Meet Everett Mueller – Fire Chief of Marshfield Fire & Rescue Department

Meet Marshfield Fire Chief Everett Mueller

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The City of Marshfield recently announced the appointment of Everett Mueller as the new Fire Chief of the Marshfield Fire & Rescue Department (MFRD), effective September 4, 2024. Chief Mueller, a seasoned veteran with over two decades of service, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role.

Mueller’s journey into the fire service began while serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

“I had the opportunity to work on the Nucleus Fire Party for the ship as the electrician assigned to the fire party,” said Mueller. “I liked responding to fire calls for service. As time went on, my interest grew and I learned as much as I could from those who worked in Damage Control (firefighters).”

After leaving the Navy, he first tried the electrical field as an electrician apprentice, but found that it “just did not feel right.” Each day, he would drive by his local fire department and one day he decided to stop in.

“The rest is history,” he said. “I found that helping others in their time of need was very rewarding and turned into a career that has been my true calling.”

Marshfield Beginnings

After serving five years as a volunteer firefighter and paid on-call EMT, and then completing his formal firefighter education, Chief Mueller joined MFRD on June 28, 2004, as a Firefighter/EMT.

Over the years, he has served in multiple roles, including Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space Technician, and High Angle Technician. He has also worked as a Public Education Coordinator and held leadership positions such as First Engineer, Relief Lieutenant (in 2019), Acting Lieutenant, and ultimately Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention in April 2022 before his promotion to Fire Chief.

Reflecting on his career, Mueller said, “I’ve had the privilege to work in every position at the department, giving me unique insight into the needs of our team and the community. It’s been incredibly rewarding.”

Though he’s now “putting out fires” in a different way in the head role, he said that having the opportunity to work in every area of the department has given him a unique perspective and understanding of what each role requires in order to succeed.

“I believe in leading from the front,” he said. “I was taught that in the military.”

As he transitions into his new role, Mueller is excited about the future of the department – especially because of the people serving there now.

“I honestly can go to any one of my shift commanders, any one of the Deputy Chiefs, and we can work together as a team,” he said. “Even looking at our our line staff, our lieutenants, we’ve got exceptional lieutenants that are working at the department now. They are some of the best trained that I’ve seen. They’ve got a lot of skill, they’ve got a lot of interest, they’ve got a lot of ability. Everybody is looking to make the department a better place to work. Our line staff firefighters and EMT’s are future leaders – they’re doing an excellent job every single day.”

The work is hard, but rewarding. Being able to help someone in need is what drives Mueller and his team.

“We get compliments on a regular basis for our staff,” he said. “Sometimes people come back after a compromising situation, like a pulseless non-breather, and walk through our doors to shake our hands. That’s the ultimate—seeing someone able to return to their life.”

Goals for the Future

With a great team in place, Mueller has shared a list of goals he hopes to achieve in his tenure as Chief.

“The big one is really enhancing firefighter safety and training. We want to implement a regular program and promote a culture of safety,” he said. “Our training facility on Vine will help build the real-life training we need to do this job.”

Mueller is particularly excited about building on the department’s training facility on Vine Street. He aims to expand it with real-life training scenarios that will help the department meet ISO requirements and ensure compliance with NFPA 1710, which governs staffing and deployment in fire departments.

Other key goals aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Marshfield Fire & Rescue Department include:

• Enhancing Firefighter Safety and Training: Implementing regular training programs, promoting a culture of safety, and ensuring access to the latest equipment.
• Improving Response Times: Using data to optimize station placements and response protocols for faster emergency response.
• Strengthening Community Education and Outreach: Developing programs that educate the public on fire safety, prevention, and emergency preparedness.
• Increasing Operational Efficiency: Streamlining processes and utilizing technology to improve resource management and incident reporting.
• Building Strong Community Relationships: Collaborating with local organizations, schools, and businesses to strengthen community ties.
• Enhancing Emergency Preparedness: Working with local agencies to refine disaster response plans, ensuring readiness for various emergencies.
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Exploring eco-friendly practices such as energy-efficient equipment and sustainable response strategies.
• Financial Management and Budgeting: Advocating for funding and responsible budgeting to maintain fire services and equipment.

“We’ve got depth in leadership and a strategic plan to ensure personnel are ready to move into positions as we face retirements and other changes. The community can be proud of that,” added Mueller.

Mueller is looking forward to several more years with MFRD and serving the Marshfield Community.

“To the Marshfield community, I promise that this department will continue to serve you with the highest level of professionalism, transparency, and dedication,” said Mueller. “We are here for you-day and night, in times of need, and in times of celebration. Your safety is, and always will be, our top priority.”

A Glimpse into Life Outside MFRD

When not on duty, Chief Mueller enjoys spending time with his wife, Carmen, and their pets, Oakley, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Poppy, a kitten who recently joined their family. Mueller is also passionate about hunting, fishing, reading, and gardening, relishing time spent outdoors. He also enjoys visiting his stepdaughter, Sydney, in Colorado.

“My priorities have always been, and will stay: God, family, and anything else that comes after. My wife Carmen is my strength—she’s always been there for me when I need to vent, laugh, or just enjoy time away from work.”

With a deep-rooted commitment to the fire service and the Marshfield community, Chief Everett Mueller is poised to lead Marshfield Fire & Rescue with excellence, compassion, and a vision for the future.

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