Janesville Fire Fighters Local 580

Did you know studies show that many kids will sleep through a standard smoke detector going off? Studies have also shown smoke detectors with lower tones or recorded voices may work better to wake kids.

That's something to keep in mind if a fire occurs in your home at night and another important reason to have a fire safety plan in place that everyone in your home is familiar with.

With that said, having even a basic smoke detector can't be stressed enough. We still find many homes completely without them.

If this sounds familiar to you and your home is in need, Janesville Fire is offering free smoke detectors and fire safety plans to residents on September 5th. Check out the pic below for more info and sign up instructions.

Please help us spread the word!

Study Sources:
- Fire Safety Journal
- Nationwide Children's Hospital
- University Dundee (UK)

Okay Janesville, we really need your attention here. This makes five significant structure fires in a little over a week! Although these fires are unrelated, the trend is obviously not good. Please help prevent fires and review fire safety practices with everyone in your home.

At 6:53 am this morning (8-27-24) JFD was dispatched to 759 Freemont for a residential fire with smoke showing.

Upon arrival, JFD units found heavy smoke coming from the structure and fire located in a first floor bedroom. First-in crews extinguished the fire while additional crews performed a search of the structure. A "Working Still Alarm" was also called, bringing additional resources from Lakeside Fire, along with calling in off-duty JFD personnel.

The home occupants had exited safely, however, an adult cat and kittens succumbed to smoke and fire.

Smoke detectors were present and working. Damage was extensive and residents will be staying with family until repairs can be made.

26 JFD personnel and 3 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the fire. JPD also assisted on scene.

The cause is under investigation and exact damage estimates are unavailable at this time.

Photo credit 📸:
JFD Photographer/Retired JFD Lieutenant
Dave Sheen

8-25-24

JFD responded to 2006 Morningside Dr this afternoon at 1:24pm for an apartment fire.

Upon arrival, JFD units found smoke venting from the structure and fire in a first floor kitchen. The fire was knocked down and extinguished within a few minutes. Ventilation of smoke from the structure and air quality testing was also performed.

A "Working Still Alarm" was requested for extra resources, bringing Lakeside Fire and off duty personnel. JPD also assisted on scene.

One resident was transported to the hospital with injuries. No damage estimate is available at this time and the fire remains under investigation.

*** With several fires occurring recently, we can't stress enough the importance of fire safety. Review it, plan for it, and help prevent it!!

Photo 📸 credit:
JFD Photographer/Retired JFD Lieutenant
Dave Sheen

8-23-24

On Friday afternoon, JFD rsponded to 809 W. Holmes St for a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival, units found a single-family home with smoke coming from the attic and eaves. The four residents who were inside the home all evacuated safely on their own.

The blaze appeared to have started in a second story bedroom and spread into the attic. Heavy smoke conditions were also found throughout the second floor.

29 JFD firefighters responded to the scene and a "Working Still Alarm" was requested which brought additional resources from Lakeside Fire. The Janesville Police Department was also on the scene to assist.

No injuries were reported and the American Red Cross was called to assist the family with temporary housing and other necessities.

Damages to the home and contents is estimated at $75,000 and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Photo credit 📸 :
JFD Photographer/Retired JFD Lieutenant Dave Sheen.

8-22-24

On Thursday, JFD responded to the 1800 block of Memorial Drive at 12:20 p.m. to assist JPD with a welfare check and found that the residence had a interior fire within the previous 12 hours.

There was no active fire or smoke upon arrival, however there was fire and smoke damage throughout the home. The fire appeared to go out on its own due to lack of oxygen it needed to continue burning. A lone adult victim was located deceased inside.

No working smoke alarms were found inside the home, and the bedroom door was left open. Carbon Monoxide levels were also high inside the residence, which was caused by fire gasses.

The importance of having working smoke alarms in your home, along with closing your bedroom doors while you sleep cannot be stressed enough!! Please, for the sake of your loved ones and for yourself, ensure you check your detectors and practice closing doors.

8-17-24

At 1:15 am, Janesville Fire responded to 410 W. Milwaukee (Formally known as Big Ed's Sew and Vac) for a reported commercial fire. The fire was discovered by Janesville Police officers, who coordinated evacuation of 10 residents living on the second floor prior to JFD arrival.

Upon JFD arrival, crews found visible flames coming out the rear of the structure near the alley way. A "Working Still" alarm was requested, bringing additional resources to the scene. Fire attack was performed, while other crews completed a search of the structure and upstairs apartment to confirm all residents had evacuated safely. Smoke damage was significant throughout the entire structure.

