1ZtA4YB9r6D8qdEk3bPLPRWDy-MOHogNdKyCWR8ycGpV2Jfe3q9TwoBdrW~MKSuBz3z6oUXFlT1b7bvExVdsIZQBmVQQKlev4RhgSxcl4mfBbzB7HR79IP00684oRxABumepWkCOS0sczAQcS2ZhTbNgxBiXs2gck21L8t~Vf7WYKS7OHLp3t2dksdTV4KshD3W3AlM-aHGzgRnbIEF3tR6SyNp-yQLjtdJIf-GfFv3Y0cuAH-3~Gvnp-WY~HbaGWHOCuISnu5~IxGB5SG3c6jTxBjgtp3pTskuc9ZYufnNjXvt2wZMkIseeUwX8aWRvJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Port Washington firefighters, paramedics and police officers were publicly recognized at the Jan. 13 Police and Fire Commission meeting after a September 26 response that revived an unconscious man.

Fire Chief DeBoer reviewed the call: an ambulance was dispatched to a Grand Avenue home where the patient, later identified as James Cyrils, arrived home from work and then became unresponsive. Responders began CPR with law enforcement assistance, defibrillated the patient and administered advanced cardiac‑life‑support medications about five minutes into the event. The patient regained a pulse and was transported to Aurora Grafton Emergency Department.

Chief DeBoer introduced the responders the commission invited to the meeting: firefighter‑paramedics McKenna Ferry and Jordan Laboy; EMTs Didi Humphreys and Nick Kelly; and police officers Gatlin Vom, Tony Becker and Jordan Cook. James Cyrils attended the meeting and spoke briefly, saying, “Without them, I wouldn't be here.”

Commissioners and chiefs used the recognition to highlight teamwork and to note the broader need for adequate staffing in fire and EMS services, saying timely response can make the difference between life and death. No formal actions were taken; the meeting included a public recognition and thanks to the responding personnel.","A local man who collapsed on Grand Avenue in September returned to the Jan. 13 Police and Fire Commission meeting to publicly thank firefighters, paramedics and police officers who helped save his life.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6392065,"Port Washington PFC starts mental‑health initiative for first responders",1494,26000,1520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110517-c29b1658b305a68a5100f0041a632d31&start=26&end=1520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110517-c29b1658b305a68a5100f0041a632d31/thumbnail_26000.jpg","/articles/6392065/Port-Washington/Ozaukee-County/Wisconsin/Port-Washington-PFC-starts-mentalhealth-initiative-for-first-responders","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392065-4753ceedcda2daa16947928674c6ec32/orig.mp4?Expires=1777248333&Signature=GxHfRt7XANEcVUKWzLy28K-0kpWS306EToEmNxZaSXj1Gmdl6KDRKZRexM0ZHS-2XSRVmUFm~lQvO8MIV4lNkPuuH9GXcQ9GLstl5yZdiR38QCcZdTeYn3pkk9nyb6XEobz62iAPz~0ZQ6l4Qcn71HPB6x8lywpr9OmDxr1KAM6SGC3CecXUgDSzUpWf5TdLAAnXVxwBb3q3N3v6t3xDuZnAdEuSPC4HY68CxfS394tG4FOb2fZ90~Flqsquw0GgOoikNE9likFeBR0j2AiHxxr~jxXk4X7~uIE35jeqxX8U9W05xrknjv-lB-Wzb45a7vAXi2I56kYp~aPRGtoXHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Washington Police and Fire Commission on Jan. 13 said it will begin a mental‑health initiative to catalog available resources for police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel and to raise awareness among department staff.

Commissioner (name not specified), who opened the discussion, said the commission was “shocked … to learn that we don't have some very formal ways of dealing with mental health issues with our departments,” and that the commission has asked two members to lead the effort.

The initiative will include an inventory of existing programs and a planned presentation by Doctor Gregory Burick of the Medical College of Wisconsin on BRAVE, a program he leads for veterans and first responders. Joe (Commissioner), who outlined the next steps, said, “One is awareness of what we already have … we're working with Melissa on that to be sure that everybody's aware of resources that are available,” and that the BRAVE presentation would likely be scheduled for the February or March meeting and “we'd probably open it up to the county and other first responders as well.”

Commissioners and chiefs discussed current supports already in place: a city employee assistance program; critical incident debriefs held after traumatic calls; a county peer‑support team with trained members; and the law enforcement death response team that assists departments after an on‑duty death. The commission noted that Officer Vitela attended peer‑support training in 2024 and that peer‑support team members are selected and trained by county programs.

Speakers also referenced outside organizations and programs that may be available to responders, including Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) and the First Reach Foundation. On whether services extend to retired officers, the transcript records that the employee assistance program is not available to retirees and that the availability for retirees would require further inquiry.

The commission framed the initiative as an awareness and coordination effort rather than as policy adoption: commissioners asked staff and chiefs to identify manuals, mutual‑aid options and training opportunities to compile a clear picture of what is available to active personnel. No formal policy change or vote occurred during the meeting; the item was an advisory direction to gather information and host informational programming.

The commission said more details, including a confirmed date for the BRAVE presentation, will be released after chiefs and staff coordinate schedules.","The Port Washington Police and Fire Commission announced a new initiative to map existing mental‑health resources for department personnel and to host an outside presentation about a veterans/first‑responder program from the Medical College of Wisconsin.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Port Washington announces training, school safety steps, smoke‑detector program and small grants for EMS tools

Port Washington fire department fills referendum‑funded roles, revises command structure and onboarding

Port Washington first responders recognized after on‑scene resuscitation

Port Washington PFC starts mental‑health initiative for first responders