In this episode, Dan sits down with Chief Ron Wegner of the Jefferson, Wisconsin Fire Department. Chief Wegner is the latest recipient of the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association Firefighter of the Year award.

Chief Wegner pulls back the curtain on what it takes to lead a combination department that serves 53 square miles, including the protection of heavy industries. But behind the state of the art equipment and the department's deeply preserved historical artifacts lies a 16 year leadership journey forged by legacy, humility, and near misses.

Tune in as Chief Wegner candidly shares the moments that fundamentally reshaped his perspective on the fireground, from surviving a terrifying methane flash fire inside a 200 foot industrial grain silo to a close call on a residential fire. It is a powerful conversation about respect for the timeline, checking complacency at the door, and why leadership in the volunteer service is always a team effort.

Chief Ron Wegner brings over three decades of fire service and risk management expertise to the table. He holds a bachelors degree in education with an emphasis in Broadfield Occupational Safety from UW Whitewater, alongside a Fire Protection Engineering and Technology Certification from Oklahoma State University. His extensive fire service credentials include Fire I through III certifications, Fire Officer, Fire Inspector I, and Hazardous Materials training.

Ron began his emergency services career in 1988 after earning his EMT Basic certification. He spent many years serving as both a paid on call and full time EMT for Kutz Ambulance out of Fort Atkinson before joining the City of Jefferson in 2006 as they transitioned to their own service. In September 1991, Ron joined the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department. He steadily climbed the ranks from firefighter to Hose Lieutenant, Hose Captain, and Third Assistant Chief, ultimately stepping into the role of Fire Chief in 2009

In doing so, he followed directly in the footsteps of his father, Donald "Choc" Wegner, who served as Chief from 1984 to 1997. Today, the Wegner family legacy runs incredibly deep. With Ron's two sons, a daughter, two brothers in law, and his nephews all serving, the family represents an astonishing 235 combined years of service to Jefferson Fire and EMS.

Show Notes:

• Jefferson Fire & EMS