03/16/2026
🚒 Big Night for the Town of Burlington Fire Department! 🚒
We are proud to recognize several members of the TOBFD for their recent promotions, certifications, and commitment to serving our community. These individuals represent the dedication, training, and teamwork that keep our department strong.
🔥 Officer Promotions
Please join us in congratulating our newly promoted officers:
⭐ Captain Ken Remer – Station 3
A senior member with 30 years of service, Ken’s leadership and commitment to mentoring fellow firefighters make him exceptionally well suited for this role.
⭐ Captain Rick Kivisto – Station 2
With more than 25 years in the fire service, Rick exemplifies leadership, commitment to service, and dedication to the mission of the department.
⭐Safety Officer Vicki Baumeister
As Department Safety Officer, Vicki will oversee safety initiatives and operational best practices while ensuring the well-being of our members. Her professionalism and forward-thinking leadership continue to move our department forward.
⭐ Lieutenant Ethan Kerr – Station 2
A member of the TOBFD family for seven years, Ethan consistently mentors and guides younger members while sharing his knowledge and experience. His work ethic reflects the very foundation our department was built upon.
These appointments reflect the Chief Officers’ confidence in their leadership and dedication to service above self.
🔥 Member Certifications & Recognition
👏 Collin Vondra – Completed State Firefighter I & II Certifications and continues to be a key member of our dive team, leading training with his extensive diving experience. (Station 3)
👏 Luke Walesa – Completed State Firefighter I Certification. Luke also brings valuable residential and industrial HVAC knowledge and proudly follows in the footsteps of his father, a retired City of Burlington firefighter. (Station 3)
👏 Breanna Weber – Completed EMT Basic and Firefighter I Certification and is currently enrolled in a Paramedic program while working toward her career in emergency medicine at Aurora. (Station 2)
👏 Jacob Bathke – Joined with prior fire service experience and continues sharing his knowledge with fellow members. (Station 2)
👏 Zach Haynes – Recently joined the team and will help oversee our in-house maintenance program thanks to his mechanical expertise. (Station 3)
👏 Jake Mampe – Joined in late 2025 and is currently completing Firefighter I Certification. Jake proudly served five years in the United States Army and continues his service to the community.
👏 Adam Lowe – Brings prior fire service experience and is currently completing Firefighter I Certification to meet Wisconsin requirements, demonstrating his dedication to volunteerism and public service.
Please also welcome our newest member, Kaitlynn Galvan.
Kaitlynn has been assigned to Station 3 and will begin Firefighter 1 soon.
Kaitlynn Galvan and Zach Haynes were not able to attend, but we will make sure they make a FB appearance in the future.
Join us in giving a huge round of applause to all these members for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving the Town of Burlington.