Proudly serving Wheaton since 2021
Wheaton Fire & Rescue is dedicated to protecting life and property in our community through professional fire suppression, emergency medical services, and rescue operations.
As an all-volunteer department, we are your neighbors committed to keeping our community safe. Our members come from all walks of life, united by a common goal: to serve when called upon.
We respond to fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Dedicated to serving our community with pride
Acting with honesty and transparency
Working together to achieve our goals
Continuous improvement and preparedness
Key milestones in our journey
Walter Schryver addresses the Wheaton Town Board about improving fire protection services.
Wheaton becomes a founding member of the Chippewa Fire Protection District on January 1st.
Committee formed to evaluate leaving the Chippewa Fire District and forming an independent department.
Town of Wheaton Ordinance 39 signed on March 10th, officially establishing the department.
WFR begins operations on January 1st with 18 members, growing to 30 by year's end.
Responding to ~160 calls annually, protecting 2,900+ residents across 55 square miles.
Wheaton Fire & Rescue's story begins as a founding member of the Chippewa Fire District. For 43 years the Town of Wheaton combined its fire protection services with surrounding townships.
In early 1977, Walter Schryver addressed the Wheaton Town Board regarding seeking improvements in the fire service the town was receiving. The board—consisting of Don Hable, Fred Anderson, and George Swoboda—were very receptive to change. The township was currently receiving fire protection under contract from the city of Chippewa Falls. Their response was 3 personnel and two fire apparatus, which was deemed woefully inadequate.
The Chippewa Fire Protection District, as it was then named, began providing service on January 1st, 1978. The Chippewa County townships of Hallie, Wheaton, Lafayette, Eagle Point and Tilden. The town of Howard would join soon thereafter.
Fast forward 41 years. In early 2019, discussions began regarding whether Wheaton should remain as a member of the Chippewa Fire District. A committee was formed to weigh pros and cons, and after many hours of discussion and research, the decision was made to leave the district and form an independent fire department. Town of Wheaton Ordinance 39 was signed on March 10th, 2020 establishing Wheaton Fire and Rescue.
Wheaton Fire & Rescue (WFR) began service on January 1st, 2021. An initial roster of 18 members quickly grew to 30 over the course of the first year. WFR provides emergency response for fire suppression, rescue, and hazard mitigation. Members licensed as emergency medical responders (EMR) and emergency medical technicians (EMT) respond to medical emergencies and provide medical standby at fire scenes. Ambulance service is contracted with the cities of Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls.
Members respond for non-emergency service calls too: they conduct fire inspections and provide public education about fire prevention. Members also participate in several fundraising events throughout the year, and perform various duties such as maintaining fire apparatus, station building, and other equipment.
WFR averages 160 calls for service per year, with the majority being for medical emergencies. All calls are initiated and dispatched by the Chippewa County Dispatch Center. Members are paid per hour when responding to incidents, and department officers receive a small stipend for their time performing the required duties to keep a fire department up and running.
Wheaton Fire and Rescue serves over 2,900 township residents and countless visitors in the 55 square miles that is the Town of Wheaton in southwestern Chippewa County. WFR members are dedicated to serving and protecting the community we live in.
Serving the Town of Wheaton in southwestern Chippewa County, Wisconsin
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