Waupun Fire Department

10/08/2026

🔋🔥 Fire Prevention Week 2026 — Wrap-Up: “Charge into Fire Safety™” 🔥🔋

As we close out Fire Prevention Week, we want to take a moment to reflect on an incredible week filled with learning, laughter, and life-saving lessons. This year's Fire Prevention theme focused on "Charge into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging is a Superpower." Some of the key takeaways were: using the cord and charger that came with the device; charging on a hard, flat surface; unplugging devices when they are fully charged; charging e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside; not using the device if it feels hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, or smokes.

Throughout the week, firefighters visited classrooms, preschools, and community events across Waupun and the surrounding area, teaching children how to stay safe, make smart choices, and understand that fire safety starts with each of us. From exploring fire trucks and trying on gear to learning about smoke alarms, escape plans, and battery safety, every interaction made a difference.

But none of this would have been possible without the dedicated firefighters who volunteered their time to help share this important message. Their commitment to community education shows the heart of what it means to serve. Thank you to firefighters: Abel, Andy, Austin, Bentley, Brad, Cole, Joab, Joe, Mike, Shawn, Tom, Vicki, . The programming that was put on this week simply wouldn't have been possible without your help!

👨‍🚒❤️ A huge thank you to the many firefighters who:
🔥 Spoke in classrooms across multiple schools and preschools
🚒 Led demonstrations on fire gear, escape plans, and prevention tips
🤝 Represented our department with pride, professionalism, and compassion

Your dedication ensures that the next generation grows up understanding not just how to prevent fires, but how to respond safely and confidently if one occurs.

👏 To our schools, teachers, daycare centers, and families, thank you for welcoming us in once again. Fire Prevention Week may only officially be seven days, but the lessons learned will last a lifetime.

10/05/2026

Fire Prevention Week

While fire prevention is something that should take place all year, today we kick off what is officially known as Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower". The focus is on raising awareness about safely using, charging, and disposing of lithium-ion batteries which are found in so many of our daily items. Things such as phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters, power tools, and so much more.

It is important to remember to always use the manufacturer-approved charger and cord for the specific device you are charging. Always charge items on a hard, flat, non-flammable surface. Soft items like beds, couches, and pillows can trap heat. Avoid overcharging devices by unplugging them once they are fully charged. Look for certifications on the product labels from nationally recognized testing laboratories like UL, ETL, or CSA. Lastly, stop using devices or batteries immediately if they appear damaged, hot, swelling, or smoking.

This is our favorite time of year as we are able to spend time talking with the kids in the schools about fire safety. We are always amazed at how much information they remember from year to year. They also bring a lot of energy, asking great questions along the way. If you have a child and they come home talking about fire safety, take time to talk with them about what they learned. Together we can all be better prepared in the event fire strikes.

https://youtu.be/CAHSo42htqk?si=S7R1nWk4ygULvkR_

10/01/2026

🚒🚑 Come See Us at the Waupun Senior Expo TODAY!

Stop by the Waupun Community Center (520 McKinley Street) from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and visit with us.

We’ll be there to talk about:
🔥 Fire Safety
🚑 Fall Prevention & EMS Safety Tips
🔑 Residential Lock Box Program

Have questions? Want to learn more about keeping yourself and your home safe? Come say hello. We’d love to see you! 👋

📍 Waupun Community Center
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Stop out and visit us today! 🚒🚑

10/01/2026

Happy Birthday to Firefighter Dan Perry!

09/29/2026

🚒 Recruiting Is Different Today. Is Your Department Adapting?🚑

Finding people willing to serve has never been easy. Today, departments are competing for something increasingly valuable: people’s time.

Time is the new currency.

Between careers, families, kids’ activities, and everything else competing for attention, the way we recruit and retain firefighters and EMS professionals has to continue evolving. What worked 10 or 20 years ago may not be enough today.

If your department is looking for new ideas, practical tools, and a better understanding of what motivates today’s members, we invite you to join us for:

🔥 Modern Day Recruiter – Fire & EMS Edition
📅 Tuesday, October 6
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Waupun Area Junior/Senior High School
801 E. Lincoln Street, Waupun

Parking: Please park in the east parking lot and enter through door E-4.

Recruitment expert Jerry Streich, ODP will lead a practical session designed for new and seasoned fire service leaders who want to improve recruitment and retention using current data, strategies, and tools.

And thanks to a FEMA SAFER Grant received by the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association, this class is FREE!

Whether your department is struggling to fill its roster, trying to keep the great people you already have, or simply looking for fresh ideas, this is an opportunity to learn, share, and bring something useful back to your organization.

Our communities still need people willing to answer the call. The challenge is making sure we're recruiting, leading, and supporting them in ways that fit the world they live in today.

Please help us spread the word and share this with fire and EMS leaders in your area. We hope to see a great turnout in Waupun! 🚒🚑

09/25/2026

🍻 A Wisconsin Company Supporting a Wisconsin Community 🚒

We are incredibly grateful to the New Glarus Brewing Co. and their Only in Wisconsin Giving program for a generous donation of $7,500 to the Waupun Fire & Rescue Department.

