City of Onalaska Fire Department

06/10/2026

Today is a good day to be weather aware. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather as we roll into the afternoon.

Severe weather potential ramps up this afternoon and evening with an all hazards event possible as multiple rounds of storms impact the region. Things could get pretty active this afternoon so be sure you have multiple ways to get warnings and your safety plans in place. Stay safe Driftless Region!

06/10/2026

The Onalaska Fire Department is pleased to announce the swearing-in of Assistant Chief Jeremy Southworth as Interim Fire Chief.

As the department begins the process of selecting its next Fire Chief, Chief Southworth will provide leadership and oversight of the organization, ensuring the continued delivery of the high-quality emergency services, public education, and community support that our residents have come to expect.

The department remains focused on serving the community during this transition period.

06/05/2026

🚑❤️ CPR & AED Awareness Week ❤️🚑

The first week of June has been a busy one for the Onalaska Fire Department, but we haven't forgotten the importance of CPR & AED Awareness Week.

When a sudden cardiac arrest occurs, every second matters. Immediate CPR and early use of an AED can dramatically increase a person's chances of survival before emergency responders arrive.

That's why we encourage all residents to consider becoming trained in CPR and AED use. The more people in our community who are prepared to act, the greater the likelihood of a positive outcome when someone's life is on the line.

You don't have to be a healthcare professional to make a difference. Learning these lifesaving skills can help you protect a family member, friend, coworker, neighbor, or even a stranger in need.

Together, we can build a safer, more resilient community—one trained responder at a time.

06/02/2026

🚒 May was another busy and productive month for the Onalaska Fire Department! 🚑

Throughout May, our personnel remained committed to training, service, and community support.

🔥 We had the opportunity to participate in joint training with the Holmen Fire Department, strengthening our partnerships and enhancing our ability to serve the communities we protect.

👏 During Public Service Recognition Week, we recognized and celebrated the dedication of all public servants who work every day to keep our communities safe, healthy, and thriving.

🌊 Our members also completed water rescue training, sharpening critical skills that help us respond safely and effectively to emergencies on and around the water.

🤝 We were proud to provide support through mutual aid response with the Shelby Fire Department, demonstrating the importance of regional cooperation in emergency services.

📊 May by the Numbers:
• 44 Fire Calls
• 186 EMS Calls
• 1,000 Total Calls for 2026 (year-to-date)

Thank you to our firefighters, EMTs, and support personnel for their continued dedication and professionalism.

05/28/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING: FIRE CHIEF 🚨

The City of Onalaska Fire Department is seeking an experienced, progressive, and community-focused leader to serve as our next Fire Chief.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated fire department committed to excellence in fire suppression, EMS support, rescue operations, prevention, training, and community risk reduction while serving the community of Onalaska.

We are looking for a candidate who:
• Demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills
• Values firefighter health, safety, and professional development
• Has experience in emergency services administration and operations
• Builds positive relationships with staff, elected officials, and the community
• Embraces innovation, strategic planning, and organizational growth

📍 Location: Onalaska, Wisconsin
📅 Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

For application information and position details, please visit the City of Onalaska employment page.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/onalaskawi/jobs/5357592/fire-chief?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

You can now apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on  the "Apply" link!  If this is the first time you are applying using our on-line job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password.  Be sure to save this information an...

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Today, the members of the Onalaska Fire Department honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice protects the freedoms we enjoy every day, and we are forever grateful.

As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, we ask our community to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

From all of us at the Onalaska Fire Department, thank you to our fallen heroes and the families who continue to carry their legacy

05/01/2026

April kept the Onalaska Fire Department moving!

Throughout the month, our crews stayed busy both in the community and in training. We were proud to take part in the Sound the Alarm event, installing smoke and CO detectors to help keep our residents safe. We also enjoyed connecting with the community at events like Mugs for Rugs and local egg hunts.

Behind the scenes, we continued building a strong team, conducting firefighter interviews and completing advanced training, including Certified Pump Operator, technical rescue, and trauma response.

All of this while responding to 203 calls for service—161 EMS calls and 42 fire-related incidents.

Thank you to our community for your continued support. We’re proud to serve you every day.

04/22/2026

A big thank you to Dahl Automotive for their generous donation of their March Madness basketball hoop to the Onalaska Fire Department!

Physical fitness is a key part of our organization, and this new addition will be a great asset as we continue to prioritize health, wellness, and readiness in our daily routines. We’re excited to put it to good use and appreciate the community support that helps keep our crews at their best.

Thank you again, Dahl Automotive, for investing in our team!

04/21/2026

⛈️ Recent severe weather is a good reminder to stay prepared.
We’ve seen how quickly conditions can change just in the past week. Signing up for local severe weather and emergency alerts helps ensure you get timely information about storms, warnings, and other emergencies affecting our area.

✅ Sign up and learn more here:
https://www.onalaskawi.gov/departments/fire/rave_smart911_system.php

04/17/2026

Please keep an eye on the weather as our area prepares for more storms today.