2016
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
OUR MISSION
The Bellevue Fire-Rescue department is dedicated to providing the
community with progressive, high quality emergency and preventative
services that support the growth of the community. Response services
will meet or exceed recognized federal, state, and local standards,
regulations, ordinances, and guidelines at or below relative per capita
costs of neighboring and comparable municipalities. Each member of the
Fire Department is valuable. We are committed to educating the public in
specific aspects of health and safety to assure a superior quality of life.
We value our partnership with the community and remain flexible to meet
its needs.
Chief’s Message
As your new Fire Chief, and on behalf of the members of Bellevue FireRescue, it is with a great sense of pride and accomplishment that I
present you the 2016 Annual report for the Department. The report
provides an overview of the Department’s accomplishments in 2016.
Our department has made many changes in 2016. Most notably we have
hired a new Fire Chief and restructured our organizational chart. There are now 3 Battalion
Chiefs that work 24/7 to provide around the clock coverage for the Village. We also provide
staffed coverage Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm, and 7am-3pm Saturday-Sunday. When the
station isn’t staffed we rely on a combination of our part-time and full-time firefighters to respond
from home to the station for incidents.
This past year we have made strides to strengthen interdepartmental relationships with Village
entities, by building rapport and working together. Operationally, we have made advancements
in training and streamlined our day to day duties to ensure efficiency. We are excited to be
moving forward in a positive and unified direction. The following report highlights our operation
for the last year.
I would like to also acknowledge the dedicated members of the Bellevue Fire-Rescue
Department, for without their hard work and commitment, we would not be unable to provide the
departments essential services and programs. In addition, we continue to be sincerely thankful
for the outstanding support of our citizens, the Village Board and Fire Commission, and Village
Administrator, along with staff that helps support our operation.
Sincerely,
Jack Mlnarik
Chief Jack Mlnarik
Bellevue Fire Chief
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
1
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
PERSONNEL
The Bellevue Fire-Rescue Department is a combination department consisting of One Chief,
seven fulltime members, and 40 part-time employees. In combination departments, a limited
full-time staff is on duty around the clock. In our organizational model a Battalion Chief is always
on duty 24/7. This position is supplemented by staff at the station from 7am-5pm MondayFriday, and 7am-3pm Saturday-Sunday. When the station isn’t staffed members respond from
their homes to the station. During the staffed hours the firefighters quickly respond to
emergencies and provide training, fire inspections, public education, maintenance, and other
community-related services between alarms. The part-time staff also work shifts, attend
regularly scheduled training sessions, and are called out to emergencies.
Lou Ann Zeamer
Executive Assistant
Active Firefighters:
Dan Wachholz
Battalion Chief
Andrew Aschenbrenner
Fire Officer
DUTY
Nick Besaw
Battalion Chief
Glenn Unsinn
Fire Officer
Michael Navin
Battalion Chief
Jacob Schueller
Fire Officer
David Dellemann
Fire Officer
Brad Johnson
Fire Officer
Vic Hoffman
Firefighter
Jeffrey Tebon
Firefighter
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
2
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Matthew Hohol
Firefighter
John Sinkler
Firefighter
Scott Polomis
Firefighter
Brian Stevens
Firefighter
Dan Doxtater
Firefighter
Scott Swanson
Firefighter
Michael Vanden Avond
Firefighter
Chad Weihbrecht
Firefighter
Brett Duchateau
Firefighter
Trent Smits
Firefighter
Joshua Cisler
Firefighter
Mark Anderson
Firefighter
Christopher Salentine
Firefighter
Amie Verboomen
Firefighter
Daniel Lotter
Firefighter
Kory Kramer
Firefighter
Kyle Laabs
Firefighter
DUTY
Kyle Reif
Firefighter
Steven Duca
Firefighter
Jason Tease
Firefighter
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
3
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Jeremy Wellens
Firefighter
Joe Morrow
Firefighter
Benjamin Holle
Firefighter
Matthew Alioto
Firefighter
Cody Carwardine
Firefighter
Shaun Corroy
Firefighter
Andrei Gudumac
Firefighter
Kyle Guillette
Firefighter
Jesse Huff
Firefighter
August Klehn
Firefighter
Carl Vanden Avond
Firefighter
Thomas Benike
Firefighter
Alyssa Henninger
Firefighter
No
No
Picture
Picture
Available
Available
Ashley Van Der Linden
Firefighter
Benjamin Nelson
Firefighter
No
Picture
Available
Jed Decker
Firefighter
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
4
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
BELLEVUE
FIRE-RESCUE DEPARTMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Fire Chief
Executive
Assistant
Red
White
Blue
Battalion
Battalion
Battalion
MaintenanceEMS
Training
Operations
Safety
Fire Prevention
Part Time Fire
Officer
EMS
Full Time Fire
Officer
Training
Firefighters
Part Time Safety
Officer
Firefighters
Firefighters
Full Time Fire
Officer
Part Time Fire
Officer
Operations
Fire Prevention
Firefighters
Firefighters
Staffed crew (2 Full-time - 2 Part-Time) from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3pm Saturday-Sunday
Full-time staff licensed to at least an EMT-Basic Level
Each full-time employee has assigned responsibilities, Fire Prevention/Public Education, Training
Officer, Vehicle Maintenance, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Inspections, etc.
