Southern Ozaukee
Fire Department
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 fire department will continue to strive to deliver the highest level of service to the community in the most efficient manner with the resources available. The department will maintain, as its highest priority, the safety of both the residents and department members.
Our Mission
The Southern Ozaukee Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department exists to ensure the safety of our communities through fire suppression, response to medical emergencies, professional training and public education. We serve our communities to protect the people, property, and environment. We provide our citizens with reassurance, aid and comfort when they are vulnerable.
Our Vision
The Southern Ozaukee Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department will continuously strive to be a trusted community service that is recognized for meeting the needs of our citizens, while being good stewards of our resources. We will be known as a modern department with a professionally trained team that attains best practice standards and ensures a high level of readiness. We will innovate and continuously have an eye to the future.
We will accomplish our vision of a strong combination department by investing in our people, with a workforce of committed career and volunteer team members. We will forge strong partnerships to ensure the safety of the communities we serve.
Our Values
Our culture reflects our shared values and we have pride in all that we do.
Integrity
We live in accordance with our values, demonstrating sound ethical principles and being honest with ourselves and others.
Trust
We believe that reliability and the strength of our relationships is core to our being. Trust fosters respect, provides safety and earns loyalty.
Empathy
We seek to understand the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of others from their point of view. We show compassion for those who feel vulnerable or suffer a loss.
Grit
We exhibit courage, resolve and a selfless devotion to duty.
Excellence
We are professional and exceptional in our skills, continuously striving to improve.
Stewardship
We are responsible in our use of financial and human resources.