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-three employees are members of the combination department (3 full-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 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). The Fire Chief reports to the Town Administrator and ultimately to the Town Board of Supervisors.
IV) Functions of Members -
Fire Chief - lead and manage the department in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
Administrative Assistant - coordinate and assist the management team in achieving the department mission.
Fire Marshal - ensure compliance with applicable safety codes/perform public life-safety education/manage fire cause and origin determination.
Captains (2) of Personnel/Training - manage and conduct in-house training and personnel development.
Captains (2) of Emergency Response- specialize in emergency response readiness and emergency scene strategic management.
Lieutenants - directly supervise actions of fire fighters and emergency scene tactics.
Fire Fighters - fire suppression, equipment operations and public education.
First Responders - trained and qualified to provide EMS pre-hospital care. A total of 19 members currently.
Rope Rescue Team - trained in high-angle Rope Rescue. A total of 6 members currently.
Fire Investigation Bureau - determine cause and origin of significant fires and assist 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 - provide guidance on all safety related issues.
Apparatus/Tools/Equipment Task Force - provide guidance on research, development and purchase of apparatus and equipment.
Career Development Task Force - provide guidance on issues related to recruitment, retention and promotion of paid-on-call personnel.
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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