Fire & Rescue Department

The Town of Buchanan Fire & Rescue Department is made up of dedicated men and women who volunteer their time to provide a high level of customer service by protecting life, property, and the environment, through the delivery of innovative, fiscally responsible firefighting, rescue, fire prevention, and emergency medical services.  Our mission is focused on the Conservation, Protection and Preservation of the property, lives and environment of those we serve.  We will serve with Honor, Pride, and Dedication.

We continue to improve upon ever-changing firefighting tactics and support a safe, healthy, and diverse workplace organization that is open to change.  We provide compassionate and professional Emergency Services.  We protect and preserve our environment in all ways possible.  We continue to build on our existing community relationship programs, particularly in the areas of youth and public fire prevention education, injury prevention, and emergency preparedness while continuing to build relationships with other local and county departments. 

Our department responds to all Fire & Rescue calls, including requests for jaws, vehicle and structure fires, gas leaks, accident clean up, smoke and carbon monoxide detector alarms, and many other fire service calls. In addition, we respond to requests from our neighboring communities for mutual aid, which is assistance we provide for each other when there is a need for additional personnel or fire apparatus.

Our department consists of a paid Fire Chief and volunteer command staff who oversee a department of between 20-40 volunteer/paid-on-call Fire and EMS staff.

Our Command Staff consists of the following positions/members:

• Fire/EMS Chief, Ray Mohr
• Deputy Chief, Dennis Berg
• Assistant Chief, Gene Prellwitz
• Lead Fire Inspector, Michael Grones
• Lieutenant, Sam Krueger
• Lieutenant, Jeff Hooyman
• Lieutenant, Jamie Newhouse
• Lieutenant, Nick Thyssen
• EMS Officer, Chris Wisniewski

Out Support Staff consists of:

• Administrative Assistant, Megan Kox
• Public Relations Officer, Jeremy J. Kox
• Department Chaplain, Jeremy J. Kox

If you would like to know more about the Buchanan Fire & Rescue Department or receive information on becoming a firefighter/EMS volunteer on this Department, please contact the Buchanan Town Hall at (920) 734-8599 or feel free to email either our Fire/EMS Chief or our Public Relations Officer.  Please direct all Public Relations/Information requests to our Public Relations Officer:

Fire/EMS Chief Ray Mohr: rmohr@townofbuchanan.wi.gov

Public Relations Officer: buchananfire@townofbuchanan.wi.gov

The following links will give you more information about becoming a volunteer firefighter with our department and a link to our volunteer firefighter/EMS application.  Upon completion, email us your application or submit it to the Town Hall at N178 County Road N, Appleton, WI  54915 (in person or mailed):

Information on Volunteering for the Town of Buchanan Fire & Rescue

Fire and Rescue Application and Information Packet

Fire Service Automatic Aid Agreements

The Town of Buchanan Fire & Rescue Department has aid agreements with many of our neighboring communities so we can provide efficient and enhanced fire protection for all of the properties in the Town of Buchanan.  The Village of Combined Locks responds with us to emergency calls within the town boundaries.  East of Lodenbauer Road, we have agreements with the Villages of Wrightstown and Holllandtown to respond simultaneously to all emergency calls.  West of Lodenbauer Road, we have a similar agreement with the Village of Harrison.  All of this to say that we have put in place fail-safes to provide you with the best possible coverage on your worst possible day.  Your Fire and Rescue Department handles all emergency and non-emergency related calls in the entire service area and reciprocal coverage for our mutual aid partners.

Burning in the Town of Buchanan

The Town of Buchanan adopted an Outdoor Burning Code.  A free permit is required for any open burning (see Forms page for an application). Recreational campfires do not require a permit if they comply with the Town ordinance.  Annual permits can be obtained for burning. Open burning permits will be valid only on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Code also details other requirements such as materials prohibited from burning, required monitoring of burning, and use of burn barrels. Any person utilizing or maintaining an open fire is also responsible for all fire suppression costs and any other liability resulting from damage caused by a fire. Please take caution and know the Code before burning in the Town of Buchanan. Any questions on the ordinance can be directed to the Town Hall at 734-8599.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Alarm Law

Since February 2011, all new and existing residential homes that contain a gas heating appliance, fireplace or an attached garage must install carbon monoxide alarms. Existing Construction: CO alarms must be either battery-powered or plug-in with battery backup. New Construction: CO alarms must be hardwired with battery backup. At least one CO alarm must be installed on every level of a dwelling, including the basement. All alarms bearing the Intertek mark meet the requirements set forth by the WI Dept. of Commerce. 

One of the Fire & Rescue Department’s primary calls is due to malfunctioning, outdated CO detectors.  Be sure to check the age of your detectors.  The expected life cycle on a CO detector is only 10 years.  Regardless, if you have any alarms activated, please promptly vacate the residence (including family pets) and call 911 immediately.  Do not you’re your windows or doors; we will take care of ventilation when we come.  Be sure to tell the dispatcher if anyone is feeling ill.

Adopt a Hydrant

If you have a fire hydrant on or near your property, please commit yourself to keeping it clear of snow during the winter. Providing a clear space of 36” in all directions will make it easiest for us to access and flow water in an emergency. Additionally, please do not plant shrubs, flowers, etc. around the hydrant, and keep all lawn and weeds cut down. This allows us quick and easy access in case of an emergency. Thank you!