Suwamico Fire Chief: department answered 699 calls last year, added equipment and members

Fire Chief Burtler presented the Suamico Fire Department annual report to the village board on Feb. 16, saying the department responded to 699 total incidents last year and highlighted recent investments in equipment and training.

Chief Burtler reported 411 EMS/first‑responder calls and 288 fire incidents, noting about a quarter of fire responses were mutual‑aid or outside the village. The department placed tourniquets in every classroom, trained school staff, completed 778 fire inspections and supported 54 public or private events. Chief Burtler described putting a new engine (1211) into service, refurbishing two tenders (1211 and 1221), and receiving a rescue trailer for water‑rescue and confined‑space equipment.

Staffing and training received emphasis: the department welcomed 11 new members and completed 111 different training topics and several EMS courses. The chief said the department is one of the few fully staffed paid‑on‑call departments in the area and thanked the board for its support.

Trustees asked about the life and condition of Station 2 and the chief said the department has invested substantially in recent years (new boilers, ceiling tiles, carpeting, lighting) and that the structure remains serviceable. The chief noted the cost and safety rationale behind purchasing/refurbishing equipment, saying the new engine cost roughly $125,000 and refurbishing saved taxpayer dollars.

The board had no further action and moved to other agenda items.