Branch Fire and Rescue

09/15/2026

🚨 PUBLIC NOTICE 🚨

Residents in the area of the Town of Manitowoc Rapids Hall may notice smoke and flames this evening. Branch Fire and Rescue will be conducting live-fire training in the area as our members work on essential firefighting skills and prepare to better serve our community.

Please do not be alarmed if you see smoke or flames — this is a planned training exercise.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and continued support of Branch Fire and Rescue! 🚒🔥

08/29/2026

Stop on out for our 4th annual golf outing! Thank you to our generous sponsors. Lots of raffle baskets! Need not be present to win. Drawing will be held after outing

08/29/2026

4th Annual Golf Outing at Seven Lakes! Stop out for great basket raffles, need not be present to win!

08/21/2026

🚒 Full Throttle Thursday – Kids Night Edition! 🚒

Last night, members of the Branch Fire Department had the opportunity to join several area fire departments for Full Throttle Thursday – Kids Night Edition at Vetting Customs!

A huge thank you to Vetting Customs for allowing us to be part of such a great community event. It sounds like there was an incredible turnout, and we’re glad we could be there to meet families, interact with the kids, and represent our department alongside our neighboring fire departments.

We’ve attached a few pictures of our members who were able to attend the event.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made it a great night! 🚒🔥👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

07/28/2026

A short time ago we deployed as part of an engine strike from Manitowoc County MABAS Division 128 to assist with the disaster in Calumet and Outagamie counties. Other departments part of the strike team include Manitowoc, Kiel, St. Nazianz, & Valders

06/02/2026

Dave Kluenker joined the fire department in June of 1996 and the First responders in January of 1997.

Dave took a short leave of absence returning in December of 2008 and has been very dedicated to since returning. Dave worked his way up through the officer ranks to current Assistant Chief. Dave is co-owner with D&D Dairy in Branch. Dave is an important asset to have available during daytime calls. As call volumes have increased his flexibility to respond and his dedication to supporting our operations has become even more valuable.

Dave's dedication to our community shows he recently took the Emergency Medical
Responder class this past winter, so he can help our community with medical calls.

In Dave's free time he enjoys spending time with his daughter Lexi (also in the fire
department), spending time with family and friends and making firewood.

Branch Fire and Rescue want to congratulate AC Kluenker on his dedication to the fire department on responding to his 500th call and countless hours of service to our community and neighboring communities.

Congratulations

Chief Josh Stradal

06/02/2026

Assistant Chief Jeremy Stradal joined the Branch Fire Department in June of 1995. He has worked his way up through the officer ranks and current Assistant Chief, also the
department's treasurer since 2005.

From working on the family farm to road construction to his current position of road
superintendent of the Town of Manitowoc Rapids Jeremy has always had dedication to the fire department knowing there were long nights on calls and getting up early for work.

Jeremy is a valuable asset to our daytime fire response operations. His flexibility and
willingness to respond when needed have been especially impactful as call volumes have increased, demonstrating an even greater level of dedication and commitment.

In Jeremy's free time he enjoys spending time with his wife Lana and 2 children, Makayla and Hudson camping and hunting.

Branch Fire and Rescue want to congratulate AC Stradal on his dedication to the fire department on responding to his 700th call and countless hours of service to our community and neighboring communities.

Congratulations

Chief Josh Stradal

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

During EMS Week, Branch Fire and Rescue would like to recognize and thank our department’s Emergency Medical Responders for their dedication and service to our community.

Our EMRs are often among the first to arrive on scene, providing critical care, compassion, and support during emergencies. Their commitment to training, teamwork, and helping others plays a vital role in the care we provide as a department.

Thank you to our EMRs for the time, sacrifices, and professionalism you bring to every call. Your dedication to serving our community does not go unnoticed.

Happy EMS Week! 🚑💙

05/20/2026

🚒 TRAINING NIGHT 🚒

Last evening, Branch Fire and Rescue trained on our “First 5 Minute Drill” — a scenario focused on the most critical moments of any fire response. The actions taken in the first five minutes often set the tone for the entire operation.

🔥 Training objectives included:
• Establishing Command
• Conducting Search Operations
• Fire Attack
• Establishing Water Supply

Crews operated inside a smoke-filled structure with zero visibility conditions, creating a realistic environment while still maintaining a safe training atmosphere.

This training also gave several of our newest members — who recently completed their initial firefighter certification course — an excellent opportunity to put their skills to work alongside experienced firefighters.

Continuous training helps keep our members prepared, confident, and ready to protect the community when the call comes in.