THE ONLY MONTHLY PUBLICATION COVERING WISCONSIN’S FIRE, RESCUE AND EMS NEWS PUBLICATION PARTNERS 3ø²²q¬ ê· 3·ĦqÜß qĥq²ê Tunnel to Towers event honors ·²·Üß ³ç½½ Üq êqÜß OCTOBER 2026 VOL. 43 NO. 1 9/11 firefighters Runners start the Tunnel of Towers Foundation 5K Run & Walk Sept. 12 at the Town of Sheboygan Fire Department 0qÒÕ ÕàHÒà àq 3q à« 3«ĜqÒÕ «î¦kH૦ ! 0î¦ R ;H 1q»àÁ ±ë Hà àq 3«Ĝ¦ « 1qY«ĢH¦ Òq q»HÒà£q¦à ¦ in Sheboygan. 1qY«ĢH¦Á .&3&1 A 0A Á !"$Ý51 3& A $3;&0!;1 &$1$ Continued on page 2, Tunnel to Towers
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A fryer fire prompted the evacuation of the Rhinelander Burger King shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. The Rhinelander Fire Department arrived swiftly and was able to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. “They had just a little oil (on fire). It ended up not too bad,” said fire inspector Ryan Berghammer, shown at right with firefighter Josh Schmitz. Burger King Assistant General Manager Michele Ervin praised the department’s speed in arriving, comparing them to NASCAR drivers. ~ RHINELANDER, NORTHWOODS RIVER NEWS ARDITH CARLTON/RIVER NEWS FRYER FIRE AT BURGER KING A fryer fire prompted the evacuation of the Rhinelander Burger King shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. The Rhinelander Fire Department arrived swiftly and was able to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. “They had just a little oil (on fire). It ended up not too bad,” said fire inspector Ryan Berghammer, shown at right with firefighter Josh Schmitz. Burger King Assistant General Manager Michele Ervin praised the department’s speed in arriving, comparing them to NASCAR drivers. Property of Wisconsin News Tracker and members of the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association. The DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2026 | 3
P.O. Box 248 • Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0248 THE MISSION OF WFEM GOES ON Together we remember, Together we honor, Together we preserve their legacy We extend our sincere appreciation to, Nekoosa, Town of Rome, and Volunteers from the Wisconsin DNR, and Jim Weeks, retired firefighter of Green Bay for their participation in the weekly chores of keeping the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial in pristine condition for all those that visit can enjoy. We have had the opportunity to get many of the weeds burned off by Joe Krcmar of Nekoosa Fire. This seems the only way to get ahead of these little rascals. We have all the weeks using the mowers FILLED! Next up will be asking for volunteers to snow removal from November 14th to April. Your commitment ensures that this special place remains a fitting tribute to Wisconsin's fallen firefighters, EMS professionals, and rescue personnel. SPECIAL WORK DAY WAS A SUCCESS We had a great crew of workers show up on the 12th of September to spread out 27 yards of colored mulch. With volunteers from Allenton, Grand Rapids and Port Edwards Fire Departments along with 12 members of the Lincoln High School National Honor Society and Chief Rod Brockman and Peyton Thuesch for bringing their tractors. We were done in record time—before 11:00 am!!! FINAL ALARM CEREMONY AND PROCESSION On Saturday, September 26, 2026 the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Board of Directors hosted the annual Final Alarm Ceremony in Wisconsin Rapids. The weekend started with a meal and supporting each other with presentation from special people, including Retired Wisconsin Rapids Fire Chief Jim Gigniac [was a member of the founding board of directors] and President Chris Klahn of the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association. Other members of the original board of directors present were Tom Anderson and Cliff Autmann. The evening offered an excellent opportunity to meet others that have had loved by making the Ultimate Sacrifice. Saturday started out with setting up canopies, chairs, etc. preparing the memorial to receive our guests of honor. We are grateful Dunkin Donuts, Noodles & Company, Firehouse Subs and Crockett Sanitation for their generous donations. 4 | OCTOBER 2026 This statewide tribute honors the Ultimate Sacrifice of the members of Wisconsin’s fire and EMS services who have given their lives in the line of duty. It is a vital day of remembrance, healing, and brotherhood for families, friends, and colleagues from every corner of the state. Each Family was presented with an U.S.A. flag, a table tribute and white rose by members of the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Honor Guard. The four Hometown Heroes that were honored were— • Daniel P Cashin, Milwaukee Fire Department, End Of Watch: March 4, 2026 • Amie Sue Lee, Van Dyne Fire & Rescue, End Of Watch: July 14, 2025 • Tyler Kreiter, Green Bay Fire Department, End Of Watch: December 12, 2024 • Louis Fifarek, Marinette Fire Department, End Of Watch October 21, 1958 Special Guest Speaker We were honored to the Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers present to speak with each family and to address the couple hundred people assembled for the ceremony of remembrance. Governor Evers talked about the importance of supporting our families and departments that are grieving the loss of a loved one, especially those that have died as a result of serving your communities. Together, all of us can ensure these families know they will always remain part of Wisconsin's fire and EMS family thru these two days of support, sharing love and remembering those that have passed away. Continued on the next page... The DISPATCHER
MAINTENANCE PROJECTS WE NEED HELP WITH If you or your business would be willing to donate your time, expertise, materials, or provide services at a reduced cost, please contact: As our Visitors Center continues to age, several maintenance projects have become priorities. Ron Naab Email: rnaab@wfem.org Phone: 262-716-7292 Current needs include: Your support helps preserve this important place of remembrance for generations to come. • Tuck-pointing around windows and doors • Improvements to roof drainage • Installation of a concrete walkway connecting the Visitors Center to the bridge sidewalk Together, we remember. Together, we honor. Together, we preserve their legacy. SEND US YOUR FIRE STORIES AND PHOTOS. The DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2026 | 5
TNT hydraulic rescue tools can be used by emergency rescue personnel during vehicle accidents, as well as in other rescue scenarios such as confined spaces, structural collapses, and forcible entry situations. These tools include cutters, spreaders, combination tools, and rams, and are available in gas, battery, and air-driven versions. More information about use and capabilities can be obtained from your local distributor. TECHNICAL SPECS STANDARD METRIC MAX. WORKING PRESSURE 10,500 PSI 724 BAR MAX. BLADE OPENING 1.5 IN 38.1 MM MAX. CUT FORCE 50,132 LBS 223 KN LENGTH 12.00 IN 304.8 MM WIDTH 3.20 IN 81.3 MM HEIGHT 5.20 IN 132.1 MM WEIGHT COMPLETE WITH PUMP EXCLUDES BATTERY 23.80 LBS 10.79 KG 6 | OCTOBER 2026 The DISPATCHER
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