This funding will go directly toward replacing our department’s aging Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs). These cameras are an important tool for our firefighters as they help us see through smoke, locate victims and firefighters, identify hidden fire and heat, and make better-informed decisions in environments where visibility can be extremely limited.

Replacing aging equipment is a continual challenge for fire departments, and support like this makes a real and immediate difference. This donation allows us to replace equipment that has served our department for many years with updated technology that will help protect both our firefighters and the community we serve.

Firefighters Joe Barnes, Emily Butterbrodt, and B.J. DeMaa had the opportunity to visit New Glarus Brewing Company to accept the donation, and the hospitality shown to us was incredible. We were treated to a tour of their facility and learned more about the history of the company, its founders, the intentional way they approach their business, and how they give back to communities throughout Wisconsin.

And since we were already in New Glarus, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sneak in a visit at the New Glarus Fire Department! 🚒 It’s always great to visit another firehouse, talk shop, and spend some time with others who share the same commitment to serving their community.

To everyone at New Glarus Brewing Company, thank you! Thank you for your generosity, your hospitality, and your commitment to giving back to Wisconsin communities. Your support will have a lasting impact here in Waupun, and we are extremely appreciative to have been selected as a recipient of the Only in Wisconsin Giving program.

A Wisconsin businesses supporting Wisconsin communities. We’re grateful to be part of it. ❤️🚒🍻

09/21/2026

Just an FYI for this week Monday through Thursday (September 21-24).

The 115th Fighter Wing will be conducting evening training flights Monday through Thursday this week, September 21 - 24, shifting our typical daytime flights to the evening, concluding at approximately 10:00 p.m. This training is required to ensure our Airmen's readiness to operate in all conditions, and we will continue to follow flight paths designed to minimize noise to area residents
____________________________________________________________
Sign up for email or text notifications of future deviations from our normal flying schedule!
╰┈➤ https://dma.wi.gov/contact/subscriptions/
Scroll down to Flight Operations Alerts and select your location to get started.

09/18/2026

🧯 Hands-On Fire Safety at Central Wisconsin Christian School

There are some lessons you hope you’ll never need to use, but if the moment comes, you’ll be glad you learned them.

Today, we had the opportunity to spend some time with the shop class at Central Wisconsin Christian School for some hands-on fire extinguisher training!

We started by talking about the different types/classes of fire, the different types of fire extinguishers, and how to remember the PASS method:

🧯 P – Pull the pin
🧯 A – Aim at the base of the fire
🧯 S – Squeeze the handle
🧯 S – Sweep from side to side

Then came the fun part! Staff and students had the opportunity to put what they learned into practice using our fire extinguisher training system and successfully extinguish a simulated fire.

Because this was a shop class, we also spent time talking about recognizing hazards before they become emergencies. Fuel, sparks, combustible dust, debris, improper storage, and poor housekeeping can all contribute to a fire. Those lessons apply just as much in a garage or workshop at home as they do in a school shop.

And the conversation didn't stop with fire extinguishers. We also had some great questions about our department's Youth Apprentice program and the K-12 Fire/EMS opportunities available through Moraine Park Technical College. We always enjoy talking with young people about the fire and EMS service, and maybe planting a seed for a future career or volunteer opportunity to serve their community.

A big thank you to the staff at Central Wisconsin Christian School for inviting us back and for recognizing the value of giving students practical, hands-on safety skills.

Fire extinguisher training might not be the most glamorous lesson they'll have in shop class, but knowing what to do, how to do it, and when it's safer to get out and call 911 could someday make all the difference.

Learn it. Practice it. Hopefully never need it. 🧯🔥

09/16/2026

Happy Birthday to Firefighter Brad Schouten!

09/11/2026

NEVER FORGET — SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

Today, September 11, 2026, is the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country. The Waupun Fire & Rescue Department will honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the terrorist attacks on our nation.

To remember their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to others, we will display our emergency lights from the time the first tower was struck (7:46 CTD) until the last of the Twin Towers collapsed (9:28 CDT).

This is more than a display of lights. It is a reminder that we will never forget the firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers, military members, and civilians who lost their lives that horrific day.

September 11, 2001:
7:46 a.m. — American Airlines Flight 11 strikes the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
8:03 a.m. — United Airlines Flight 175 strikes the South Tower.
8:37 a.m. — American Airlines Flight 77 strikes the Pentagon.
8:59 a.m. — The South Tower collapses.
9:03 a.m. — United Airlines Flight 93 crashes near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew attempt to regain control of the aircraft.
9:28 a.m. — The North Tower collapses.

The attacks claimed the lives of 2,977 people, including 343 FDNY firefighters, 37 Port Authority police officers, 23 New Yor City police officers, and 8 emergency medical services providers. Hundreds of additional lives have also been lost as a result of 9/11-related health issues tied to the dust that many rescuers worked in in the hours and days to follow. We also honor those family members left behind to carry on without their loved ones, those who unknowingly said goodbye for the last time that morning.

We remember their names. We honor their sacrifice. We carry their legacy forward.
Waupun Fire & Rescue Department, Never Forget!