The Mequon and Thiensville’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services have historically been staffed by community members volunteering time to provide service to the community. The Departments have consisted of many dedicated volunteers who put in countless hours training and responding to calls in the two communities. Over the past decade, and more recently within the last five years, the overall number of volunteer community members has declined. Conversely, the number of hours needed for training to meet standards has increased, and the number of calls for service have increased. Moreover, the cost of personal protective gear and equipment needed to perform the job have also increased. For all of the above-mentioned reasons, it was determined that merging the two Departments into one would result in a more efficient and better resourced Fire and EMS agency to serve both communities. 

On January 1, 2023, the City of Mequon and the Village of Thiensville Fire Departments officially merged into the Southern Ozaukee Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (SOFD). Each of the Fire Departments have a long history and tradition of serving their communities and have nearly 250 years of combined service. The Departments combined their equipment and staff members into one organization. The new Fire Department is a combination of career staff and Paid-on-Call members to provide immediate response to emergency medical calls, fire calls, vehicle accidents and other situations requiring emergency assistance. The Southern Ozaukee Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department operates out of Station 1 located at 11300 N. Buntrock Avenue in Mequon, Station 2 located at 11800 N. Port Washington Road in Mequon and Station 3 located at 250 Elm Street in Thiensville.  

The Department provides fire prevention, fire suppression, rescue and in conjunction with the ambulance department, emergency medical services. It is responsible for plan review of new construction and inspection of all commercial, industrial and multi-family residences. The department also provides fire safety education throughout the community, as well as welcoming groups wishing to have a tour.

The department serves Mequon and Thiensville residents in approximately 48 square miles.  Personnel responded to over 2,500 emergency calls in 2021, which include fire, various rescue calls, auto accidents, hazardous materials spills, weather-related emergencies and emergency medical calls.  Additionally, the department provides mutual aid to the areas surrounding fire departments.In addition to responding to fire and emergency incidents throughout the year, the department also provides various services to the community including: