Despite the high intensity of their jobs, the Firefighters I was in contact with were all very friendly and informative. I spoke to a number of Officers and Firefighters in the area to get ahold of a Firehouse near Next Generation, and all of them were very helpful in directing me to the right place. I sat down to interview with Bradley Davis, a retired senior officer of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and Captain at Firehouse 32. The Firehouse is located on the corner of 30th and Galena, which is a less permissive area within the city of Milwaukee. When I talked to Captain Davis over the phone he was adamant that I call right away if I got lost on the way to the station. There was a buzz entrance and my apparent unthreatening looks allowed me into the building where I introduced myself. The overall feel of the Firehouse was pretty laid back. All of the furnishings were charming in their well-worn-virile sort of way. A coffee maker, TV, computer, small kitchen, and twin size beds, accommodated the Firefighter’s 24 hour shifts. Anyone who wants to tour the Firehouse can simply stop by the station and look around; you don't have to be with a school or organization. However, catching them at a good time is a stroke of luck. During the 20 minutes I was in the Firehouse, both trucks left on separate calls; first Engine 32 and second Ladder 9. In addition to touring the Firehouse, if you are really interested in what the Fire Department does, you can actally get pre-approval and can ride along with the Firefighters on a real call (WOW!). -Callie Marie Eberdt
1.) 1551 N. 30th Street
Home to Engine #32, the Firefighting truck, and Ladder #9, the search and rescue truck. Eight Firefighters are on duty for 24 hour shifts with four people operating each truck.
2.) Map of Firehouse 32 Response Districts
In 2008 Firehouse 32 had 5,570 emergency response calls; averaging over 15 calls per day. Their gear is always ready to be put into immediate action.
8.) Join the Crew
Firefighters also do recruitment presentations. These presentations encourage kids to stay in school, stay out of trouble, get good grades, and graduate, if they want to pursue a career in Firefighting.
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Firefighters are extremely involved in the community not only in fire safety but in the overall safety and well-being of a community as a whole. Since we are working with Next Generation this semester, I narrowed my interview focus to how the Firefighters interact with the youth of their communities.
I set up my photo essay as more of an informative tour of what the Fire Department does in the community. Not all of the pictures are exact depictions of their efforts; they are simply symbolic representations of the various contributions Firefighters are involved in year-round.
1.) 1551 N. 30th Street
Home to Engine #32, the Firefighting truck, and Ladder #9, the search and rescue truck. Eight Firefighters are on duty for 24 hour shifts with four people operating each truck.
2.) Map of Firehouse 32 Response Districts
Ladder 9 at Firehouse 32 has a wider fire response range becasue there are less Ladder trucks in the Milwaukee area than there are Engine trucks.
3.) Fire Suit
4.) Garage Intercom
Firefighters are called for a variety of reasons, not only response to a fire. Car crashes, bomb threats, natural disasters, clearing helicopter landing zones, and medical calls are just some examples of Firefighter duties.
5.) The Juvenile Fire Starters Program
Trained Firefighters teach kids about fire safety and attend local community events upon request.
6.) FOCUS Program
Milwaukee residents can have a fire alarm
repaired or installed in their home upon request.
repaired or installed in their home upon request.
7.) Be Sure to Be Safe
Local Families and organizations are welcome to tour the Fire Department during regular business hours. The Fire Department also hosts frequent fire drills and inspections at the area schools and daycare centers.
Local Families and organizations are welcome to tour the Fire Department during regular business hours. The Fire Department also hosts frequent fire drills and inspections at the area schools and daycare centers.
8.) Join the Crew
Firefighters also do recruitment presentations. These presentations encourage kids to stay in school, stay out of trouble, get good grades, and graduate, if they want to pursue a career in Firefighting.
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(photo credit milfire.com)
(photo credit www.milfire.com)
The three photographs above were taken during the "Staying Alive" program, where Firefighters talk about violence and teach kids how to channel their aggressions.
Another program that Firefighters host for schools is the "Survive Alive" Program. It is a fire safety and evacuation simulation that kids actively participate in.
The Milwaukee Fire Department offers 21 different programs to Milwaukee residents.
For more information on The Milwaukee Fire Department visit www.milfire.com
The three photographs above were taken during the "Staying Alive" program, where Firefighters talk about violence and teach kids how to channel their aggressions.
Another program that Firefighters host for schools is the "Survive Alive" Program. It is a fire safety and evacuation simulation that kids actively participate in.
The Milwaukee Fire Department offers 21 different programs to Milwaukee residents.
For more information on The Milwaukee Fire Department visit www.milfire.com