Part-Time positions fill shifts, vacations, sick leave, etc. on all shifts and respond to emergency calls as
needed.
All career personnel trained to Wisconsin State Certified Firefighter II & Part-Time to Fire Fighter I
Eight full-time personnel – Forty part-time personnel
2016 VILLAGE BOARD/FIRE COMMISSION MEMBERS
Steve Soukup
Dave Kaster
Tom Katers
Adam Gauthier
David Daul
DUTY
Village President
Village Trustee
Village Trustee
Village Trustee
Village Trustee
Pat Buckman
Jim Allen
Steve Lazzari
Michael Marquette
David Seidl
Commission Chair
Commission Member
Commission Member
Commission Member
Commission Member
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
5
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Calls by Nature of Incident – 2016
FIRES
Building fire
Cooking fire
Chimney or flue fire, confined to chimney or flue
Trash or rubbish fire, contained
Passenger vehicle fire
Outside equipment fire
Brush/Grass fire
OVERPRESSURE RUPTURE, EXPLOSION, OVERHEAT
Overpressure rupture, explosion, over heat other
RESCUE & MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE INCIDENT
Medical Assist, Assist EMS crew, Stand-by, other
Search for Missing person, Remove Victim from stalled elevator
Motor vehicle accident with injuries
Motor vehicle accident with no injuries
Emergency Medical Service, Other
HAZARDOUS CONDITION (NO FIRE)
Hazardous condition, Other
Gasoline or other flammable liquid spill
Gas leak (natural gas or LPG)
Carbon monoxide incident
Electrical wiring/equipment problem, other
Arcing, shorted electrical equipment
Vehicle accident general clean pp
SERVICE CALL
Person in distress, Service call, Other
Assist police or other governmental agency
Public service
Unauthorized burning
GOOD INTENT CALL
Authorized controlled burning
Good Intent, other
Dispatched and cancelled enroute
No Incident found on arrival at dispatch address
Smoke scare, odor of smoke
Hazmat release investigation with no Hazmat
FALSE ALARM & FALSE CALL
Malicious, mischievous false call, other
Carbon Monoxide detector activation, no CO
Alarm/Detector activation, no fire
SEVERE WEATHER & Natural Disaster
Lightning Strike (No Fire)
TOTAL
DUTY
23
16
1
1
5
1
1
3
315
2
35
14
6
4
3
5
18
1
1
7
3
8
20
3
1
8
60
9
2
2
4
8
55
1
645
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
6
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Calls By Nature of Incident 2016
False Alarm and
False Call, 67
Special Incident
Type, 1
Fires, 48
Good intent, 82
Rescue & Emergency
Medical Service
Incident, 372
Service Call, 34
Hazardous condition
(No Fire), 39
Call Volume Last 4 Years
800
696
Number of Calls
700
600
622
645
546
500
400
300
200
100
*Limited EMS response for the first 2 months in 2016.
**Reduced staffed department hours in 2016.
0
2013
2014
2015
2016
Year
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
7
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
The EMS Operations Fire Officer is responsible for maintaining and
continuously improving the EMS performance and system in general. This is
accomplished through continual training, protocol review, quality assurance,
ongoing license review and the maintaining of emergency medical equipment
and supplies. We work closely in assisting County Rescue with EMS calls in
the Village. In order for success we must maintain a proactive relationship
with area hospitals, training centers, neighboring EMS agencies and other
local community and civic organizations.
Glen Unsinn
EMS Operations
In 2016 the Bellevue Fire/Rescue EMS division continued to make a difference within
the community. Our partnership with County Rescue allows for us to assist them on calls within
the Village. The average response time to calls when the station is staffed averages less than 5
minutes. There are many times we will ride with County Rescue to provide an extra set of hands
during those critical incidents.
Although we may not provide the primary Ambulance service for the Village of Bellevue, we
continually find ways to be involved in the community with emergency medical services. A
number of the various services we provide are:
•
•
•
•
•
Blood pressure clinics twice a month held at the YMCA.
