Posted on May 24, 2017
Rotary Club of New Berlin, New Berlin Rotary, Lloyd Bertram
New Berlin's Fire Department has come a long way
 
The once all-volunteer fire department now features four stations staffed full-time with firefighter-paramedics, several of whom are trained in critical care. We leaned this and more during Fire Chief Lloyd Bertram's presentation on May 24.
 
New Berlin's Fire Department consists of 35 full-time firefighter-paramedics and more than 30 part-time staff.  Each of the city's four fire stations is staffed around the clock. Firefighters work 48 hours straight, then are off for four days. When not on a call, firefighters are engaged in training, inspection and other duties, Bertram says.
 
Our fire department is the second busiest in the county (behind Waukesha's). Part of that is due to the city's size. Another contributing factor, he says, is the large number of senior facilities. Those naturally tend to generate more calls for ambulatory services.
 
Founded in 1954, the department was an all-volunteer agency (and the largest of its kind in the state) when it transitioned to a paid staff in 2001. Today the department consists of 35 full-time firefighter-paramedics and more than 30 part-time staff. Ten firefighters are trained in critical care. "The department has really evolved in recent years," Bertram says.
 
Bertram started as a paramedic firefighter in 1985 in his hometown of Franklin. He rose to assistant chief when, in 2010, New Berlin selected him to be its new fire chief.
 
Another positive change change in recent years is the auto-aid agreement with the Brookfield Fire Department. Brookfield's fire station at S. Calhoun Rd. and W. Greenfield Ave. covers New Berlin's northwest corner. Similarly, New Berlin's Station 2 responds to calls in Brookfield's southeast corner. New Berlin was able to close its old Station #5 on S. Calhoun Rd as a result. Emergency response is just as prompt, Bertram says, and New Berlin saved significant dollars with the closing.
 
New Berlin's fire stations include #1 at 16250 W. National Ave., #2 (1711 S. Sunnyslope Rd.), #3 (5150 S. Racine Av.) and #4 (5161 S. Sunnyslope Rd.). Our crews and equipment are frequently dispatched to neighboring communities. This mutual aid arrangement means New Berlin receive assistance from West Allis, Brookfield, Tess Corners and other departments when needed.
 
Typical of other fire departments, New Berlin charges for ambulance runs. A basic transport call costs $700, with a critical care run costing $1,300 plus mileage. Some of that cost may be covered by insurance or Medicare. New Berlin fire department is on track to collect about $1 million in fees this year. Bertram is quick to point out that those fees cover a significant portion of the department's budget that would otherwise be borne by taxpayers.
 
As an example of expenses, Bertram pointed to the cost of Narcan. The popular agent used to treat opioid overdoses once cost about $5 per vial. Today, a vial is $200. They use it about once a week, Bertram says.
 
Firefighters typically hold associate degrees. Paramedic certification requires an additional full year (40 hours) of college courses. Firefighter-paramedics start at $50,000/year, and earn up to $75,000/year after five years.
 
At the end, Bertram offered important advice regarding home fire extinguishers. First, they should be inspected every month or two. In addition to checking the gauge, tip the unit or give it a good shake. That will help prevent the powder from caking up inside. Replace or recharge the unit as needed.
 
He recommends one extinguisher on each floor. It should be placed near a doorway so you have an exit in an emergency. He also recommends a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one in the garage. Look for the ABC rating. As for size, a 5 lb. or 10 lb. unit is sufficient.