Help Our Firefighters

On July 22nd, the North Shore Fire Department was deluged with calls for help as torrential rain flooded the North Shore communities. Despite all off-duty firefighters being called to duty, a special task force of firefighters and dive rescue teams were called from Grafton, Saukville, Thiensville, Port Washington, and Mequon along with Chiefs from Greenfield and Wauwatosa, to aid the North Shore Fire Department.

Firefighters spent over five straight hours performing rescues, investigating natural gas leaks, and checking out potential power hazards. Due to the flooding, often firefighters had to walk on foot for blocks to reach citizens in distress as the fire trucks could not make it through the deep water that flooded streets. Sometimes the firefighters found themselves in waist deep sewage. The risks the firefighters took that evening were innumerable. Treading through deep water for hours on end takes a physical toll on the body, much less the health concerns they faced. Those who were called from off-duty or from Ozaukee County sacrificed taking care of any personal issues they may have been facing at home to help the North Shore community.

What is not realized by the general public is that eventually the personal needs of the firefighters must be attended to without detracting from their mission. There is a citizen-volunteer group, trained in emergency operations, that is called upon to aid Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters called the Milwaukee Fire Bell Club. Its Emergency Support Unit (ESU) is a kitchen on wheels – over 150 emergency workers can be fed and hydrated within 90 minutes of activation. This is done free of charge – all food, beverages, supplies, and equipment rely on donations, much of which comes from the police officers and firefighters themselves. Members pay annual dues to cover administrative costs, so 100% of all donations go toward the services provided. The Milwaukee Fire Bell Club responded at 10pm that night to feed the large contingent of firefighters that descended upon the North Shore.

Over the years, one item that has been missing from the services provided is an emergency restroom facility. Needed is a vehicle that can respond quickly, but also provide for a secure dressing area so that personal protective equipment (air tanks, fire axes, gun belts) can be removed safely. An individual agency or community would be hard pressed to justify such a vehicle, however, because they serve over 40 agencies in Southeast Wisconsin (primarily Milwaukee and Ozaukee County), the Milwaukee Fire Bell Club would be the choice organization to provide the service.

Recently, a private citizen has donated about 65% of the amount needed for such a vehicle (modeled after one in use in Baltimore MD). Another $45,000 is needed. Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers are trying to pay for this, but need your help.

Besides a restroom facility, the vehicle will provide for a rest area (when possible, firefighters take breaks during emergencies to monitor oxygen levels in their blood, respiration rates, and blood pressure, and to ensure they receive proper hydration), and also will have a misting unit, tent, and chairs for use during rehab cycles.

The Milwaukee Fire Bell Club is a 501(c)(3) organization, which makes your contributions tax deductible. Please consider a donation payable to the MILWAUKEE FIRE BELL CLUB and send them to YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT or directly to:

GARY SCHMIDT, DIRECTOR OF REHAB

MILWAUKEE FIRE BELL CLUB

3788 S. CENTENNIAL CIRCLE

MILWAUKEE WI 53221-5746

For more information, see http://www.milwaukeefirebellclub.com. Inquiries can also be sent to: esuschmidt@wi.rr.com. Recent responses of the Milwaukee Fire Bell Club include the Mequon East Towne Square strip mall fire, the O’Donnell parking structure collapse, and the Pizza Man fire.