‘One of my favorite things is the sense of family in the fire department.’

Milwaukee’s Fire Station 27 has been residing on the corner of Bartlett and Park Place since 1903. Despite its age, it still remains a well-oiled, fire-fighting machine. Michael, a firefighter who has been a part of the force for the past 13 years, speaks on everything fire related from ghost stories to insight on systemic issues.

Maddie Knodel: How long have you been on the force?

Michael: I have been a firefighter for 13 years.

Maddie: When did you know that you wanted to firefight?

Michael: Actually, when I was graduating high school, I was trying to figure out what to do. College didn’t seem like the right path for me at the time. My mom’s husband was an EMT years ago, so he got me into a program where I became an EMT. Then I applied to the fire department and was able to get in a couple of years later.

Maddie: And did you grow up in Milwaukee?

Michael: I did, on the South Side.

Maddie: What do you look forward to most coming in every day?

Michael: One of my favorite things is the sense of family in the fire department. We eat, cook, and clean together. Growing up, family dinner was a big deal, so continuing that is fun. I also enjoy helping people and fire fighting in of itself, even though arguably it’s the result of someone having a bad day. Regardless, it’s fun and rewarding to be able to make a difference to people that way. That’s what’s most important to me.

Maddie: Do you have a favorite meal to cook for the crew?

Michael: Saturdays we do pizza at the firehouse, so that’s my favorite.

Maddie: This building was built in 1903. What are the upsides and downsides of working in an older building?

Michael: The upsides are the history in the place. The Milwaukee Fire Department is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. This building used to have horses in it, with a hayloft upstairs. It’s cool to think about all the people and fires that have passed through here. Downsides: climbing stairs in the middle of the night when tired can be tough.

Maddie: Do you have any ghost stories?

Michael: Not in our firehouse here, but one of the other older ones was built on a mausoleum, and supposedly there were ghosts there. Another time, I was working at a firehouse downtown on Broadway and Wells. I didn’t actually see anything, but I had this eerie feeling that something was following me. It was probably in my head, but other firefighters have similar stories so who knows?

Maddie: What area do you guys respond to the most?

Michael: Each firehouse has a primary response area, called a “first-due” area. Other companies can respond if needed or if the local firehouse is busy.

Maddie: Milwaukee’s one of the most segregated metropolitan areas in the U.S. Do you notice a disproportionate number of fires in lower-income areas?

Michael: Yes, absolutely. Fires tend to happen more in lower-income areas. There’s so many factors that go into it like older houses, outdated electrical systems, and heating issues all contribute. I’ve seen people in lower income areas try and heat their houses with all sorts of things. Also, well-maintained homes are less likely to have fires. Other disparities exist too, like access to groceries and healthcare, which disproportionately affect lower-income residents.

Maddie: What’s one thing you really like about the firefighting system and one thing you wish you could change?

Michael: I like that we provide equal service to everyone, regardless of income or neighborhood. Something I’d like to change: expand Community Paramedicine, so people have better access to preventive healthcare instead of relying on 911 for everything.

Maddie: Do you have to be a registered EMT to be a firefighter?

Michael: Yes, in Milwaukee. Some of us are paramedics.

Maddie: What’s the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?

Michael: EMTs have basic life support training and can give limited medications like aspirin or nebulizer treatments. Paramedics can give more medications, start IVs, and perform intubation. Paramedics handle more advanced medical procedures.

Maddie: Last question: do you have a favorite call or funny story from 13 years on the force?

Michael: Not that I can share. But I enjoy going to emergencies—it’s where we can make a difference. There’s a lot of decision-making involved, and interacting with people is rewarding, even if sometimes they’re not pleasant.