Mayor Kuhn honors Steve Winch with proclamation for EMS service in Middleton

The City of Middleton is set to honor a dedicated public servant as the Common Council declared June 13, 2025, as "Chief Winch Day" in recognition of Steve Winch's remarkable 31-year tenure as the city's emergency medical services chief. Mayor Emily Kuhn led the proclamation, highlighting Winch's extensive contributions to the community and his pivotal role in transforming the EMS department from a volunteer organization into a fully operational career service.

Winch began his journey in emergency services as a teenager in 1978 with the Haven Volunteer Fire Department, inspired by his father's commitment to local volunteer efforts. Over the years, he has overseen a significant increase in service calls, from 300 annually to nearly 3,000, while managing large-scale emergencies and mass casualty incidents with professionalism and care.

The proclamation also acknowledged Winch's collaborative efforts with local, state, and county agencies in various emergency management initiatives, including active shooter protocols and incident command systems. His mentorship and guidance have positively impacted many colleagues in the field.

As Winch prepares for retirement, the council expressed gratitude for his dedicated service and wished him well in his future adventures, including travels in his custom Winnebago. The proclamation was unanimously adopted during the council's regular meeting, marking a significant moment in Middleton's commitment to honoring its public safety leaders.