Provide seminars at Bellin Health, offering safety tips for their “Stepping On” program.
Mass casualty incident training in coordination with Bellin College.
Attend chart review training at area hospitals.
Provide Village employees with CPR & first aid training.
The following graphs show the call volume by the day of the week and the percentage of each
call type that we were dispatched with County Rescue for:
Percentage of Each
Call Type
Medical
68%
Trauma 32%
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
8
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
FIRE PREVENTION & LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Bellevue Fire and Rescue takes great pride in its Public
Education and Public Relations Department. Throughout the
year, members of the department participated in community
events in order to promote a variety of safety messages. Below
you will find a few of the highlights from the year 2016.
Chad Weihbrecht
Program Coordinator
Michael Navin
Battalion Chief
♦ Developed and implemented a new smoke detector initiative. Through this new initiative,
in conjunction with the WisSAFE program, the Fire Department is able to inspect existing
detectors and provide a limited number of smoke detectors to residents at no charge.
♦ Recertified two car seat technicians. These technicians are able to inspect and install car
seats by appointment. These individuals will also assist at local community car seat
events.
♦ Presented to over 500 children in October during Fire Prevention Week. This year’s
theme for Fire Prevention Week was “Don’t Wait—Check the Date! Replace Smoke
Alarms Every 10 Years”.
♦ Conducted multiple blood pressure clinics at the local YMCA.
♦ Participated in many community events including, but not limited to; National Night Out,
Santa in the Park, Trick or Treat Trail, Pearly Gates Veterans Ride, Safe the Day, Easter
Egg Bonanza, Festival Foods Boo Fest and Home Depot—Safety Workshop.
As we look forward to 2017 the Public Education and Public Relations Department has set a few
goals:
♦ Expand the smoke detector program and increase the number of inspection and
installations of smoke detectors. We hope to add the availability of CO detectors in the
year 2017.
♦ Expand our roll in the inspection and installation of car seats by certifying additional
technicians and accepting more appointments.
♦ Develop and implement an elderly safety program for the residents of Bellevue.
♦ Send a member to the Juvenile Fire Setters program.
25 Public Education Presentations
13 Blood Pressure Clinics
12 Fire Station Tours
Fire Extinguisher Training
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
9
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Smoke Detector Installs
35
30
31
25
20
15
10
5
0
3
0
2014
2015
2016
Car Seat Installs
50
40
39
30
20
18
10
3
0
2014
2015
2016
People Educated
6000
5644
5000
4000
4433
3000
3915
2000
1000
0
2014
DUTY
2015
2016
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
10
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
FIRE & RESCUE TRAINING
Proper preparation prevents poor performance and in 2016
the Bellevue Fire Department had their busiest year ever! The
department had a total of 137 training classes offered to its
members. The classes were a combination of Fire classes,
Hazardous Materials, Emergency Medical, and Specialized
Operations. All of the classes are geared around keeping the
Firefighter’s skills up to date, any changes in the fire service,
and firefighter safety.
Andy Aschenbrenner
Fire Officer
Nick Besaw
Battalion Chief
In 2016 the department held its biggest recruit class with the hiring of fourteen new Firefighters.
Some new recruits were hired with no training, others have Associate Degrees, and some came to
Bellevue Fire with many years of experience.
The new Recruit Program comprises of twenty-four classes, and a total of 75 hours. These classes
help the new recruits learn how things operate in Bellevue. The simplest of trainings are learning the
trucks and equipment, all the way up to the department’s Standard Operating Guidelines and
Procedures. This recruit program is the foundation to build a knowledgeable and skillful firefighter.
In the previous year the department had many milestones achieved. Five Firefighters completed the
Wisconsin State Firefighter 1 class (96 hours) and Hazardous Material Operations (16 hours) at
NWTC. Three members attended and achieved a Wisconsin State Driver Operator Pumper
certificate (66 hours). Four members attend a joint class with Howard Fire, for Wisconsin State
Driver Operator Aerial (36 hours). Seven members completed the first of two sections of Blue Card
Command Class. The first part is 50 hours of online training. The second part is the 24 hours of
practical scenarios. This practical session will be completed in January of 2017. Blue Card teaches
the student how to command a fire ground scene from a small residential home, multi-family, strip
mall, and finally a large commercial building. The class uses a program called Fire Studio, where the
instructor can create a scenario by using a picture of a real building from that department’s response
area. The student can see smoke and fire and watch the situation progress as if it were happening in
real time.
