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Fire chief reports 3,351 calls year-to-date, outlines staffing and training plans
Summary
Fire Chief Paul Macker told the Village of Menomonee Falls board that the department has responded to 3,351 calls year-to-date, is completing hiring to fill authorized positions, and is rolling out training and community programs including a Citizens Fire Academy and mobile integrated health services.
Fire Chief Paul Macker told the Village of Menomonee Falls Board of Trustees on Aug. 4 that the fire department has handled 3,351 calls so far this year and is on track to maintain response levels while implementing staffing and program changes.
Macker said the department is authorized for 43 career positions and expects to extend conditional offers in August with new hires likely starting in September. "We are authorized 43... I say that we're at full staff right now," he said, adding that one battalion chief announced a retirement effective in August and that the department is adjusting its command structure after recent promotions, including the swearing-in of Assistant Chief Kevin Rokenbrodt.
The report highlighted training and operations: crews completed pediatric emergency and emergency-childbirth self-study modules, ran SCBA confidence and gear-donning drills, and practiced ventilation and interior skills at the soon-to-be-demolished Orchard Inn. Macker said the department has also taken steps to prepare for electric-vehicle incidents by training on EV components.
Macker called out the department's mobile integrated health (MIH) work, saying it aims to reduce avoidable ambulance transports by connecting frequent users with services. "Much of this right now is grant funded," he said, noting MIH teams provide follow-up, case management and distribution of overdose-response kits (Narcan) at stations.
He described recent recognitions: the department received awards for fastest reperfusion time in a cardiovascular incident and for quick stroke response. He also summarized department roles at community events, noting EMS standby at the Harley-Davidson homecoming, Lavender Fest and July 3 events.
Macker invited residents to two public-facing events: an open house at Station 99 on Oct. 4 and an awards/pinning ceremony on Oct. 18. He also announced a Citizens Fire Academy running Tuesdays from Sept. 2 through Oct. 21, designed to teach residents what they can do before first responders arrive.
During questions from trustees, Macker clarified how the department categorizes "structure fire" calls — ranging from reports of smoke to incidents requiring multiple units — and said that common nuisances such as grass or small outdoor fires are recorded separately. He provided contact details for the academy (Kevin Porter, kporter@menomoneefalls.org) and the fire department ((262) 532-8800).
The board thanked Chief Macker for the report; the department will follow up on staffing transitions and outreach logistics as hiring and reorganization proceed.
