National Preparedness Month 2020
“Preparing for a disaster” sounds almost too big to tackle, but there are a lot of little steps you can take to prepare for the unexpected this month during National Preparedness Month.
During National EMS Week, our friends at Milwaukee VA Medical Center shared a spotlight on our partnership to provide better care to veterans. We're very proud of this collaboration and grateful to partner with VA to serve those who have served our country.
March Cover Video
Sharing a short video recap of some of the events and activities that our department has participated in the past year.
We escaped winter as long as we could, but snow is on the way this weekend. If you haven't already adopted a fire hydrant near you, please do so today. Help make sure hydrants are accessible in emergencies. https://www.westalliswi.gov/adoptahydrant
It has been a pretty mild winter but as we know, this is Wisconsin and that big snowfall could come any time. We appreciate your help in making sure we can access fire hydrants all winter long. Volunteer to adopt a hydrant near you and keep it clear of ice and snow. Thank you for your assistance! https://www.westalliswi.gov/adoptahydrant
Support Operation Warm and West Allis Firefighter's Charity this Sunday at our annual pancake breakfast fundraiser! Not only will you enjoy a delicious breakfast, kids can try on firefighter gear and explore fire trucks right on the apparatus floor. See you there. Kohls Care Rupena's Fine Foods Klement's Sausage
A bit of a thaw coming our way this weekend! Take some time to clear out those hydrants, and learn more about the Adopt a Hydrant Program from Asst. Chief Kurt Zellmann.
What a great year 2018 has been. Here's a look back at our favorite moments!
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) week at the Joint Fire Training Academy. RIT is a team dedicated to rescuing lost or trapped firefighters. North Shore Fire/Rescue Wauwatosa Fire Department
Thanks to CNN for sharing our recent car fire rescue video and for talking with some of the firefighters who responded to that call. We'd like to acknowledge the excellent work of the WAFD firefighters and paramedics, and West Allis Police Department officers, who responded that day:
Adam Stikl, Patrol Officer
Lane Olson, Patrol Officer
Jesse Fletcher, Patrol Officer
Ryan Kendall, Patrol Officer
Mike Otto, Patrol Officer
Jeff Dufek, Patrol Officer
Erin Luedke, Patrol Officer
Samuel Knutson, Firefighter
Antonio Gibilian, Firefighter
Steve Kaltenbrun, Lieutenant-Paramedic
Bruce Potochich, Firefighter
Joseph Breznik, Captain
Luke Kowalewski, Equipment Operator
Michael Gunderson, Fire Inspector
John Brehm, Fire Inspector
Joshua Bobrowitz, Firefighter-Paramedic
Christopher Thode, Firefighter-Paramedic
David Jarosch, Battalion Chief
This week is Captain Greg Lenske's last week with WAFD. Greg will retire this Thursday after 33 years serving the City of West Allis. He has been active in our public appearances and off the job is an accomplished actor, stuntman, and musician. Back in the days of cassette tapes, Greg even recorded "The CPR Rap," which was sold as a fundraiser for the family of a coworker during a time of need. As we wish him a happy and healthy retirement, we're celebrating his accomplishments and career with this video, set to that awesome CPR Rap! Congratulations, Captain Lenske!
Hands Only CPR at 2018 Wisconsin State Fair
We've had a great time at Wisconsin State Fair teaching hands only CPR. You can still join us from 1 - 3 p.m. each day at the Fair to learn how to save a life and download the PulsePoint Foundation app. Thanks to our partners: Project ADAM, American Heart Association - Wisconsin, Aurora Health Care, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, Anthem Foundation, Wauwatosa Fire Department, Greenfield Fire-Rescue, North Shore Fire/Rescue
Final inspection of the new Tower 62 was completed earlier this week at Seagrave Fire Apparatus and the rig will arrive at Station 2 in the next two weeks. Once the new rig gets here it will take some time and effort to get the unit into service. This rig is a complete departure from our current style rig and there will be a great deal of training and practice required before this rig can be safely placed into service. We're looking forward to it!
New Engine 61
Our new Seagrave Fire Apparatus Marauder II Class 1 Pumping Engine has arrived! The new engine will be placed at Station #1 at 7332 W. National Avenue and will serve the Citizens of the City of West Allis as Engine 61.
The Annual Charity Pancake Breakfast is this Sunday at Station #2, 2040 S. 67th Place, from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.! Hosted by the West Allis Firefighters Charities. https://www.westalliswi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=766 West Allis Professional Firefighters Association
This year 1,915 Wisconsin State Fair visitors learned to save a life with #HandsOnlyCPR: Our thanks to all our partners that made this possible!
Join us at the 2017 WAFD Open House on May 20th from 10am-1pm!
On January 30, 2016, Station 2/Platoon B hosted a traditional spaghetti dinner at the firehouse for a group that participated in a benefit that Madison Elementary school held for the school receptionist who is battling cancer. A great time was had by all!
Thank Them Challenge
The West Allis Fire Department recently participated in the ‘Thank Them Challenge’, which is a social media challenge to show appreciation for local law enforcement agencies. The premise is those who accept the challenge hand out $10.00 gift cards to ten (10) officers and record it with their cell phones. The challenge took place at a recent Police & Fire Commission meeting and Fire Chief Steve Bane was on hand to say a few words and present the (10) $10.00 subway gift cards to the WAPD.
Thank you to Lynn Kannapinn who was on hand to videotape this fire that took place on February 20, 1966 - Westwood (National Tea ) fire. Also, thank you to the West Allis Historical Society for sharing this video with us.
West Allis Fire Department...Past, Present and Future
A wonderful visual history of the West Allis Fire Department.
Here is a corresponding video of the combined water training in action.
With some help from the West Allis Fire Department, Lt. Nick Pye and members of the early shift police patrol officers completed the ice bucket challenge after they were called out by the Greendale Police Department!
Alderperson Probst climbing the ladder on Truck 3 (2 of 2)
Alderperson Probst getting to the top of the ladder
Alderperson Probst climbing the ladder on Truck 3 (1 of 2)
During her recent ride-along day with the fire department, Alderperson Probst had the opportunity to test her love of heights!
Decorating for the winter holidays is fun but can lead to tragedy if you don't practice fire safety. Some tips: Don't place your live tree close to a heat source; keep the tree stand filled with water at all times; never put tree branches/needles in a fireplace or wooden store; inspect holiday lights before putting them up; use only nonflammable decorations.