By Heather Graves
Editor
GREEN BAY – The past few months saw the retirement of four members of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department (GBMFD) – William Altschwager, Karl Markhardt, Corey Bereza and Brian Cairns – each hanging up their uniforms after years of service to the communities of Green Bay, Allouez and Bellevue.
Together the four have more than 100 years of experience, some answering the call to duty for close to three decades.
Captain William “Bleep” Altschwager
Altschwager hung up his gear one last time on March 27 after serving Green Bay, Allouez and Bellevue for the last 26 years.
Altschwager started with the Department in 1996 as an EMT-basic.
Prior to becoming a firefighter, Altschwager served as a Marine for six years.
Before coming to GBMFD, he worked for the Columbus Fire Department as a paid-on-call firefighter for four years.
Altschwager worked at various stations throughout his career climbing from the rank of private to captain.
He was also a boat pilot for the department, and trained others to become certified pilots as well.
Altschwager said he had many interesting calls in his 26 years in the department, but capturing a squirrel in the basement of a frightened elderly woman sticks out as one of the most memorable.
He said he’ll miss the camaraderie with fellow firefighters, but looks forward to doing projects with his dump truck and skid steer, as well as many trips to Florida.
Engineer Karl “Bull” Markhardt
Markhardt retired March 26 after serving the community for 26 years, beginning his career on March 25 1996 as an EMT-basic.
Before coming to GBMFD, he worked for the Verona Volunteer Fire Department for eight-and-a-half years.
While with GBMFD, Markhardt worked at Stations 4, 1, 6, and 2, where he ended his career as engineer.
With retirement, he said he is looking forward to raising goats on his hobby farm and assisting with local animal rescue efforts.
Captain Corey “Uncle C” Bereza
After 25 years of service, Bereza walked out of Station 5 one last time on March 3.
Bereza started with the department in 1997 as an EMT-paramedic.
He was also a member of the Pembine Fire Department as a volunteer for a combined 30 years, as well as a Wildland Firefighter for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources since he was 15 years old.
He worked at various stations throughout his career, climbing from the rank of private to captain, also serving as training captain of EMS for many years.
Bereza said the thing he is looking forward to the most in retirement is enjoying free time with his family.
Captain Brian “BC” Cairns
Cairns walked out of Station 4 for the last time Dec. 17, hanging up a 26-year career with GBMFD.
He started with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department April 10, 1995 as an EMT-paramedic, also serving in the Wisconsin National Guard for eight years.
Prior to being hired by the GBMFD, Cairns worked for the De Pere Fire Department for four years.
He said the thing he will miss the most about being a member of the GBMFD is being there when someone needs help.
With retirement, Cairns said he is looking forward to working security at St. Vincent Hospital, spending more time with family, traveling and actually having a whole weekend off.
He also said being able to sleep in one bed consistently sounds amazing.
Department promotions
With the above retirements, a handful of promotions took place within the ranks.
Lieutenants Barry Wiegert, Jim Dequaine and Todd Schadrie were promoted to captain.
Engineers Sean Linssen, Chad Wolf and Kurt Gunn were promoted to lieutenant.
Firefighters Brian Norton, Shane Hanson, Michael Tomaso and Kraig Isley have been promoted to engineer.
The department also swore in 15 new recruits March 14.
Recruits are in the midst of their 10-week recruit class before being assigned to serve at stations in Allouez, Bellevue and Green Bay.