About
About Us
The Wind Lake Volunteer Fire Company is a 501c nonprofit organization managed by a board of directors who are contracted to provide fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services to the Town of Norway located in Southeastern Wisconsin. The Wind Lake Volunteer Fire Company achieves this through a team of paid and volunteer members who come from a variety of different backgrounds. The company is governed by a Board of Directors and its membership while operations are managed by a fire chief, assistant chief, two captains and Lieutenant.
Coverage Area
The Wind Lake Volunteer Fire Company is responsible for EMS and fire protection for the entire Town of Norway. Our coverage area is roughly 36 square miles consisting of around 8,000 residents, 3 lakes, Wisconsin Highway 36, an airfield, and two elementary schools. The Wind Lake Volunteer Fire Company also performs Advanced Life Support intercept services to Raymond Fire Department, automatic aid to our neighboring towns and villages, and participate in MABAS Wisconsin.
History
A disastrous fire at Uyvari's Resort in August 1946 stimulated a group of dedicated Wind Lake residents to form a volunteer fire company. The first ever organizational meeting was held on June 17, 1947. The first piece of equipment was purchased the same year for 450 dollars and was dubbed "Old Sparky". On April 17th of the next year, the groundbreaking for our first fire station was commenced with land donated by Oliver Hoganson.
In 1998, the Wisconsin EMS Association named our company EMS Service of the Year for our accomplishments including introducing a higher level of advanced care to the area. Since then, the company has developed a rich history of providing fire protection, rescue services, and emergency medical care to the Town of Norway through a dedicated team with the shared goal of serving their community.
Elroy Schultz, LODD
Elroy Shultz is the first and only line of duty death of the Wind Lake Volunteer Fire Company. Firefighter Shultz died while attempting to clear storm debris from a roadway.
The Racine Journal Times reads:
"Donald Elroy Schultz, 28-year-old Wind Lake Fire Department volunteer, was electrocuted about 3 a. rn w e as .sting in clearing storm debris on County Highway Y. near Highway 36 Wire Curb Back. Deputy Coroner Russell Roberts said Schultz was clipping a high tension wire when it curled back toward him against his wrist and chest. He died instantly."
Fleet
We maintain a small fleet of two fire engines, one water tender, two advanced life support ambulances, a command vehicle, an Advanced Life Support intercept vehicle, a brush truck, and two rescue boats. These vehicles are checked both daily and monthly to maintain a constant status of readiness.