Since 1901, the New Germany Fire Department has provided service, loyalty, and protection to the city of New Germany, as well as to the surrounding townships of Camden and Hollywood.
The volunteer department currently has 23 active members, and five rescue reserve members (those who are available during the day and can be either first responders, firefighters, or both).
Active members:
•Steve VanLith
• Eric Roepke
• Bruce Fillbrandt
• Ryan Goede
• Dan Ruschmeier
• Dan Mielke
• Travis Kubasch
• John Lenarz
• Ria Roland
• Brock Sennes
• Craig Kahle
• Dan Lundeen
• Dan Perrel
• Cole Midthun
• Clayton Quaas
• Jacob Floer
• James Martin
• Nick Erickson
• Alex Kurtz
• Jacob Kemnitz
• Dan Derusha
• Dustin O’Brien
• Jon Heitz
Volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Though being a firefighter involves significant commitment, intense training, and likely danger, the members of the fire department manage to find an opportunity for recreation every year.
The New Germany Fire Department Relief Association hosts its annual softball tournament each August, and typically, more than 20 local fire departments participate.
Anyone who lives or works within the fire protection zone served by the department is eligible to volunteer for membership. Physical and other requirements must be met. Contact any fire department officer for more information on joining this honorable crew.
Intense training is an important part of being a firefighter. All members of the department participate in regular, ongoing training in a variety of areas. The department conducts one training meeting every month, and in addition to this, members participate in classes and training events throughout the year.
One of the goals of the department is to make sure firefighters are always prepared to deal with the situations they may encounter. Today, training is more important than ever, because the nature of firefighting has evolved over the years.
Equipment to fight fires has also evolved, and this is another reason that ongoing training is vital. Firefighters must be comfortable with, and understand the equipment before they are called upon to use it at a fire scene.
Recently, the fire department bought two new thermal imaging cameras, which are used for interior attack firefighting. This equipment helps fire fighters find and rescue people in smoke-filled rooms.
To help keep homes safe, New Germany firefighters remind residents to change smoke alarm batteries yearly, and to have carbon monoxide detectors replaced every seven years.
Homeowners with long driveways and driveways with low-hanging branches should also make sure their driveways are cleared year-round. A 14-foot height and width opening above the driveway allows emergency vehicles to access homeowners’ property and buildings.
Additionally, driveways and houses should be clearly marked with address numbers, both in town and in the country.