All that Jazz that's neither here nor
there...
"We can be knowledgeable with other men's knowledge but we
cannot be wise with other men's wisdom.
-Michel Montaigne, essayist (1533-1592)

A Word to
the Wise... castigate PRONUNCIATION:
(KAS-ti-gayt)
MEANING:
verb: To criticize or chastise severely

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Welcome to the Blooming Grove Fire Department
Website
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Welcome and on behalf of the dedicated
men and women who serve as firefighters for the Town of Blooming
Grove, Wisconsin, I would like to thank you for visiting our
web site. Our firefighters are some of the best
in the country. Whether you are a resident, business owner, or a visitor, our goal
is to take care of you as if you were a member of our family, because you are! I would like to offer an
invitation for you to visit our firehouse and meet some of the best
firefighters in the nation.
Respectfully, Glenn
Linzmeier, Chief BGFD
"Patients and open
mindedness and together we will make the
difference" -BGFD Motto
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NOTICE TO BGFD FIREFIGHTERS |
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HAPPY B-Day to Lt. Troy Coogan!
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BGFD welcome's it's newest member. Congratulations to Andy and Sara Spatola
on the birth of their daughter Lydia.
 
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Friday Update on Himsel Funeral BGFD
will send a group of personnel on Sunday at 2.00 pm. Be at
the station and ready to leave by 2.00 pm. This is the
list I have for Sunday. Lt Edge, Disalvo, Showers ,
Hammond and Johnson. If more would like to attend that is
fine please let ME know!!
Monday Morning also has a change! BGFD
will leave the station at 8.15 am. There is a request that
DANE County Departments are in place before others out of
the county are getting there. FDMH would like us in place
by 9.00am. The traffic part of this has been cut backed
off since Law enforcement is working on that. There might
be a chance of other little logistics that need help I was
told.
Mondays list of personnel: Shower,Johnson,
Ac Holtz and Salvo, Support Services Litjohn,Horst.
Chief Linzmeier
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New Extrication Team meeting 10
February at 1830.
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Turn in all NIMS
Certification to Lt. Guerten immediately.
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New Radios will be installed in BGE1 See
your Lt. for info
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All BGM65 drivers are required to have an
EVOC certificate.
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Mind your gear after each shift, reviving
Wall of Shame is being contemplated.
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See F1 with ideas/suggestions re future
construction plans for BGFD.
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Please contact
Lt. Edge re Open Shifts in February.
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TMFD
Emergency Vehicle Response Standard Operating Guideline
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TMFD
and BGFD Inter-Governmental Service Agreement SOG
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BGFD
Association 2009 Gun Raffle Winners Sponsored by
Gander Mountain
Week 11
John - Madison - 870 Wingmaster: 12ga 3in:28in VR: Right:
Wood/Blued ($610.99)
Week 12
Jeff - Dane - 750 Woodmaster:30-06 Springfield:18-1/2in
Std: Right: Wood/Blued ($704.99)
Week 13
Erv - Madison - Golden Boy:17 HMR:20in Oct:Right:
Wood/Brass ($469.99)
Week 14
Glenn - McFarland - 7600 W/GLSS:270 Win:22in
Std:Right:Wood/Blued ($639.19)
Week 15
Andrew - Madison - T3 Hunter:30-06 Springfield:22-3/8in
Std:Right:Wood/Blued ($563.99)
Week 16
Alexander - Madison - Nova:12ga 3-1/2in:26in
VR:Right:RTM4 ($422.99)
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An interview with Maple Bluff Fire
Chief Joshua Ripp - FF Miles
2.5.10
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The
Maple Bluff Fire Department (MBFD) proudly serves its 1300
residents by providing fire suppression, fire prevention,
vehicle extrication, public education, fire inspections, and
water/ice rescue services.
Recently Chief Joshua Ripp was kind enough to
take time to answer a few questions to allow us to learn a
little more about the MBFD and the community they serve.
How long have you been with MBFD?
I started with MBFD in June of 1997 ( little more than
12.5 yrs)
What is your long term vision for the MBFD?
My vision for MBFD is to be able to serve the Village in
dealing with fire, EMS and rescue emergencies with the
personalized customer service that always have. Maple Bluff
has always been a separate community from the surrounding
area, and that is what sets us apart.
What key traits do you look for in your
FF's and Officers?
When I look for potential fire department personnel, I
look for individuals that aren't afraid of work, and what is
considered a "normal" work day.
What was the best/worst prank played on you
as a rook? (That you can share in mixed company)
In my intern days, I had a vacuum cleaner bolted to the bed of
my old flatbed truck. It was vacuum cleaner that had died, had
been replaced, but I just couldn't seem to make it go away.
How many FT staff are employed at MBFD and
how many volunteers?
We presently have 4 full time staff, 6 interns, and about
18 volunteers.
Approximately how many calls does MBFD
respond to annually and what is the breakdown for each?
