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Responsible for conducting all elections throughout the year. Voter registration and ballot preparation.
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Responsible for all licenses in the City: tavern, bartending, cigarette, beer depot/stores, picnic and dog.
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The Two Rivers Fire Department is a combination fire department providing emergency and non emergency responses for related fire and emergency medical service incidents. The department also supports the Manitowoc County Hazardous Materials Team, provides paramedic intercepts and mutual aid to neighboring fire and EMS departments. The department is staffed by a total of 19 personnel; this is three shifts of six cross trained personnel, an Administrative Assistant and the Chief. There are also fifteen paid on call personnel utilized for support in fire and other emergency responses. There is one fire station serving 6.34 square miles of city property and a population of 12,639 residents.
Fire Chief Scott Schneider is responsible for the administration of the City of Two Rivers Fire Department covering supervisory and technical aspects in planning, implementing fire protection and suppression efforts, and providing emergency medical services. The chief directly oversees the officer staff and personnel of the fire department through shift interaction and direct contact.
Chief Schneider is a 21 year veteran of the Two Rivers Fire Department, hired in 1989. He has earned and Associate Degree in Fire Science from Lakeshore Technical College and a Bachelor Degree in Fire Administration from Lakeland College. He has taken numerous classes through the National Fire Academy and is currently involved in the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. He has also taken several classes in Incident Management and is a current member of the Incident Management Team of Brown County.
Chief Schneider has also served in several officer position of the Manitowoc County EMS Association and is involved in the Manitowoc County Firefighters MABAS Division.
The City of Two Rivers Fire Department is organized into divisions of operations with each operation headed by an officer, either an assistant chief or lieutenant. A staff organizational flow chart is included below.
Administrative staff functions of the Two Rivers Fire Department:
Administrative Assistant Debbie Timm has been with the department since 1994. Originally hired as a part-time secretary, her position has evolved into the current administrative assistant position. In addition to receptionist duties, Debbie is responsible for payroll, billing, records management, invoicing, budget preparation, and administering the Hospital Equipment Loan Program.
Assistant Chief Gary Shavlik has been with the department since 1988. He was promoted to his current rank in 2001. Gary currently is the officer in charge of Emergency Operations overseeing all the department’s fire training, safety and welfare, hazardous materials response, and emergency planning. In addition Gary is the chair of the City Safety Team and serves on the Manitowoc County LEPC.
Assistant Chief Mark Juul has been with the department since 1989. Mark was promoted to Assistant Chief in August 2005. Mark currently is the officer in charge of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations. He is responsible for the department’s EMS training, inventory control of EMS consumables, and serves on the Joint Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Steering Committee. In addition Mark coordinates the fire department’s participation in the Citizen Academy.
Lieutenant Randy Pinchard has been with the department since 1990. Randy was promoted to Lieutenant in March of 2004. Randy is currently the officer in charge of Fire Code Management. He is responsible for fire safety inspections, code development and enforcement, pre-fire planning, and premise hazard identification. In addition, Randy serves as the department’s web master which manages changes to the fire department’s web page.
Lieutenant Lee Stadler has been with the department since 1992. Lee was promoted to Lieutenant in July of 2004. Lee currently is the officer in charge of Support Services. In that capacity Lee is responsible for department purchasing, equipment and vehicle maintenance, and building and grounds maintenance. In addition, Lee coordinates the department’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team, the Youth Fire Setter Program, and Arson Investigation Team.
Lieutenant Gary Brandl has been with the department since 1994. Gary was promoted to Lieutenant in August 2005. Gary currently serves as the officer in charge of Community Education. He is responsible for development and presentation of public education programs, and coordinates the department’s participation in special events. In addition, Gary coordinates the department’s CPR Programs and serves as the faculty coordinator for the American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center here at TRFD.
To see the fire department's organizational staff structure, click on the PDF file below...
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Click on the PDF file below for a printable copy of information you can use!
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The Emergency Operations Bureau administers several primary elements of the department. These elements include training, safety, anti-terrorism and disaster preparedness, dispatching, and the general coordination of the paid-on-call (POC) fire fighters. The following information outlines the basic objective of each element.
Training
The Two Rivers Fire Department (TRFD) is not content to simply maintain its current services. It is committed to continually improving and developing services that ultimately improve the quality of life for the community. Identifying department and community needs and then formulating a plan to address and satisfy the need is a function of the training bureau. Traditional and non-traditional methods are incorporated to enhance learning and improve the department’s services.
