PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND LINKS

 Becoming a Member

LINKS


PRAIRIE DU CHIEN SCHOOL DISTRICT
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PRAIRIE DU CHIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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PRAIRIE DU CHIEN DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION, INC. (PDRI)
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ST. FERIOLE ISLAND BALLPARK
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FORT CRAWFORD MUSEUM
Fort Crawford stood guard over Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, from 1816 until 1856. Now, the Fort Crawford Museum displays the history of the fort, its city, and the many lives that crossed here. Visit us May through October for a self-guided tour or attend one of our upcoming events.
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VILLA LOUIS
Experience Victorian life during the 19th century as you visit the estate of one of Wisconsin's most prosperous families.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Prairie du Chien Fire Department Serving the Community Since 1873!

Location: 720 East Blackhawk Avenue
Hours: The Fire Department provides emergency response services to the City of Prairie du Chien 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The non-emergency office hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Contacts: Emergency – 911
Non-emergency – (608) 326-4365
Fax – (608) 326-8182
Email - pdcfire@mhtc.net
Mail: 720 East Blackhawk Avenue, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

History of the Fire Department

The City of Prairie du Chien was incorporated in 1872, and the Fire Department was created by ordinance in 1873. There were four fire companies, the boundaries of which followed the city wards for the most part. The Phoenix #1 Company, the largest company, served the second and third wards and was reputed to get the best of everything. Company #1 was assisted by the Cataract #2 Company which was made up of all young men and was sometimes called Assistant #2. Aetna #3 Company served the lower town or 1st Ward. The Badger Company #4 served the 4th Ward, which was all on St. Feriole Island at the time, and it was said to have the best esprit de corps.

In 1903, the City Council went from a volunteer to a paid force which reduced the size of the Department to 32 firefighters but that lasted only a year, when the department became an all volunteer force again. The Fire Department maintained the four companies until 1930, when they merged to form one City Fire Department.

In 1946, the City created the Police and Fire Commission [link to Police and Fire Commission description and members], a board of five members appointed by the Mayor to serve 5 year terms. The Police and Fire Commission duties are to hire the Fire Chief, Police Chief, and their subordinates and to mediate any disciplinary problems in either department.

In 1976, the City hired its first full time Fire Chief to over see the operation of the Department and perform all required fire prevention inspections. (history provided by Mary Ann Stemper)

Fire department receives donation - While the Prairie du Chien Fire Department was selling Christmas trees in the parking lot of Nelson True Value, a foodstand fundraiser was held inside provided by Nelson True Value. All of the proceeds from the foodstand’s operation on Saturday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 11 were donated to the fire department totalling $232.22. Present for the donation were PdC Fire Chief Harry Remz, Donna Teynor from Nelson True Value and Deputy Fire Chief Brad Steiner. (Photo by Jen Schultz, Courier-Press)

Becoming A Member

If you are at least 18 years of age, live within 15 minutes of the City, and wish to become a member of the Prairie du Chien Fire Department, you need to complete an application and return it to the Fire Chief. Membership and training requirements will be explained to you as well as when or if there is going to be an opening.

Programs, ServiceS AND LINKS

Sources of Additional Information

Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association - www.wsfia.org
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - www.fema.gov
Wisconsin Department of Commerce - www.commerce.state.wi.us
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - www.dnr.state.wi.us
National Fire Protection Association - www.nfpa.org
Consumer Product Safety Commission - www.cpsc.gov

This website is the property of the City of Prairie du Chien. Copyright 2011 by the City of Prairie du Chien. All rights reserved.