ORGANIZATIONAL STATEMENT
I) Authority - The Town of Menasha Fire Department was organized in 1938 as a joint volunteer department with the Town of Neenah to provide fire emergency response to the citizens of both communities. The two departments separated in 1980 and the Town of Menasha Board of Supervisors became the governing body of the Town of Menasha Fire Department and is responsible for maintaining the mission statement and all policies governing the department. The spirit and foundation of volunteerism continues to drive the organization forward.
II) Services Provided - The following services are provided to the community:
III) Organizational Structure - Fifty-five employees are members of the combination department (3 full-time, 1 part-time and 50 paid-on-call). The Town appointed its first full-time Fire Inspector in 1984. The first full-time Fire Chief was appointed in 1987. The Fire Chief reports to the Town Administrator and ultimately to the Town Board of Supervisors. The first full-time Administrative Assistant was appointed in 1988. The two fire stations are located at 1000 Valley Road and 1326 Cold Spring Road. Each fire station staffs 25 paid-on-call fire fighters (2 Captains, 2 Lieutenants & 21 Fire Fighters). In October of 2000, the first full-time firefighter was appointed and is assigned to Station 40.
IV) Functions of Members -
Fire Chief - leads and manages the department in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
Fire Marshal/Deputy Chief - coordinates and supervises fire prevention, code enforcement, public fire safety education and other services for the protection of life and property from fire or other disaster.
Full-time Firefighter - under the direction of the Fire Chief and fire department officers, performs at a professional level in the fields of fire prevention, public safety education, rescue and emergency medical services, driving/operating fire apparatus, vehicle and station maintenance, suppression and training.
Administrative Assistant/Public Safety Instructor - coordinate and assist the management in a professional manner in the field of secretarial work, fire prevention and public safety education. This is accomplished by scheduling meetings and appointments, performing data entry, answering phone calls, maintaining office financial accounts, ordering supplies, materials, and uniforms, preparing a monthly newsletter and teaching fire safety to the public.
Data Entry Technician - enters EMS and Fire Inspection reports using an automated records system.
Captains (2) of Personnel/Training - manages and conducts in-house training and personnel development.
Captains (2) of Emergency Response- specializes in emergency response readiness and emergency scene strategic management.
Lieutenants - directly supervises actions of fire fighters and emergency scene tactics.
Part-time Firefighters - fire suppression, equipment operations and public education. Part-time firefighters working for the Town of Menasha Fire Department respond to assigned stations when paged. We currently employ 50 part-time firefighters.
First Responders - trained and qualified to provide EMS pre-hospital care. A total of over 28 members.
Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR)- trained in high-angle Rope Rescue. A total of 6 members currently.
Fire Investigation Bureau - determines cause and origin of significant fires and assists in the prosecution of arson fires.
SCBA Team - research, development, purchase, maintenance and air supply for all self-contained breathing apparatus.
Health Safety Task Force - provides guidance on all safety related issues.
Apparatus/Tools/Equipment Task Force - provides guidance on research, development and purchase of apparatus and equipment.
Career Development Task Force - provides guidance on issues related to recruitment, retention and promotion of paid-on-call personnel.
Fire Explorers- coordinated through the Boy Scouts of America-Bay Lakes Council #635 and the primary objective of the Explorer Program is to learn how the fire department operates. Work is performed at a learning level in the fields of fire prevention, suppression, rescue, and public safety education including hose rolling, cleaning of apparatus and stations, emergency scene clean-up, public education participation, etc.
V) Qualifications & Training - The firefighters attend emergency preparedness and awareness in-house training drills twice every month with an emphasis on safety and must achieve a minimum of 10-20 hours of "outside" emergency service training every year. All firefighters must achieve and maintain a minimum of State of Wisconsin Firefighter I Certification. Most personnel have achieved advance certifications as Firefighter II's, Driver/Operator and some certified instructors. Officers are promoted based on additional qualifications and a competitive assessment center. The Fire Marshal attends specialized training in inspection fields and investigation procedures. The Fire Chief has achieved degrees in Fire Administration and has graduated as an Executive Fire Officer at the National Fire Academy.
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