The training bureau transcends every operation of the Fire Department. Every skill and service performed is a result of preparation through training. It is essential that this training is continuous to meet the needs of every operation. Areas covered during training sessions include a wide variety related to fire, rescue, and EMS incidents. Wisconsin State certified instructors who are members of the TRFD provide the majority of training. For various technical areas of expertise, training is coordinated with external agencies. Mandates by state and federal agencies are constantly demanding increased training.
Services and skills are no longer limited to the traditional fire service. The Training Bureau researches current and future services and develops techniques for educating members. Training and education are essential to maintain and improve skills and services. They are also essential to move department operations into the future. The TRFD has advanced to provide many new services that traditionally were not considered the fire department’s responsibility. New and advanced skills and ideas must continually be introduced. Training and advances in service are not limited to technical emergency operation skills such as fire suppression, emergency medicine, water rescue, and hazardous materials. They also include, but are not limited to areas such as customer service, leadership, and social diversity.
Safety
Safety is a concern that is constantly present throughout every operation of the department. Obvious, as well as hidden dangers are present at every emergent and non-emergent operation. These dangers range from the obvious threats of fire, smoke, and hazardous materials to the often hidden, but equally fatal threats of infectious disease, and critical incident stress that are confronted at many emergency incidents.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), requires all fire departments to appoint a department safety officer and has developed a national standard outlining the duties and responsibilities of the Safety Officer. NFPA 1521, the standard for Fire Department Safety Officer, covers health, safety, wellness program management duties, as well as, the responsibilities of the Safety Officer during an emergency incident. The NFPA gives the Safety Officer the authority to alter, suspend, or terminate unsafe acts or hazardous activities.
Continuing education is an essential part of the Safety Officer’s role in the Two Rivers Fire Department. However, safety is the responsibility of everyone in the TRFD and its importance is demonstrated through the actions and continuing education of all department members.
A primary element of the safety effort includes a safety committee comprised of a cross section of department members. This committee meets periodically to address safety issues of the department.
Anti-Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness
The TRFD began preparing for terrorist activities long before it was recognized as a national crisis. Training activities have been ongoing for the last three years to increase the preparedness of the department to manage these types of incidents. The growing incidence of terrorism increases the need for department and community preparedness in the event of any type of disaster whether it is man made or natural. The department has been working with the City of Two Rivers Police Department, and the Manitowoc County Emergency Government Office to increase awareness and preparedness through state and federally sponsored programs.
Paid On Call Fire Fighters
The TRFD staffs a complement of 14 POC fire fighters. POC Fire Fighters have full time civilian jobs. They carry their protective turnout gear in their personal vehicles. POCs are dispatched by pagers and respond directly to the scene. In order to train them in conditions as similar to those they will operate in, their drill sessions are conducted with the full time fire fighters. POCs attend one, three hour training session per month. These sessions are scheduled on two separate days. One in the evening and one in the afternoon to accommodate the various shift workers. These drills are organized to cover all general areas of fire fighting.
Dispatch
The dispatch process and the people who provide it are critical components in the effective provision of emergency services. As technology evolves, improved methods of dispatching the most appropriate response to emergency incidents continue to become available. Communications between the TRFD and the local dispatch center are essential to promote a working relationship that will provide the best service for the City of Two Rivers. We are continually evaluating new technology as well as our technique to develop the most efficient dispatch process.
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Staff Organization
The Fire Department is organized into various divisions. The Emergency Medical Service Operations Division is responsible for overseeing the Emergency Medical Services provided by the Two Rivers Fire Department. Staff personnel monitor the equipment and supplies used in providing care. The Department currently has 18 personnel trained to the level of EMT-Paramedic. All new personnel hired are trained to the level of EMT–Paramedic.
Medical Direction is also a very important piece in providing care to the community. The Emergency Department Physicians at Aurora Medical Center assist in providing quality medical direction. This is overseen by Dr. Laura Vogel-Schwartz who is also the Two Rivers Fire Department’s Medical Director.
History of Emergency Medical Services
The Two Rivers Fire Department has a lengthy history in providing Emergency Medical Services to the City of Two Rivers and surrounding area. In the later 1950’s, the Two Rivers Fire Department had assumed the responsibility for the care and transportation of patient’s in need of medical attention from the area Funeral Homes. The initial care provided was basic first aid and transportation provided in a Cadillac Station wagon. The scene of EMS today has changed dramatically.
