Officers

Firefighters are rescuers who are extensively trained to:

• put out hazardous fires that threaten civilian populations and property
• rescue people from car accidents, collapsed and burning buildings, threatening water situations
• provide emergency medical services

The increasing complexity of modern life with an increase in the scale of hazards has stimulated both advances in firefighting technology and a broadening of the firefighter-rescuer's scope. The role of officers in the fire department has become more challenging and critically important as times change.

The officers of the Cedarburg Fire Department are below.
(Please mouseover officer's name to see pictures and bio.)

Chief Richard Van Dinter Richard Van Dinter Chief Rich Van Dinter joined the department October 4, 1974 and been Fire Chief since May 1993. He has been an Engine Company Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief in charge of training. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Certified Fire Fighter 2 MPO 1975-1979 Attended numerous NFA classes and command seminars Served on department committees for membership, constitution, truck, awards, safety, city/dept. relations adhoc, fire station 1 and 2 building committees, city festivals, city water retention ponds and dams Secretary/Treasurer of Association of Ozaukee County Fire Dept 2006 - present Member of the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association Member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs

Assistant Chief Jeffery Vahsholtz Jeffery Vahsholtz Assistant Chief Jeffery Vahsholtz joined the department in May of 1978. Coming up through the ranks, he has held the positions of Engineer, Rescue Lt., Rescue Capt., Engine Company Capt., and Deputy Chief in charge of training. Jeff was a member of the Dive Rescue Team, has served on most committees in the department, and continues to maintain his EMT-IV technician license.

Deputy Chief Jeffery Boerner Jeffery Boerner Deputy Chief Jeffery Boerner joined the department October 4, 1974. jkljkljlk. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: jkljkljlk jkljlkj kl;k;lk;l jhjkhkjhkj jkl jkljkl jkljklj jkljlkjkl

Deputy Chief William Gertsch William Gertsch Deputy Chief William Gertsch joined the department in May of 1979. During his 30 years as a member, Bill has been active and has moved to increasing roles of responsibility in the department. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Department Deputy Chief - 2006 to present Department Training Office (Deputy Chief) 2003 to present Department Training Officer (Captain) 1998 - 2003 Fire Suppression Captain (Engine/Ladder Co. combined) 1996 - 1998 Engine Co. Captain 1993 - 1996 Ladder Co. Captain 1992 - 1993 Engine Co. Lieutenant 1988 - 1992 Dive Team Leader 1985 - 1987 Fire fighter/Emergency Medical Technician 1979 - present Co-Founder and elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Ozaukee Co. Fire Investigators Association 1997 - 2001 His current certifications include State Certified Firefighter II, State Certified Emergency Medical Technician, State Certified Fire Instructor and Certified Open Water Scuba Diver, inter-department certifications include extrication specialist and MPO. He received the Meritorious Service Award in 2006 for outstanding contributions made for his service, and in 2004 became an Honorary Member of the Cedarburg Fire Department for 25 years of consecutive active service.

Deputy Chief Daniel Henke Daniel Henke Deputy Chief Daniel Henke has been a member of the Cedarburg Fire Department for over 25 years. His current position is Deputy Chief in charge of safety, or Safety Officer. The main focus of his position is making safety a greater part of the department and ensuring the department follows policies, procedures and SOG's (Standard Operating Guidelines) during practices and emergency situations. Additional approaches to enhance the safety program include: creation of an active safety committee a safety suggestion box monthly safety meetings and trainings The department is part of the Firefighter Near-Miss Reporting System, a national system with the goal of improving firefighter safety. Recently, the department has participated in the National Seatbelt Pledge in which all Cedarburg Fire Department members pledge to wear their seat belts in all department and personal vehicles.

Fire/Rescue Officers

Captain/Training Officer Mike La Rosa Mike La Rosa Captain/Training Officer Mike La Rosa joined the department December 7, 2001. Currently serving the department as Training Officer, he oversees all department training. He is also an Extrication Officer specializing in vehicle rescue. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Fire Fighter I & II Hazmat Operations Driver Operator Pumper Driver Operator Aerial Fire Inspector Fire Instructor CPR Instructor Emergency Medical Technician National Fire Academy, Safety Officer National Fire Academy, Training Officer Course NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 National Safety Council, Instructor; Emergency Vehicle Operations

Captain/Engine Company Scott Matusewic Scott Matusewic Captain/Engine Company Scott Matusewic joined the department August 1992. He became an EMT in 1993. He was promoted to Lieutenant of Engine/Ladder Company in 1996 and served in that position for 11 years. He was promoted to Engine/Ladder Company captain in 2007. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: State certified MPO Confined space rescue certified Member of dive team/Dive Rescue Specialist certified Competed in auto extrication competition 3 years.