Units remained on scene for several hours. No damage estimates are available at this time and the scene remains under investigation. Two JFD firefighters were transported to the hospital for heat exhaustion and released.

Check it out 👇

https://www.facebook.com/share/NbmdkYTPYq2ZEHvu/?mibextid=xfxF2i

Smoke Alarm Request Request free smoke alarms and installation from the Wisconsin Red Cross. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install a smoke alarm, the Wisconsin Red Cross may be able to help.

Just wanted to take a second to show some appreciation to retired JFD Lt. Dave Sheen, who is also our current JFD Photographer.

Dave is the face behind many of the photos we post of large emergency incidents. He VOLUNTEERS his time and arrives on scene whenever he's able...which is quite often.

Not only does he get photos for our Department, several of Dave's photos have made it into published articles and onto magazine covers.

We thank you, Dave, for your continued dedication to Janesville Fire Department and for capturing incidents our department responds to. History is an important part of the fire service and photos are one of the best ways to maintain that...especially when they're Dave's.

🚨🚨🚨 Promotion Announcement 🚨🚨🚨

Janesville Firefighter Local 580 would like to congratulate Driver/Operator Adam Schmidt on his promotion to Lieutenant! Lt. Schmidt will be the B-Battalion, Station 5 Lieutenant!

Lt. Schmidt has been a member of the JFD since March 2008. Throughout his career, he has worked as a Firefighter, Paramedic, and Driver/Operator. He currently serves at L580s Secretary/Treasurer. He is a member of the Hazardous Materials and Health Insurance Committees. He is also a part of the Hazardous Materials and Drone Team. Previously, he was a member of the Safety Committee, Dive and Car Seat Teams. In March, he will be graduating from Purdue University Global with his Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration. He also holds an Associate's Degree in Fire Protection from Fox Valley Technical College.

In his free time, Lt. Schmidt enjoys golfing, hunting and traveling up north with his family. He and his wife, Miranda, have two kids together and a fur baby!

Congratulations Lt. Schmidt!

7-11-24

JFD responded to North Pearl Street around 7:55pm for a reported residential fire. Upon arrival, crews found an unoccupied single family home with smoke showing from the rear of the structure.

Crews made entry and found fire in the rear attic area. The fire was quickly knocked down and contained. No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates unavailable at this time.

Photo credit:
Dave Sheen (JFD Photographer and Retired JFD Lieutenant)

7-11-24

Shortly after noon today, JFD responded to a reported gas leak on Jackson Street. Upon arrival, units found a large underground gas line had been hit while digging and the leak was loudly venting.

Occupants in nearby homes were evacuated as a precautionary measure until the gas could be shut off and a safety perimeter was established.

Alliant Energy crews responded quickly and were able to shut off the gas shortly after they arrived.

Evacuated occupants returned to their homes and JFD units cleared the scene.

Thanks to Petry Chiropractic and Wellness for their donation of Dynamic Hydrate. This powder is added to the water bottles we carry on the truck for an extra boost in preventing dehydration at fire scenes.

We are so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and condolences are with you Milwaukee - we’ve got it from here. Rest easy.

Today the Brothers and Sisters of Local 215 mourn, the loss of our beloved brother Doran Kemp as he succumbed to his battle with Cancer.

7/8/24 - Janesville Fire Department responded to 2600 E Racine Street for a reported apartment building fire.

The apartment building was heavily involved in fire upon arrival. Fire crews cleared the building of occupants and started an interior attack with multiple hand lines. The fire gained control of the attic area and fire crews were pulled from the interior of the building due to collapse hazard. Master stream attacks were performed outside the collapse zone.

Multiple area Departments assisted with fire attack and to help backfill Janesville stations. Our 911 Dispatchers did an amazing job handling an influx of calls coming in and getting MABAS fire units to the scene.

JPD assisted with evacuation, crowd control and traffic. Alliant and Janesville Water Department also assisted. SWEPT assisted with firefighter rehab.

No injuries to occupants or fire personnel were reported at posting. Fire is under investigation and no damage estimate is available at this time. Red Cross was called to assist displaced residents.

Photo credit: Dave Sheen (JFD Photographer and Retired JFD Lieutenant)

🚨🚨🚨 Promotion Announcement 🚨🚨🚨

Local 580 would like to congratulate Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Nolte on his recent promotion to Lieutenant!