Fire Department personnel increased their skills in 1965 when they became certified as EMT-Basics. This level of care was provided for the next 20 years. The level of care had changed as well as the vehicles. Vans were taking the place of the Cadillac for the transportation needs. In 1985 the Department upgraded to the level of EMT-Intermediate. They now could administer IV fluids and a few medications. The Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillator was also introduced into the patient care setting during this time.
The scene of EMS continued to change at a faster pace than the previous 30 years. Modular Ambulances were taking to the streets, which is currently being used. By the mid 1990’s discussions were being raised in reference to advancing to the level of EMT-Paramedic. This concept evolved into reality 1997 when 14 personnel completed the Paramedic Course conducted through Lakeshore Technical College. Personnel continue to train through Lakeshore Technical College for continuing education requirements.
Response to Calls
A person can request a Two Rivers Fire Department ambulance by calling 911. This is the best way to activate the EMS System. A trained dispatcher will answer your call; they will provide the needed medical direction for your medical care until the ambulance arrives. The Two Rivers Fire Department provides both emergent and non-emergent care and transportation. The initial response will be by either of the 2 ALS ambulances with 2 to 3 personnel. In the event of multiple incidents, an EMS response may be done by one of the Fire Department’s Engines. The Fire Engine is equipped with Basic and Advanced Life Support supplies along with a Cardiac Monitor.
In 2009, the Two Rivers Fire Department responded to 1276 total EMS requests. Of those total responses, 256 were interfacility transfers. During interfacility transfers, patients are moved from Aurora Medical Center to another hospital, nursing home, other medical facility, or their home. Paramedic Intercept services are also provided for surrounding ambulance providers. These operations enhance the entire EMS system for our community and surrounding area. No matter what the request may be for medical attention, we at the Two Rivers Fire Department will be there to assist.
Ambulance Rates
The Two Rivers Fire Department charges a fee for service provided, either for Basic Life Support or Advanced Life Support. These fees are billed to the patient or their insurance provider through a private billing firm. OC Billing Services handles the billing operations for self pay, private insurances, as well as Medicaid and Medicare. With the changes that have taken place with Medicare and Medicaid, a new fee structure was established to follow their guidelines. The following is our current fee schedule. Besides the base rate, there may be fees for supplies and medication used.
2010 Fire/Rescue Rates effective 1-1-10
Ordinance Provision 3-2-1
Basic Life Support (BLS) $550.00
BLS Emergency - Resident $660.00
BLS Emergency - Non Resident $715.00
Advanced Life Support (ALS) non-emergency $605.00
ALS Level I Emergency - Resident $715.00
ALS Level I Emergency - Non Resident $770.00
ALS Level II Emergency - Resident $770.00
ALS Level II Emergency - Non Resident $825.00
Specialty Care Transports - Resident $800.00
Specialty Care Transports - Non Resident $850.00
Patient Assessment/Assist Charge $100.00
On Scene Medical Service Charge (BLS) $125.00
On Scene Medical Service Charge (ALS) $150.00
Paramedic Intercept Level I $300.00
Paramedic Intercept Level II $350.00
Additional Attendant Charge $50.00 per hour
Wait Time (half hour increments) $50.00 per hour
Loaded Mileage Charge all responses $13.00/mile
Ambulance Standby (4 hour event) $125.00
Ambulance Standby Additional time (half hour increments) $50.00 per hour
Click on PDF file below for a copy of the Two Rivers Fire Department's Notice of Privacy Practices.
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OVERVIEW
The City of Two Rivers Fire Department Fire Code Enforcement program is a vital element in providing services to the local commercial, industrial, and educational community of Two Rivers. It is our goal that a well planned and organized fire inspection program can address the issues of human life, safety and property conservation.
Fire departments in the State of Wisconsin are mandated by State Statute 101.14(2)(b) to provide for the inspection of every public building and place of employment to determine and cause, to eliminate any fire hazard or any violation of the law relating to the prevention of fires.
The statutes also require that the inspections be conducted at least once in each non-overlapping 6-month period and that written reports of inspection be made and kept on file.
Fulfilling these statutory requirements enables the City of Two Rivers to receive a portion of all insurance premiums collected for the city. The money is collected by the Insurance Service Office of Wisconsin and distributed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce. The amount received in 2009 was $18,301.97.
WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
The State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental Regulatory Services, is the governing body that administrates and enforces the Wisconsin Administrative Code as its Fire Code. In addition, the State of Wisconsin adopted National Fire Protection Association’s, NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code in March 2008 as its fire prevention code for the use, operation, and maintenance of existing buildings. The purpose of the codes are to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public and employees by establishing minimum standards for the design, construction, structural strength, quality of materials, adequate egress facilities, sanitary facilities, natural lighting, heating and ventilating, energy conservation, and fire safety for all public buildings and places of employment.
The fire chief of the fire department in every city, village or town, except cities of the first class, is a duly authorized deputy of Department of Commerce. The Chief of the fire department serves as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and shall hold the office of Fire Inspector with the power to appoint deputy fire inspectors, who shall perform the same duties and shall have the same powers as the Fire Inspector
LOCAL FIRE PREVENTION CODE
The City of Two Rivers has adopted the most current Wisconsin Administrative Department of Commerce Chapters pertaining to fire prevention and its referenced NFPA codes and standards as its Fire Prevention Code. In addition, the city has adopted several local ordinances including; citation authority for failing to comply with, or hindering the duties of a fire inspector, regulations pertaining to bonfires and recreation fires, bulk storage of flammables, prohibited discharges, portable commercial cooking devices, fire suppression systems, private fire service mains, fire alarm and detection systems, and a rapid entry system.
INSPECTIONS
In today's society, the role of a fire inspector/code enforcer is no longer viewed as an isolated function, but is becoming more active and involved every day. For an effective inspection/code enforcement program, knowledge of the physical structures in our community is essential. Through communications and the cooperation of business owners, enforcement of the codes enhances effective community fire safety.
At times, we find it difficult to convince business owners to spend money to update their buildings to code. We explain to them that the benefits are numerous; such as, the reduction of hazards, the improvement of fire safe structures, minimization of the chances of fire death and injuries, the reduction of hazards for fire fighters, property loss and fire insurance costs. It increases community awareness and makes code enforcement easier, thus improving the image of the City.
Fire inspections provide us an opportunity to promote (with owners and employees) good will and understanding about our job and its responsibility toward fire prevention. Inspections also give the fire fighters an occasion to become familiar with the occupancy floor plan.
Officers and fire fighters conduct routine fire inspections. Each of the three shifts is responsible for completing approximately a third of the inspections. The shifts have an assigned lead inspector that operates under the guidance of the Lieutenant in charge of Fire Code Management. These three individuals are responsible for the associated administrative duties such as answering code questions, authoring compliance letters, assigning inspection duties, and maintenance of records.
2009 STATISTICS
In 2009, fire department personnel conducted 835 fire safety inspections during 307 hours in the field. In addition, personnel spent 130 hours documenting those inspections and entering the information into the database. In all, 349 hours were spent conducting all types of inspections, including property owner consultations, monitoring fire drills, and Knox box installations. As a result of these inspections, 237 written requests for compliance were issued. It should also be noted that 362 previously written requests for compliance were documented as corrected.
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American Heart Association Training Center
The City of Two Rivers Fire Department serves Manitowoc County as one of 3 Training Centers for the American Heart Association. The Two Rivers Training Center has a number of Training sites in the area:
The Two Rivers Police Department
Manitowoc Fire Department
Mishicot Ambulance Service
Aurora Medical Center
Two Rivers and Manitowoc Clinics
The Mishicot School System
Two Rivers High School
St. Peter The Fisherman School and Parish
Schmitt Safety Consultant
All the training sites including the Two Rivers Fire Department provide Basic Life Support Classes. These classes include BLS CPR Instructor, BLS Health Care Provider, BLS Heart Saver, BLS CPR for Friends and Family, BLS for Schools, BLS Automated External Defibrillator (AED),1 and BLS First Aid/CPR/AED/Environmental Emergencies.
The City of Two Rivers Fire Department offers CPR classes for the general public and the professional services of our city. The classes are held throughout the year. Heart Saver AED will teach the techniques of CPR coupled with the use of the Automated External Defibrillator. The department received a donation to purchase six new AED trainers and materials to aid in the training of our citizens in this life saving technique. To receive training in any of the above classes call 793-5521 to get information on the scheduled dates.
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Bike, walk, jog, or roller blade while you enjoy the cool lake breeze and the beautiful shoreline scenery. There is no fee to use this trail. See the Friends of Mariners Trail website "Related Links" or at www.marinerstrail.net
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