Fire Chief Joel Pubmeracker reported to the Village of Menomonee Falls Board of Trustees on Oct. 6 that call volumes are up year to date, driven in part by recent flooding and community growth.

Pubmeracker said the department was 168 calls higher than the same point last year. Emergency medical responses remain the largest category. He identified station 98 on Main Street as the busiest, with station 99 (Lily Road) close behind and station 97 described as the fastest-growing residential area. The department recorded mutual-aid requests in which 85 incidents were requested and 23 were canceled en route, Pubmeracker said.

To address demand, the department has increased weekday peak staffing, putting an extra ambulance in service between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Pubmeracker said the department does not use peak staffing on weekends. He reported full staffing of career positions after converting two part-time members to full time and hiring six part-time candidates (five dual-certified, one EMS only). A battalion chief vacancy will be filled through internal promotion, and clerical staffing remains below the authorized 1.5 positions, he said.

Pubmeracker reviewed training and preparedness activities: cross-training on large residential structures (including a parade-of-homes tour to familiarize crews with floor plans), joint planning with county departments on active-assailant rescue task forces, and an assessment of swift-water rescue gear after recent river rescues. He described a near-miss during the flooding response: the department’s use of certain cold-water suits and rope in strong river forces produced unexpected load and a rope failure; Pubmeracker said the department is reconsidering equipment and techniques to avoid placing rescuers at risk.

On equipment, Pubmeracker said the department plans replacements for electric positive-pressure fans, and coordinated AED replacements so devices used by police, the fire department and municipal buildings will be compatible. He said Waukesha County Communications is planning a group radio purchase in the next two years and Menomonee Falls intends to participate.

Pubmeracker also said the department performed community events including national night out and an open house; six new part-time personnel were sworn in. He noted two recent deaths of retired department members, Fred Scribe and Donny Scholtes, and said the department would recognize river rescue and other efforts at a rescheduled awards ceremony Nov. 8.

There was no formal board action tied to the presentation; the report was informational and included time for trustees’ questions.