LT Chad King LT Chad King LT Chad King joined the department in November 2000 and has served as an Engine Company Lieutenant since June of 2003. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Certified Fire Fighter 2 Open Water Dive Dive Rescue 1 National Fire Academy ICS - 100, 200, 300, 700 and 800

LT Joel Bublitz Joel Bublitz LT Joel Bublitz joined the department in 2000. Shortly after joining he became a certified EMT-I. Joel continued to grow with the engine company and reached a personal goal of becoming Engine Company Lieutenant in 2002. Joel also shared the common interest with the dive team. In 2003, Joel took over the dive team and became the dive team leader. He is currently active in these positions. Lieutenant Bublitz shares the common goal with his fellow members which continues to serve his community with knowledge and pride.

LT Whitney Dobson Whitney Dobson Whitney Dobson joined the department jklj jklkj jkljlk jkljkl jkljkl Additional accomplishments and involvement include: hjkhjkh jklkjlkj jkljkl jkljlkjlk jklkjlkj jkljkl jkljkl

Captain/Rescue Company Kim Gordon Kim Gordon Captain/Rescue Company Kim Gordon joined the department in September 1999. She attended and complete National Fire Academy classes at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. She attended the Center for Domestic Preparedness and completed a 24 hour class on Weapons of Mass Destruction Incident Command Course (COBRA). Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Fire Fighter I & II Nationally Registered EMT - Basic & Intermediate Hazardous Materials Basic and Concept Implementations CPR Instructor Fire Officer I Auto Extrication Driver/Operator - Pumper and Aerial ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 Member of the departments Safety Committee, Uniform Committee and Executive Committee

LT Grant Witte Grant Witte Grant Witte joined the department in July 2001 and has served as a Rescue Company officer since April 2005. Current responsibilities include training EMS staff, EMS operations at incidents, equipment evaluation/procurement and public education. LT Witte also serves as Training Officer for the Ozaukee County Hazardous Materials Team. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Certified Fire Fighter I & II Vehicle Extrication NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 EMT Basic IV Technician Hazardous Materials Technician Confined Space Rescue Active Member of the Department Safety Committee

LT Richard Cass Richard Cass Lieutenant Rich Cass has been an active member of the Cedarburg Fire Department since August of 2002 and was promoted to Lieutenant of Rescue Company in November of 2008. Lt. Cass is active in both Rescue and Engine Company operations. Regular duties aside from daily faire and EMS operations include Duty Group supervisory responsibilities for EMS personnel, conducting and assisting with department trainings, and public education. Additional benefits to the CFD include an extensive knowledge in residential, commercial, and industrial building construction materials and methods and an instrumental role in establishing the first Bicycle EMS Response Team in Ozaukee County. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Firefighter Level 1 Firefighter Level 2 NREMT Basic and Basic IV TEchnician Safety Committee Member Auto Extrication B.E.R.T. Wisconsin Technical College System Board Certified Instructor

LT Melissa Gall Melissa Gall Melissa Gall joined the department in xxxxxxx and has served as a xxxxxx since xxxxxxx. Current responsibilities include: Additional accomplishments and involvement include: xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx

Captain/Engineer William "Billy" Hintz Captain William Hintz William Hintz joined the Cedarburg Fire Department in April of 1985. During his 20+ years in CFD, Bill has been active in almost every division of the fire service. He has held ranks of Ladder Company Lieutenant, Assistant Chief Engineer and currently holds the rank of Captain as the department's Chief Engineer. He is responsible for the maintenance of all department vehicles and training of the operators. He has attended various training classes and seminars such as leadership, Hazardous Materials Operations and fire ground tactics. In April of 2006, the department awarded Bill with the Meritorious Service Award as recognition and a show of appreciation for his dedicationi to the citizens of Cedarburg. He assists with fund raising efforts at Firemen's Park for Maxwell Street Days as well as storage. A life-long resident of Cedarburg, Bill is married to Terri and they are proud parents of Joe, who has recently become a member of the Cedarburg Fire Department family as well. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Certified Firefighter I & II Pump Operations CPR Certified Served on the truck committee Member of Badger's Firemen's Association Badger Delegate

