Fire Departments seeing an increase in service calls with EMS services topping the list. Additional personnel are needed to meet the demand.
By Chuck Gennaro
Wisconsin Rapids, WI (WFHR, WIRI)
The Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point fire departments continue to report an increase in monthly service call volume.
Stevens point reported an average of 461 calls per month in 2023, a 17% increase in fire department calls over the prior year.
2024 is projected to show an additional 27% increase.
Stevens point has not added additional firefighters/paramedics to their line since 1981. Call volume has increased nearly 400% since that time.
Wisconsin Rapids reported 426 calls for service in September and 78 instances of the department having 5 personnel or less available to respond to emergencies due to simultaneous service calls. Monthly call averages are up 21% over 2023.
The vast majority of responses are EMS and of those, falls and non- critical transports are the most common issues.
These increases in fire department calls mirror both statewide and national trends with over half of the state’s fire chiefs reporting recruitment challenges and budget shortfalls. A 2023 study published by UW Oshkosh shows more than
10% of the state’s fire departments were unable to respond to at least one service call due to lack of resources.
Both Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point are currently recuriting to fill eligiblilty lists. City and Fire Department officials are currently working to explore alternatives and options to best serve future needs.
