City of Peshtigo Fire Department                        

About Us                                                                                                                                      

The City of Peshtigo Fire Department protects life, property, and the environment for everyone who lives, works, and visits our community. We provide 24/7 response and proactive fire prevention services across the City’s approximately 3 square miles. Our members are volunteer professionals who train continuously to deliver safe, effective service.

Weekly Meetings & Training: Wednesdays at 1900 hrs (7:00 p.m.), except holidays.

Mission

To serve with professionalism, integrity, and respect—responding to emergencies, reducing risk through education and inspections, and partnering with residents, businesses, and city leadership to keep Peshtigo safe.

Staffing & Structure

The Department is a volunteer (stipended) organization. Members may serve as Firefighter/EMR, Firefighter‑only, or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)‑only, all under the Fire Department umbrella.

Memorial & Community Support

Firefighter Memorial (Dedicated June 24, 2006): Erected through private donations in memory of past firefighters from our community. Memorial donations have also funded two thermal imaging cameras for Department use. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our work and projects.

Services & Programs

• Emergency Response: Fire suppression, rescue, and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) care.

• Fire Prevention & Code Compliance: Business and school inspections, plan review support, and hazard mitigation.

• Public Education: Fire Prevention Week activities in local schools, fire drills and evacuation planning, and fire extinguisher training for businesses and community groups.

• Community Events: Annual Open House & Picnic (see photo), and ongoing outreach throughout the year.

EMR Program (Launched November 1, 2024): At the request of the City Council, the Department began providing EMR response citywide after initial training concluded in spring 2024. With added EMS calls, annual call volume is expected to exceed 500 (Fire + EMS).

History at a Glance

• 1871 — The Peshtigo Fire: The community was devastated by the Great Peshtigo Fire on October 8, 1871, with significant loss of life and property.

• 1887 — Incorporated as a Village.

• 1903 — Incorporated as a City; Fire Department established (May 15, 1903): The Town of Peshtigo Fire Department became the City of Peshtigo Fire Department after city incorporation in April 1903. Since then, the Department has operated continuously.

• Early 1900s: Scarce funds and primitive equipment; firefighters raised funds for gear. Typical incidents included wood‑stove, shed, and grass fires.

• 1954 — Major Incident: Fire at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Subsequent significant incidents have included Thompson Boat Co., Unit Structures, Peshtigo High School, and Hart Lumber Company.

• 2002 — Second Fire Station constructed to enhance coverage.

• 2023–2024 — City Hall Station Addition: Construction began in 2023 and was completed in late 2024.

Leadership: The Department has been led by eight Fire Chiefs since 1903, beginning with Chief D. B. Northrup.

Get Involved / Request a Program

• Join Our Team: We’re always looking for community‑minded individuals to serve. Training is provided.

• Schedule Education: Request school programs, extinguisher training, or a station visit.

• Share Feedback: Questions or ideas to improve service? We want to hear from you.

  • Find us on Facebook at: City of Peshtigo Fire Department