LT Craig Boerner Craig Boerner Craig Boerner joined the department in August of 2002. Prior to joining, he served 3 years with the department's Explorer post. He was appointed Lieutenant of Engineers (Assistant Chief Engineer) in January of 2009. Current responsibilities include: overseeing the training and operations of the departments Engineers. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Firefighter I and II Driver/Operator - Pumper and Aerial Open Water Diver Auto Extrication Member of the department's Truck Committee

Extrication Officer Captain Mike La Rosa Mike La Rosa Mike La Rosa joined the department December 7, 2001. Currently serving the department as Training Officer, he oversees all department training. He is also an Extrication Officer specializing in vehicle rescue. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Fire Fighter I & II Hazmat Operations Driver Operator Pumper Driver Operator Aerial Fire Inspector Fire Instructor CPR Instructor Emergency Medical Technician National Fire Academy, Safety Officer National Fire Academy, Training Officer Course NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 National Safety Council, Instructor; Emergency Vehicle Operations

Dive Team Leader LT Joel Bublitz Joel Bublitz LT Joel Bublitz joined the department in 2000. Shortly after joining he became a certified EMT-I. Joel continued to grow with the engine company and reached a personal goal of becoming Engine Company Lieutenant in 2002. Joel also shared the common interest with the dive team. In 2003, Joel took over the dive team and became the dive team leader. He is currently active in these positions. Lieutenant Bublitz shares the common goal with his fellow members which continues to serve his community with knowledge and pride.

Administrative Officers

Park Board President Don Dehn Don Dehn Don Dehn joined the department in July of 2002. Since joining the Fire Department, he has been very active in training new members on driving and operating the CFD apparatus. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: Certified Fire Fighter I Rescue Squad Diver FF/MPO with a focus on Motor Pump Operator Fireman's Park Committee President Maxwell Street Day Committee Certified Driver/Operator for Pumping Apparatus

Secretary Kara Racine Kara Racine On September 3rd, 1993 Kara Racine joined the Cedarburg Fire Department becoming a 2nd generation firefighter following her father into the fire service. She became a firefighter in 1996 upon completion of the state certificaton in firefighter 1. In 1997, she became the 1st woman to earn the title of Engineer (motor pump operator) with CFD. That same year she became a licensed Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT) and followed that with Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Technician (EMT-1) in 2000. She was elected to the position of Secretary in May of 1998 and still continues as an active firefighter, EMT and engineer with the department along with being the chairperson of our membership committee. Additional accomplishments and involvement include: IHLR 32 and OSHA 1910.146 confined space (1996) Flight for life safety seminar (1997) HazMat basic concepts and concept implementation (1997) Firefighter 2 (1997) Confined space awareness (1999) Driver/Operator Pumper (State certification/2009) ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800(2006/2007) I2 lead ECG Interpretation (2007) Driver/Operator Aerial Apparatus (2007) Fire Instructor (2007) Fire Inspector (2008) jkljlkjlkjlk

Fire Inspector Rodger Rahn Rodger Rahn Fire Inspector Rodger Rahn joined the department . . . His bio information . . . Additional accomplishments and involvement include: jkljklj jkljklkjlk jkljklkj jkljlkjl jkljkljl jkljlkjlk hjjkhkjhk

Officer History

The Cedarburg Fire Department was organized by a group of Cedarburg pioneers. Over 125 years ago the company was comprised of 31 members, and Fred Schatz was the first chief. 
He served as Chief from 1866 to 1880. 

In 1880 Edward Lanhenrich was elected Chief.

In 1889 Gerhart Wurthmann was elected Chief.

In 1914 Ernest E. Schneider was elected Chief, and for the next fifty years served in that capacity.

In 1965 William G. Ritter was elected Chief.

In 1978 William H. Anderson was elected as Chief by members.

In 1980 Wayne A. Fischer elected Chief at annual meeting.

In 1986 Richard Horneck was elected chief and served for seven years.

In 1993 Richard Van Dinter is the newly appointed Chief.