Lt. Nolte was hired in March 2013 and has been with the JFD for a little over 11 years. Most of his career has been as a Firefighter/Paramedic working out of Station Five and One. In addition to being a FF/Paramedic, he has spent nine years as a Paramedic Preceptor for current Paramedic school students. Three years ago, Lt. Nolte became a certified Driver/MPO and he recently started in his current role as Lieutenant at Station Five on A Battalion. He was awarded the VFW Paramedic of the Year in 2021 and has been a part of the EMS Committee for the past 6 years.

Outside of the JFD, Lt. Nolte also helps coach high school football. He has been coaching Parker High School for the past 12 years as a volunteer/full-time coach. Currently, he is the Defensive Line Coach/Defensive Coordinator for Parker High. He is also a Parker High School Alumni and graduated in 2005. Football has always been a passion of his outside of the Fire Service and he enjoys attending and watching football games at Lambeau Field. Lt. Nolte played college football for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux in Grand Forks where he played defensive line. In 2010, he obtained his Bachelors in Forensics and then attended both MATC and Blackhawk where he received his certifications for Fire and EMS. He then graduated from Mercy's Paramedic School and began his career in the Fire Service as a volunteer/paid-on-call member for the Orfordville Fire Protection District.

Besides working and volunteering, Lt. Nolte enjoys spending time with his family. Lt. Nolte and his wife, Katy, have four children together, Alana (12), Joe (4), Jon (3), and Alivia (19 months). They enjoy spending time together and going camping when the kiddos are not in the middle of softball season! They have a camper in Baraboo near Devil's Lake that is their vacation spot and home away from home!

Congratulations Lt. Nolte!!

🚨🚨🚨 Promotion Announcement 🚨🚨🚨

Local 580 would like to congratulate Lieutenant Jack Morse on his recent promotion to Captain. Captain Morse will be the Captain on B-shift at Station 1.

Captain Morse has been with the JFD for the last 11 years and was hired in March of 2013. He has worked as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Motor Pump Operator, Engine Paramedic, Lieutenant and now Captain. He is a member of the Hazardous Materials Team and Technical Rescue Team. Capt. Morse has been on the Hazmat and Equipment Committee. He was also the Fire Explorer Post Advisor at one time and is the current Chairman for Janesville Firefighter Charities. The City of Janesville Mighty Oak Award was awarded to him in Fall of 2022. Capt. Morse is also an Emergency Services instructor at MATC. He obtained his Associates Degree in Fire Protection Technician from Western Technical College, Paramedic Certificate from Madison College and Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University.

Outside of the JFD, Capt. Morse enjoys spending as much time as possible boating - fishing or cruising. He also enjoys hunting and spending time with family. Capt. Morse lives in Janesville with his wife, Alyson and their dog, R***r. He has been attempting to train R***r as an arson dog since he was rescued in 2017, so far he knows how to sit and stay in the yard!

Congratulations Captain Morse!!!!

🚨🚨🚨 Promotion Announcement 🚨🚨🚨

Local 580 would like to congratulate Captain Josh Uecker, on his recent promotion to Battalion Chief. B/C Uecker will be the B shift Battalion Chief.

B/C Uecker has been with the Janesville Fire Department for the last 17 years and was hired on October 16th, 2006. During his time with the JFD, he has worked as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Relief Driver, Lieutenant, Captain, and now Battalion Chief. He has been a member of the Dive Team, Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue Team, Swiftwater Rescue Team, and WI Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team. He has also worked on our EMS, Training and IT Committees. He was awarded Paramedic of the Year in 2014 and Firefighter of the Year in 2021. B/C Uecker also holds his Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership and works as a Fire Instructor at Blackhawk Technical College.

Outside of the JFD, B/C Uecker enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and going on trips.

During his interview, B/C Uecker said, "I would like to thank my wife, Alicia, and daughter, Elli, who have supported me tirelessly; I cannot begin to describe the depth of sacrifice that a firefighter's family endures. I am indebted to the countless mentors who have helped me to be successful, and I am honored to serve the Janesville community."

Congratulations B/C Uecker!!!

July 4th was a busy one. Three fires in less than 24 hours in addition to several other calls for service.

A-shift took care of a structure fire in the early morning that caused significant damage, then C-shift handled two more fires that occurred within a short time of each other late last night. One was a dumpster that caught fire inside a trash/recycling room located at a large apartment complex. The other was a fully involved semi trailer located in a private lot adjacent to the railroad tracks. The private lot was on the other side of a tree line, which made it a little challenging to access. Dispatch also had to shut down the railroad so crews could pull attack lines across the tracks to reach the fire. The tower provided aerial lighting to the fire area while crews did overhaul.

Exact causes of these fires is still under investigation and no injuries were reported.