Maple Bluff Fire responded to the following calls in 2009
Fire 5 Motor Vehicle Crash 3 EMS Assist 49
Water/Ice Rescue 4 Other Rescue 0 Electrical Hazard 6 CO
Invest/Incident 2 Gas Odor 1 Smoke Scare/Odor 2 Other Chem/Biological
Scare 2 False Alarm (smoke/fire) 13 Severe Weather/flood/etc 1
Citizen Assist, Other 3 Station Standby 5 Dispatched,
Cancelled 6 Other, 1
What was the most memorable call you
remember responding to?
Most definitely, the 69 Cambridge Road Fire. It was the
first fire I was Incident Commander on, and it was extremely
cold (-14 degrees fahrenheit). It was quite a learning
experience that night/morning.
What coping methods will be available to MB
players after losing this year's football game to BGFD...just
kidding.
Hmm, coping methods. Well, I think us getting the trophy
again this year will be consolation enough after the game.
Thanks for being such a good sport Chief
and taking the time to let me interview you.
FF Miles
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A letter from Chief
Linzmeier Re. Chief Himsel Funeral
2.4.10
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Blooming Grove Personnel:
Here is the latest information in regard to Chief Himsel's
funeral for Monday, February 8.
DCFCA has been tasked with providing some personnel for
Traffic control and Apparatus parking logistics in Mt. Horeb
on Monday February 8th, 2010 leading up to and during the
funeral and procession to the Cemetery.
The funeral procession from the Evangelical Lutheran Church
to the Union Cemetery is very short, however a number of
intersections including a round-a-bout need controlling. We
are requesting up to 12 volunteers to assist with this
assignment. There may also be a need to hand out Mt. Horeb
Maps and instructions at the Major “IN Roads” to Mt. Horeb
prior to the Funeral Monday as Fire Apparatus will arrive from
all different directions. That assignment may begin as early
as 8 AM Monday.
So BGFD Personnel: I was wondering who would like to
volunteer and help out with traffic on Monday morning early.
If you'd like to help all please let me know.
At this point I am planning on having two fire trucks from
Blooming Grove attend the services on Monday. If you like to
be part of this we will be leaving the station some place
between 730am and 8 AM. Class A dress or your highest level of
dress will be the fine. Those that are helping out with
traffic class B. dress with turnouts and vest are acceptable.
On Sunday there is visitation at the fire station. There
has been a few members that can't attend on Monday. I have
decided to send a group of personnel on Sunday the seventh of
Feb, department apparatus will be used to go to the visitation
anyone interested please let me know at 209.5697. If you plan
on attending on Sunday meet at the station at 2.00 pm.
I hope this explains and answers everyone's questions
please help out where you can. I know that anyone that is at
all available on Monday I could use station coverage from 7 AM
Intel we return from the funeral ceremonies.
For those working traffic. Please also dress according to
the weather. Personnel working this detail may wear full or
partial turn-outs as they might be recognized better by the
motoring public during this particular detail.
Thanks for your assistance
Chief Linzmeier
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Mt. Horeb Fire
Chief Chuck Himsel Passing
- NBC.com 2.2.10
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Charles Howard "Chuck" Himsel, age 67 of Mt. Horeb,
WI, died on Monday, February 1, 2010 at his home in Mt. Horeb.
February 1st was a very significant day because it was
Chuck's father's birthday and also the 32nd anniversary of his
service as Fire Chief. He was born on July 24, 1942 to Howard
Charles "Howdy" and Georgia E. (Thompson) Himsel.
Chuck graduated from Mount Horeb High School in 1960 and
attended Luther College in Iowa. He earned a bachelor's degree
in elementary education from University of Wisconsin
Platteville. Chuck also held a degree in fire science, a minor
in music, and completed a great amount of post-graduate
coursework. He taught elementary and junior high math in the
public school system in both Madison and Mt. Horeb. In 1979,
Chuck had the opportunity to combine his teaching profession
with his firefighting and became the firefighter instructor
for the Fire Science Department at MATC. He continued teaching
at MATC through 2006 and then retired to officially become the
paid Mount Horeb Fire Chief. Chuck has served the Mount Horeb
Fire Department since 1965, Mount Horeb Emergency Medical
Service since its inception in 1976, and served as Fire Chief
since 1978 when his father retired as Chief. Music was an
integral part of his life; he was involved with drum corps,
bugling, Firehouse Minstrels, vocal and instrumental
ensembles, Song of Norway, ELC Church Choir, and The Kristmenn
and Old Hickory Quartets.
Chuck was a much loved man who touched countless lives in
many ways. He will be forever remembered for his generosity,
his humor, and his great compassion. He was a vehement
supporter of Mt. Horeb, which he called an authentic
community, and was instrumental in initiating many community
festivals and festivities.
Survivors include his sisters: Ann (Phil) Dettwiler and
Mary Jo (Ron) Brinkmann both of Mt. Horeb; three nephews:
Eric, Craig, and Joel; two nieces: Sarah and Mary; three
great-nephews; two great-nieces; his fire department family;
other relatives, and a great many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday,
February 8, 2010 at EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF MT. HOREB.
