TOWN OF BROOKFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT HISTORY Page 2
	In 1991 the Department began doing inspections utilizing two full time positions, staffed with part time people. Prior to that time inspection were done by a single part time position, and it was becoming too much to manage. The part time inspection people were also firefighter/EMT's and responded to calls. The Department upgraded its EMS license to include Defibrillation in 1991. This required 24/7 emergency medical services coverage. At the time, the Department was operating under an EMT/Basic license. The Department was already using duty crew rotations to cover both EMS and fire calls, so this took it a step further. One person would first-respond to EMS calls meeting certain criteria, and would begin care prior to the arrival of the ambulance. In fall 1991 the Department took delivery of a new Road Rescue ambulance. The new ambulance was placed in service in October 1991, and the very first call it responded to turned out to be a 'no-locate' on the freeway. In late 1991, after nearly two years of planning and specifications, a new Ladder Truck was ordered. It would take almost a year to complete. In October 1992 the Department was notified the Aerial was completed. Four Department members flew down to Ocala, Florida to inspect the new vehicle and prepare to return home with it. The crew left Florida and took turns driving. Fuel economy was checked and was a whopping 3 MPG. The crew stopped for fuel every 150 miles. Top speed was 58 MPH. The Truck and crew arrived at the TBFD on Saturday - the next day was the Open House. The Truck arrived just in time. The Fire Chief at that time was John Loeper. In early 1994 the Department began staffing on the weekend. Call volumes were increasing, and personnel were being stretched considerably. Staffing was setup to begin Friday at 6PM and end Monday at 6AM. Personnel were paid minimum wage. In 1995 the Department took delivery of a new ambulance. This ambulance replaced the old gas engine, Ford chassis ambulance that had been experiencing a multitude of mechanical problems as it got older. In 1995 the Department also took delivery of a new Pierce fire engine. This became the primary response engine, and also carried extrication and rescue related equipment. The 1989 engine became the secondary response engine. In early 1998 the Department began a feasibility study and implementation plan to upgrade the emergency medical services to EMT/Intermediate. The approvals were completed by the State of Wisconsin. This cleared the Department to implement the plan in early 1999. In 1999 the Department lost its last founding member. Clarence Kerchoff was an active member of the Department, still running calls until shortly before his passing in June 1999. He had grown to be a sort of a grandfather figure to all on the Department. His favorite sayings included referring to other members as "darn kids", and "hot dog". This, in turn, became his knick-name. If you stop by the station, be sure to check out the ladder truck as it still bears the name "hot dog" in his honor. Though he seemed grouchy at times, he was a kind hearted person. His wife Peggy also passed in 1999. He is missed by all who knew him. A gear locker remains in the bay with his name on it, and his gear still in it. He has locker number 1. Late in 1999 the Department took delivery of a 1999 MedTech Ambulance on a commercial chassis. This ambulance has an air-ride system which was touted as being the newest technology. Experience has shown this has a more firm ride, and can be rougher than the standard chassis design. In 2003 the Department upgraded its service level once again, this time to Paramedic. The implementation window began in late summer of 2003. This is a two-year window in which 24/7 paramedic coverage is not mandatory. This implementation window closed in 2005, mandating 24/7 paramedic coverage. The Town was fully implemented before the required time frame. In 2005 the Department took delivery of a new ambulance. This ambulance has a pickup chassis and has proven to be more comfortable for patients. Call volumes continued to increase and the need for updated equipment was evident. In 2008 the fire department ran over 1130 calls between fire and emergency medical services. In November 2008 the Department took delivery of a new Pierce Fire Engine. The new engine has the latest technology and required training for all personnel. Shortly after the arrival of the new engine the older 1989 model engine was retired from service.
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