Fitchburg Fire Rescue

Effective July 1 2026, the Fire Department will modify its staffing practices to reduce overtime costs. Fire engines will continue to be staffed with four firefighters whenever available staffing allows. Only in situations where maintaining a four-person crew would require overtime, engines will be staffed with three firefighters.

This decision was made after careful review of operations, response data, and budget considerations to ensure we can continue providing reliable emergency services across our community.

Residents will still receive the same prompt and professional response when calling 911.

We understand this change may raise questions. You can learn more and view frequently asked questions here: https://www.fitchburgwi.gov/3044/Fire-Department-Staffing-Update-Frequent

The City is working to balance safety, service, staffing realities, and financial sustainability while continuing to provide emergency response to residents. We remain committed to the safety of our residents and our firefighters.

We have multiple rounds of storms expected through Thursday night. Some of these storms may be severe. Please be weather aware and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Here is an update from Dane County Emergency Management and US National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Wisconsin

Next up for our Firehouse Feature series, we're proud to introduce Firefighter Matt Suchomel! Matt has been with Fitchburg Fire for 5 years, beginning his journey as a Fire Science Intern in 2020 with the Village of Maple Bluff as a Fire Science Intern, and in 2021 transitioned to the City of Fitchburg as a second year Fire Science Intern. He was hired as a Career Firefighter in 2022 just before completing his degree.

🚒 What made you decide to become a firefighter?
“For me, pursuing a career in the fire service has always been a clear and meaningful goal. Having grown up around the fire service, many of my most impactful childhood memories were formed within the firehouse. From an early age, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the professionalism, teamwork, dedication, and camaraderie, required to serve the community effectively. Observing individuals work together toward a common mission instilled in me a deep respect for the profession and ultimately inspired my desire to pursuit a career in the fire service myself.”

🚒 What is your favorite part of the job?
“Undoubtedly, the best part of this job is how challenging it may be. This job is very mentally and physically demanding, and it pushes you to be your best, no day is ever the same, and in the arena we operate in, we as responders must be well rounded, and adaptable to provide the best service for the people we serve for, it’s a huge responsibility and privilege to uphold, and for myself, that alone is my motivation to be better professionally and individually.”

🚒 What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
“During my free time, I continue to be a student of the job, I work part time with the City of Verona Fire Department to continue building my experience and training, as well as teaching at Madison College. Outside of the fire service, I enjoy continuing to be physically active. You can find me out on the golf course, out on one of the Madison chain lakes on my boat, fishing or spending time with my girlfriend and the people who make life so fun!”

🚒 What do you like most about serving the Fitchburg community?
“Fitchburg is one of the most diverse communities in Dane county. From my perspective as a firefighter, what makes Fitchburg truly unique is not only the people who contribute to the character of the city, but also the diversity in the way the city is structured. Fitchburg encompasses a large rural area while also containing a significant urban environment with a wide variety of occupancies including light industrial and commercial areas, as well as many different styles of single family and multiple family dwellings. The diversity requires us a responders to be well rounded in our skill set, as no two calls or environments are exactly the same. The variety and opportunity for growth is what makes Fitchburg and outstanding place to develop both professionally and individually as a firefighter. ”

Thank you, Firefighter Suchomel, for your dedication and service to our community!

Today we recognize the work anniversary of Lieutenant Dave Berman. In 1996, Dave began his career with the Fitchburg Fire Department.

Please help us thank and congratulate Lieutenant Berman on 30 years of dedicated service to the Fitchburg community.

Dave, thank you for your decades of commitment, leadership, and hard work! Your impact on this department and our community is truly appreciated!