PORT WASHINGTON
FIRE
OPERATIONS
MISSION STATEMENT
Since 1852, the Port Washington Fire Department has been committed to protecting the lives and property of our residents and visitors from the harmful impacts of fire, adverse medical events, and other hazards. Rooted in tradition, we uphold our rich legacy of service through fire education, preparedness, emergency response, and providing leadership during times of crisis.
CORE VALUES
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Effort. We approach every call, training, and professional interaction with dedication, continuously striving to serve at the highest level.
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Community Service. We are committed to protecting, educating, and supporting our community through emergency response, outreach, and proactive engagement.
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Culture. We embrace a culture that values teamwork, tradition, and camaraderie as the foundation of our department.
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Adaptability. We remain flexible and resourceful, adjusting to meet the evolving needs of our industry and community.
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Attention to Detail. We focus on precision and thoroughness in every task because they are essential to ensuring safety, efficiency, and operational excellence.
CALLS FOR SERVICE
FIRE/EMS OPERATIONS
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The Port Washington Fire Department was established in 1852 by a handful of volunteers following a series of disastrous fires. Although the equipment, methodology, and training has changed over the last 170 years, the one thing that remains constant is the dedication of the department’s membership. Through their pride, courage, honor, and civic involvement, the members of the Port Washington Fire Department continue to offer the very best in emergency services to those who live in and visit the community.
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The Port Washington Fire Department currently has nearly 50 members, including five full-time employees. Two full-time chief officers oversee administrative and operational functions, while three full-time firefighter/paramedics work 24-hour rotating shifts. In 2025, the department plans to add six additional full-time firefighter/paramedics following a successful staffing referendum. These positions will supplement an enthusiastic core of paid-on-call firefighters and part-time EMS providers.
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The Port Washington Fire Department is truly an “all-hazards” organization. The department handles over 1,800 calls for service annually, covering a range of incidents, including medical emergencies, fires, technical rescues, water rescues, and hazardous material responses within the City and Town of Port Washington, as well as neighboring communities. In addition to emergency response services, the department provides fire prevention, inspections, emergency management services, and public education.​​
SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAMS
DIVE/RESCUE
The Dive Rescue Team, established in 1982, is the department's longest-standing specialty team. It operates with two key components: surface support and rescue divers. Surface support personnel assist divers by managing equipment, reviewing checklists, and directing search patterns from the surface. They also serve as boat operators in open water environments, including Lake Michigan. Rescue divers are highly trained specialists, holding certifications in areas such as deep diving, night diving, submerged vehicle rescue, and ice diving.
LOW-ANGLE/TECH RESCUE
The Rope Rescue Team, formed in 2020 in collaboration with the Grafton and Southern Ozaukee Fire Departments, utilizes specialized equipment to reach, secure, and evacuate victims from challenging locations. The team is frequently tasked with setting up intricate haul systems using mechanical advantage to perform rescues on steep terrain, cliffs, and ravines. Their expertise ensures safe and efficient extrication in situations where conventional methods would be ineffective or dangerous.
RESCUE TASK FORCE
Established in 2016, the Rescue Task Force Team was the first of its kind in Ozaukee County. After the events of Columbine, Aurora, and Sandy Hook, it was apparent EMS providers could no longer stand by until the “scene was completely secure.” Under law enforcement supervision, the Rescue Task Force Team enters the “warm” zone to provide rapid, point-of-wounding emergency medical care. The Rescue Task Force Team is outfitted with ballistic vests, ballistic helmets, and other protective gear, and is specifically trained and equipped to deal with violence-induced trauma.
SURFACE WATER RESCUE
Established in 2023, the Surface Water Rescue Team is trained to respond to the unique challenges presented by living along the lakeshore. Despite having a well-equipped dive team, rescue divers are not typically trained to complete surface rescues in dangerous surf conditions. Water Rescue Technicians receive specialized training that might include rescuing victims pulled into open water by currents, searching for those who have fallen from the break wall, or rescuing victims trapped in swift water/flood conditions.
DRONE RESPONSE
Established in 2023, the Drone Response Team utilizes unmanned aircraft technology to help provide situational awareness at emergency scenes. This tool has been shown to be extremely effective in search and rescue operations. The Drone Team can evaluate large areas in relatively short periods of time, often with limited manpower. Equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, the drone can detect heat signatures from hundreds of feet in the air. The drone can also be utilized at fire scenes to identify hot spots, extinguishing the fire more efficiently.