L580 would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!!! 🎉

🚨🚨🚨 Retirement Announcement 🚨🚨🚨

Local 580 would like to congratulate Battalion Chief Bomkamp on his recent retirement!

B/C Bomkamp was hired on April 30th, 2001. During his time with the JFD, he has held the positions of Firefighter, Driver/Operator, Lieutenant, Shift Commander and Battalion Chief. He received the VFW Firefighter of the Year Award. B/C Bomkamp was also a part of the Dive Team, Technical Rescue Team, Equipment Committee, New Truck Committee, New Boat Committee, Union Executive Board Member and was the Local 580 President at one time. Besides the JFD, B/C Bomkamp has also been a part of the Rock County Board of Supervisors, for five years, where he has served on the following committees: Public Safety, Health Services, Land Conservation, Transportation Coordinating Committee, Traffic Safety and the EMS Committee. B/C Bomkamp also said, one of his proudest achievements with the JFD, was when her served on the executive board for L580 and helped negotiate Deferred Comp match for our retirement savings accounts - it helps to encourage new members to start savings for their retirement and sets them up for a great retirement financially!

Now that B/C Bomkamp is retired, he plans to spend his time hunting, fishing and traveling. He enjoys outdoor activities, especially bird hunting with his dog, Lucy. B/C Bomkamp will also be celebrating 25 years of marriage to his wife, Amy, this summer. They have two sons together, Wyatt and Tanner, who are both working as Firefighter/Paramedics. Wyatt works for the Janesville Fire Department and Tanner works for North Shore Fire Department, in Milwaukee County. B/C Bomkamp is very proud of his sons for joining the fire service!

Congratulations on retirement!!

Join the JFD!! It is a pretty awesome department and we may be biased, but the Local is pretty cool too! 😎😎😎

Firefighter/Paramedic Are you ready to make a difference every single day? Do you have the courage, skill, and heart to save lives and protect your community?  If so, we want YOU to join our dynamic Janesville Fire Department (JFD)!JFD’s mission is to hold the needs of our citizens in the highest regard, protecting li...

🚨🚨🚨 Retirement Announcement 🚨🚨🚨

Local 580 would like to congratulate Lieutenant Rob Calhoon on his upcoming retirement! Lt. Calhoon will have a retirement open house at Fire Station #1, Monday July 1st, 2024 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm! Please stop by and share memories and best wishes with Lt. Calhoon!

Lt. Calhoon was hired with the Janesville Fire Department in October of 2003. During his career, he has held positions as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Driver/Operator and Lieutenant. He worked on the EMS Committee, Hazardous Materials Committee, and new ambulance committee. Lt. Calhoon was also one of the first Tactical EMS team members and was on the Hazardous Materials Team. He received the American Legion Paramedic of the Year Award.

Outside of the JFD, you could easily find Lt. Calhoon helping out at the Milton Fire Department (now Lakeside Fire Department). He held positions as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Battalion Chief and Deputy Chief for Milton Fire. He also spends a great deal of his time at MercyHealth as an EMS Instructor. Besides that, he also is a trained lifeguard and helps at Milton High School football games doing chains.

Lt. Calhoon has been married to his wife, Tracie, for 31 years. They have two daughters, Chelsea and Hannah. Chelsea, her husband Alec, and daughter Hadley, live in Huntington, West Virginia and Hannah lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Now that Lt. Calhoon will soon be retired, he plans to help out at MercyHealth with their High School EMT-Basic course that is offered at area high schools. As well as continue to help Milton High School sports and assist Lakeside Fire Department with training and onboarding new employees!

Enjoy retirement LT, you deserve it!

🚨🚨🚨

Battle of the Badges at Texas Roadhouse!!!

On Monday, July 22nd, Texas Roadhouse is hosting a rib eating contest with all proceeds benefiting JFD and JPD!

Check-in will begin at 3:30 PM with the competition to follow at 4:00 PM!

We hope to see you there!

The situation on the South Side of Janesville is a mess and many people are struggling to get their property cleaned up. A lot of tornado damage was done and debris pick up is going to continue for awhile.

With that said, we please ask that you DO NOT burn structural debris or large piles of natural wood within the city limits. Small fire pits with a spark screen (similar to the one seen below) are permitted to use within the city limits, however only natural wood can be used and all wood must fit within the fire pit. Also, fire pits must be located 25' away from structures, including fences, playground equipment, etc...

We realize debris removal is difficult and very time consuming, but the city burning policy in place to protect everyone from accidental fire spread. Embers can easily go aloft and accidentally start other objects on fire in a populated area. Incidents like this have happened several times in the past and is the reason for the policy.