The Bellevue Fire Department has been training for the last several years on responding to an
Active Shooter/Intruder situation. In 2016 the Fire Department and Brown County Sherriff’s
Department held a joint training at Christa McAuliffe School during the summer. Students from Bellin
College of Nursing were used as real patients. The joint teams of Firefighters and Sheriff Officers
moved throughout the building as one team. The Sheriff Officers clearing the rooms, while the
Firefighters triaged and provided first aid for the victims. The volunteers from the college used makeup and other special effects to make themselves looked as if they had actual injuries. This was a
very intense training with good feedback and lessons learned from all that were involved.
In 2016 the average attendance rate for training was 72% with seventeen members attending 80%
or higher! The average Firefighter received 75+ hours of training! Just like a professional sports
team, a great deal of time and effort is spent in practice and behind the scenes to perform on game
day.
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
11
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
FIRE PREVENTION
The Bellevue Fire-Rescue department is committed to
preserving life and property of the citizens it serves. One of the
many ways this is accomplished is through fire safety code
inspections of all commercial and multifamily structures in the
Village. This is also a chance for us to work with citizens in an
opportunity to educate them about fire hazards, alleviating the
danger they cause by fixing them, while working in conjunction
with property owners.
Dave Dellemann
Fire Officer
Brad Johnson
Fire Officer
In addition to serving our citizens of Bellevue for Emergency Services, our efforts within the Fire
Prevention Division were busy with code enforcement/correction, plan review and departmental
goals. These goals included:
♦
♦
♦
♦
A complete data integrity review of our FireHouse Software (FH) Program.
Long term operational planning toward reliable data management within FH.
Developed paperless fire inspections utilizing IPad’s and FH software.
Provided current and effective training to personnel within requirements set by the
Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services, SPS 314.
♦ Completed all Village inspections, bi-yearly to maintain 2% Due’s compliance.
In the past year, the Village has seen growth in new business which provides additional
responsibilities within the Fire Prevention Division. Additional plans that are reviewed thru the
division annually include:
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Change of Occupancy
Fire Alarm
Fire Suppression Systems
Hood Systems
Outdoor Special Events
Plan Alterations
New Construction
Site Plan
Final Bldg. Inspection – Occupancy
DUTY
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Re-inspections
Site Inspections
Knox Box Installations
Hazardous Materials
Fireworks Acceptance/Display
Fire Alarm Acceptance
Fire Suppression Acceptance
Hood Suppression Acceptance
Pre-Construction Inspections
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
12
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
FIRE CODE INSPECTION COMPARISON
3 Year Analysis
Total Fire Code Inspections
1600
1590
1580
1570
1560
1550
1540
Total Inspections
2014
1561
2015
1557
2016
1589
Percentage of total Inspections
60.0%
2016 Inspections by Occupancy Type
50.0%
40.0%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
Assembly Business
Educational
Health
Manufac Outside Property ResidentIndustrial
Storage
Care
-turing Property Other
ial
2014
5.4%
49.7%
1.3%
5.4%
0.6%
2.4%
0.6%
0.5%
27.8%
6.1%
2015
5.6%
48.2%
1.4%
5.8%
1.0%
2.6%
0.6%
0.5%
28.0%
6.4%
2016
5.9%
47.8%
1.1%
5.8%
1.2%
2.1%
0.5%
0.5%
28.5%
6.9%
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
13
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT
The duties of the apparatus and equipment division
include managing all aspects of both stations. This
involves annual scheduling of all apparatus service and
maintenance of all equipment. This includes vehicles,
turnout gear, tools, and SCBA. Upkeep and general
maintenance of both fire stations is also part of our role.
Dan Wachholz
Battalion Chief
Jason Tease
Firefighter
Fire Apparatus
2009 - C500 Chevrolet Tahoe Command Vehicle - This vehicle
is located at Station 1 and is used by the Battalion Chief or Duty
Chief to respond to all emergency calls in the Village 24/7. It is
equipped with a computer, maps, pre-plans, and all of the other
necessities needed to run an emergency incident.
2017 - XLT Ford Explorer – This vehicle is used by the Fire
Chief to respond to emergency incidents. It is also equipped
with all of the needed necessities to run an emergency incident.
E511 - 2009 Pierce Fire Pumper – This unit is housed at Station 1
and responds to all fire & EMS emergencies in the Village. It can
pump 1750 gallons per minute, along with carrying 750 gallons of
water in its tank. This unit is also equipped with the Jaws of Life for
vehicle extrication.
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
14
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
L511 – 2006 Rosenbauer Ladder Truck – This piece of
apparatus is housed at Station 1 and responds to all fires
in the Village. It is equipped with a 109/ft. aerial ladder,
119 feet of ground ladders, pumps 1500 gallons per
minute and carries 400 gallons of water. The ladder truck
is a necessary piece of equipment when gaining access
to roofs of large structures. It also stores our ice
rescue/cold water equipment.