Full Fire Honors will be accorded. Burial will follow at Mt.
Horeb Union Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at MT. HOREB FIRE STATION NO. 1,
120 S. First Street, Mt. Horeb. The Ellestad Camacho Funeral
Home, 500 N. 8th Street, Mt. Horeb, WI, is serving the family.
Chuck's family would like to thank everyone who has put so
much energy and heart into honoring Chuck's life and legacy.
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Winter Weather - Are You prepared
- Wis D.O.T. 1.28.10
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A message for our neighbors
Winter weather in Wisconsin is serious business. Here are
a few useful tips from the Wisconsin Department of
Transportation regarding safe winter driving.... Winter
Driving
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Abby and Julia have scored a home run for fire safety.
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) visited their
home to help them do their own fire safety inspection. Click
on the different types of home fire safety issues and see how
they did!
When you are done, hit your own fire safety home run –
print out the safety checklist that Abby and Julia used. Ask a
grown-up to help you conduct a fire safety inspection of your
home!
Click
here to begin
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Electrical and Fire
Safety
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services 1.27.10
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A message for our neighbors
.Fire and Burn Prevention Fires and burns are the second
leading cause of household injuries. Each year nearly 4,000
people in the U.S. die in home fires. Thousands of others are
injured as a result of fires or accidental burns. Most of
these deaths involve children and elderly adults. Kitchen
accidents, space heaters, chimney fires, faulty electrical
wiring, and cigarettes are common causes. Check your home for
fire hazards. Install smoke detectors on every floor.
More
tips on Fire Safety
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Mike McKay Fire
Inspector - FF. Miles
1.26.10
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Congratulations go out to BGFD Firefighter
Mike "Shrek" McKay for completing the Fire Inspector
Certification program at Madison Area Technical College. Mike
who is well known for his 'outspokenness' said he does not
have any real plans as far as other certifications and that in
the future he, "just plans to take the regular courses."
The Fire Inspector certification is one of the more challenging
certifications to complete. He might be a quiet guy from
Mellen, but Mike's a good firefighter and a good
guy.
Congrats Mike!
Pictured ( Chief Linzmeier and FF McKay FD).
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North Dakota Fire
Truck, Bus Collide
- Firehouse News 1.22.10
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A crash involving a Bismarck fire truck, a transit bus and a
pickup sent two people to the hospital yesterday morning,
according to The Bismarck Tribune.
Firefighter Donavan Voeller, 41, was transported to St.
Alexius Hospital and was treated for "non-critical
injuries." The bus driver was treated and released at the
hospital.
Voeller, one of four aboard the apparatus, was the only
firefighter injured.
The fire truck, which was returning from an emergency call,
was traveling westbound on Century Avenue and was waiting to
turn onto State Street when the bus, traveling eastbound,
struck the right side of the fire truck's cab, then continued
on and struck a pickup.
The crash caused $35,000 damage to the fire truck.
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Fla. Trooper
Overlooks Body In Crash Investigation
- AP 1.22.10
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According to FHP, the unidentified trooper was
responding to reports of an abandoned car on Interstate 95 in
Oakland Park. He investigated the crash scene but did not see
the body and had the car towed.
A wrecker company contacted the car's owner on
Tuesday. The woman said she didn't know her car was in an
accident and that her boyfriend was missing.
She found his body in a ditch when she stopped
by the crash scene that night. The victim was identified as
29-year-old Delvin Lewis.
Authorities believe Lewis was driving his
girlfriend's car when he hit a guardrail and was thrown from
the car. It's not clear when the accident happened.
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BGFD Firefighter and EMS Certificates
- FF. Miles 1.16.10
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Congratulations go out to BGFD Firefighters
Alex Koel and Paul Peterson who successfully completed
FF1 certification. Firefighters Koel, Jay Oliver, Jon
Jaworski, Dustin Boyd, Evan Morgan and Marcus Miles
completed FF2 certification. Firefighters Koel and Peterson
completed EMT-Basic.
Pictured ( FF
Miles, Jaworski and "Vinnie" from the Village of Wyocena FD).
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A Shift Xmas Eve Dinner
- FF. Miles 1.14.10
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Last Christmas Eve, A Shift (Lt. Edge, FF
Miles, FF Danks, A\Lt. DiSalvo, Intern Oliver) enjoyed an
awesome dinner compliments of Ms. Doris Danks and FF Danks
better half Katie.
The crew dined on Brown Sugar Ham, Mashed
Potatoes and Baked Beans.
A big Thank You goes out to Ms. Danks and
Katie for a wonderful Meal. |
Upcoming Special Feature-A look
back at 2009
- FF. Miles 1.11.10
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There were a lot of great stories and news for BGFD in
2009 that I just could not get to. Look
for these to pop up on the web in the near future. If
you would like to contribute stories or ideas for this feature,
contact Lt. Edge or email me at marcusm@bloominggrovefire.com. FF
Miles...
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Unique Hits to BGFD Web
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