Bertler sworn in as Suamico fire chief

By Kevin Boneske

Staff Writer

SUAMICO – The village hall was filled Monday, Feb. 3, when Joe Bertler was sworn in as Suamico’s full-time fire chief by Municipal Judge Kevin Rathburn.

Along with members of the Suamico Fire Department present, Bertler was joined during the swearing-in ceremony by his wife, Kristi, and two children, Alivia and Karson.

“I would like to thank my wife and my children,” Bertler said after taking the oath. “Obviously, as all the members of the fire department know, we often run out at various times of the night and during the day, miss family events, so really the backbone of our organization is the wives and significant others.”

Bertler also thanked the village board, along with the Fire Commission, which gave final approval Jan. 20, to his selection as fire chief, and the firefighters.

“Without (the firefighters’ support), this wouldn’t be possible, and I will need their support along through this journey, and I look forward to the long road ahead, and fun road ahead, as well,” he said.

Bertler joined the Suamico Fire Department in 2008 and was promoted to an assistant chief in 2016.

His background also includes being a battalion chief with the Bellevue Fire-Rescue Department, a fire inspector for the Ashwaubenon Department of Public Safety and a first responder for County Rescue.

Suamico switched from a part-time to a full-time chief, as recommended by a staffing committee, to meet future personnel needs for the fire department.

Bertler replaces the previous part-time chief, Troy Noe, a full-time village public works department employee who has been with the Suamico Fire Department for 37 years and the last five years as chief.

“(Noe) has consistently put in the time and effort needed to ensure a safe and effective fire department,” said Village Administrator Alex Kaker. “I anticipate and hope he will continue to serve in some capacity (with the fire department) moving forward.”

Noe, who did not pursue the full-time chief’s position, expressed interest in remaining with the fire department wherever the new chief would decide is best.

Kaker said a recommendation from the new fire chief as to where to assign Noe in the department would be forwarded to the Fire Commission for its approval.