If a burning complaint is reported, we are required to respond. Please help us by following these rules and help prevent accidental fires from occurring on top of the deviation already done.

**Residents living in townships outside city limits have different burning regulations. Those residents should contact with their township officials with any questions about their policies.

We thank you for understanding and ask that you please help spread this information.

As many know, the South Side of Janesville was hit by the large tornado seen in the pic below last night. Our crews continue working relentlessly to assist where needed in the impact zone, along with covering the rest of the city. Thankfully, there were no fatalities or major injuries caused by this tornado.

A huge Thank You to all the 12 area fire departments that responded mutial aid last night to assist with an influx of emergency calls. Also Thank You to our amazing Rock County Dispatchers. They truly are some of the best!!

Please follow the City of Janesville, WI page for important updates and information. They are doing an excellent job getting information out as fast as they can. All tornado related questions should be directed to them.

Please be safe and respect those affected by the storm.

*Video Image captured by Tom Purdy.

🚨🚨🚨 Promotion Announcement 🚨🚨🚨

We would like to congratulate Driver/Engine Paramedic Tyler Maechtle on his recent promotion to Lieutenant.

Lt. Maechtle works at Station 2 on C shift!

Lt. Maechtle has been with the JFD since May 5th, 2014. Throughout his career, he has worked as a Firefighter, Paramedic, and a Driver/Engine Paramedic. Lt. Maechtle has been apart of the Rock County Hazardous Materials Team, Peer Support Team, Safety Committee, an IAFF Local 580 Board Member and is currently the IAFF Local 580 Vice President. Before his time with the JFD, Lt. Maechtle worked for the Menomonee Falls Fire Department. He is also apart of the Rock Soccer Club Rush Board and has a painting business. Lt. Maechtle also has a Fire Protection Technician Associates Degree from Waukesha County Technical College.

While off-duty, Lt. Maechtle enjoys challenging himself with the a beautiful game of golf. He said, "I believe the challenges faced on the golf course and how they are managed translate to not only real-life but also scenarios we face on a daily basis in the fire service. Setting expectations, managing obstacles, and above all else having the mental fortitude to pivot and adjust." Lt. Maechtle also stated, "Music has always been a huge part of my life. When I was younger I toured the country performing music for several years. I can play various instruments from brass to guitars but have recently refocused my attention to drums and percussion. My hope is to begin performing again. My family is the most important aspect of my life. My wife and I have been together for 14 years and she has been with me for my entire journey in the fire service. She experiences all the highs and lows with me and has always been my strongest supporter and, when warranted, my harshest critic. We have two beautiful, brave, strong, and smart children (6 and 3 years old). We remind them of this every day. Everything I do is for my family. I would not be who I am today without them."

In regards to the JFD, Lt. Maechtle stated, "We have an incredible group of people at the Janesville Fire Department and I look forward to the opportunity to continue providing the best service to our community in my new role!"

Janesville Firefighter Charities would like to thank everyone who came out to our golf outing yesterday! This event would not be possible without the support of the community and our sponsors!

We would like to extend a special thank you to Glen Erin Golf Club and Cursing Stone Pub for hosting our event, Lindsey Brewer for all of her work in organizing this event and to our Charities Board for all of their help.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors for continuing to support us!

We will see you all next year!

Today, we remember our Charleston 9 and their sacrifice.

On June 18, 2007, the Charleston Fire Department lost nine brave firefighters while battling a devastating blaze at a furniture store. This incident rocked the fire service across our Nation and made departments reevaluate how they operate when fighting large commercial building fires.

🚨🚨🚨 Promotion Announcement 🚨🚨🚨

Local 580 would like to congratulate Lieutenant Tyler Johnson on his promotion to Battalion Chief!

Battalion Chief Johnson will officially assume his role as the C-Battalion B/C today, so if you see him driving around in Battalion 8, give him a “honk” to congratulate him!

B/C Johnson has been with the Janesville Fire Department for the last 20 years, he was hired October 27th, 2003. Throughout his career with the JFD, he has served as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Driver/Operator and Lieutenant. He has been the recipient of Paramedic of the Year Award, City of Janesville Mighty Oak Award and Public Safety Employee of the Year Award. He has served on the EMS and Hazardous Materials Committees and has been involved with the Hazardous Materials Team, Dive Team, Swiftwater Team and Peer Support Group. B/C Johnson is also the Dive Team Leader. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration from Waldorf College.

In B/C Johnsons free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors cycling, Nordic skiing, and hunting! He has been married to his wife, Jess for the last 19 years and they have a 17 year old daughter, Carly.

Congratulations B/C Johnson!