R521 – 2001 Pierce/International Heavy Rescue – This
vehicle is located at Station 2. It responds to fires, automobile
accidents, and special operations such as building collapse or
confined space rescue. This unit is basically a toolbox on
wheels, along with having the capability to fill SCBA bottles at
fire scenes.
T511 – 1999 Chevrolet Water Tender – This piece of
apparatus is housed at Station 1. We still have a few
areas in the Village that have no fire hydrants. This unit
carries 1850 gallons of water and is used to service the
non-hydrant areas we protect. It is sometimes used for
extra protection in blocking traffic at accident scenes.
U511 – 2010 Ford Utility Vehicle – This vehicle is housed at
Station 1 and is used as a support vehicle. It is used for a variety
of purposes: fire calls, fire inspections, EMS calls, snow plowing,
and towing the 6x6 brush rig.
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
15
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
U521 – 2004 Ford Utility Vehicle – This vehicle is housed at
Station 2. It responds to fire calls, EMS calls, fire inspections,
and is also used to pull the Special Operations trailer.
U522 – Wells Fargo Special Operations Trailer – This piece
of apparatus is located at Station 2. The trailer carries a
variety of equipment used for trench rescue and building
collapse.
U512 – 2010 Polaris 6x6 Brush Rig – This unit is housed at
Station 1 and is used for wildland firefighting. It has also been
utilized to reach patients in difficult to access areas that an
ambulance may not be able to access.
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
16
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 Experienced no fire fatalities in 2016.
 Restructured the department to allow for Battalion Chiefs to provide 24/7, 365 day
coverage for the Village. Also added a part-time executive assistant.
 Hired a new Fire Chief in September and also added 11 part-time firefighters; bringing
staff up to 40 part-time and 8 full-time employees.
 Department made major shift to six functional department programs (Training, Fire
Prevention/Education, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Emergency Medical Response)
 Received a grant from the Wisconsin DNR allowing us to purchase Wildland Fire Gear
for all members.
 Received Wisconsin Public Service grant for a five gas air monitoring meter.
 Received a Walmart community enrichment grant for fire prevention/education materials.
 Formed the Fox River Fire District which allows for area departments to work closer
together, and allow for additional grant opportunities when applying as a District.
 Updated the Village Emergency Operation Plan.
 We were able to raise a significant amount of money for MDA, through our “Fill The
Boot” campaign here in the Village.
 Worked in conjunction with BCSD to provide active shooter training for members.
 Members designed a new Bellevue Fire-Rescue logo for department.
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
17
BELLEVUE FIRE-RESCUE
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I get a copy of a Fire Report?
Call the Fire Department at 920-884-1077, during our regular business hours of
7:00am-5:00pm Monday thru Friday, for proper procedure to obtain report.
What does the Fire Protection Fee mean on my water bill?
This fee has nothing to do with the Fire Department. This fee is what the utility
department charges for maintaining the fire hydrants within the Village. It is sometimes
mistaken for an additional fee to pay for the Fire Department, this is not the case.
What is a “Knox Box” & where can I obtain one?
A Knox Box is a secured locked box that is placed on the front of a building/house and
contains keys to the building or residence. The Fire Department keeps a key that opens
the Knox Box locked and secured in their vehicles. This allows the Fire Department
easy access to a home or business, even when the building may be secured, i.e. after
hours or when occupants have limited mobility. Information to purchase a “Knox Box”
can be obtained by calling the Bellevue Fire-Rescue Department at 920-884-1077.
If my Carbon Monoxide detector activates, what should I do?
Carbon Monoxide (ALSO KNOWN AS THE SILENT KILLER) is a colorless/odorless
gas that is created by the incomplete combustion of carbon based fuels. It also
connects to blood cells at a rate of 200 times faster than oxygen. It is recommended
that you install a Carbon Monoxide detector on each level of your home and if a
detector activates, call 911 and leave your home. The Fire Department will come to your
home and check the level of Carbon Monoxide (if any).
Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof and break windows of a building on fire?
This is called “VENTILATION”. There are two basic reasons for ventilating a structure.
The first is, removal of dangerous gases, heat, and dark smoke that accumulates in a
burning building reducing the visibility and greatly impeding rescue and firefighting
efforts. Second, ventilation allows firefighters to relieve the structure of superheated
gases and smoke which spread fire and contribute to dangerous situations like
flashover and backdraft explosions.
DUTY
 PRIDE  FAMILY  COURAGE  PROFFESIONALISM  HONOR  INTEGRITY
18