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5 Critical Facts About De Pere Fire Rescue's New Era: The 9% Call Volume Spike And Chief Brett Jansen's Vision

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De Pere Fire Rescue is currently undergoing a significant transition and facing a critical increase in operational demands, as revealed by recent departmental data. As of December 22, 2025, the department is led by its new Fire Chief, Brett Jansen, who steps into the role during a period marked by a notable spike in emergency calls and an expanding service area. This article provides an in-depth look at the current state of De Pere's emergency services, highlighting the new leadership, the growing call volume, and the vital community partnerships that define the department's mission.

The dedication of De Pere Fire Rescue to the safety of the City of De Pere and its surrounding communities, including areas in Brown County, remains paramount. With new leadership and evolving operational challenges, the department continues to focus on a superior level of emergency medical services (EMS), fire suppression, and proactive public education to ensure the health and safety of its nearly 25,000 residents. This comprehensive overview details the key facts you need to know about the department's new era.

The New Leadership: Fire Chief Brett Jansen Biography and Career Profile

The De Pere Police and Fire Commission recently selected Brett Jansen as the new permanent Fire Chief, marking a significant milestone for the department. Jansen's appointment is a testament to his long-standing commitment and deep understanding of the local public safety landscape, having served the community for nearly two decades.

  • Full Name: Brett Jansen
  • Current Role: Fire Chief, De Pere Fire Rescue
  • Appointment: Selected by the De Pere Police and Fire Commission
  • Career Tenure: Served De Pere Fire Rescue for nearly two decades prior to his appointment as Chief.
  • Previous Position: Held the rank of Battalion Chief.
  • Leadership Focus: Brings a long-tenured history in public safety and a deep understanding of the De Pere community's needs to the top leadership position.
  • Interim Predecessor: Assistant Fire Chief Jack Mlnrik served as the interim chief during the transition period.

Chief Jansen's promotion from Battalion Chief highlights a commitment to internal development and leadership continuity within the department. His deep roots in De Pere are expected to foster stronger community ties and a focus on progressive, professional emergency service delivery.

Fact 1: De Pere Fire Rescue is Facing a Critical 9% Call Volume Increase

One of the most pressing challenges currently facing De Pere Fire Rescue is the significant and sustained increase in emergency calls. Recent data indicates the department is experiencing a 9% increase in overall call volume.

This spike is a critical metric, signaling an increased demand for both fire and emergency medical services (EMS) across the service area. This trend is not isolated, as adjacent municipalities and regional partners are also seeing a rise in incidents, putting pressure on staffing, equipment, and training resources. The call volume growth is a key factor in the department's planning for future needs, including the potential for new assisted living facilities and the expansion of the community.

The 2024 Call Volume Snapshot

The operational scope of the department is extensive, covering approximately 12 square miles. In 2024, the department's regional partnerships were essential to handling the volume of incidents. For example, De Pere Fire Rescue, in collaboration with the Town of Lawrence Fire Department, responded to a combined total of 526 fire and emergency medical calls.

This partnership underscores the necessity of mutual aid agreements in Brown County. The high number of calls reflects the department's dual role, as they provide comprehensive fire suppression services, fire inspection, and critical EMS service to the City of De Pere and parts of the surrounding towns, such as Ledgeview.

Fact 2: Key Partnerships and Mutual Aid Agreements are Essential for Coverage

The effectiveness of De Pere Fire Rescue is significantly bolstered by its strong network of mutual aid and auto-aid agreements with neighboring fire and rescue agencies. These partnerships ensure seamless, rapid response across municipal boundaries, which is crucial for a thriving suburban community.

The department operates under auto-aid agreements with several key entities, which are vital for managing the increasing call volume and providing adequate coverage for all types of emergencies, from structural fires to complex medical emergencies.

Key Mutual Aid Partners:

  • Ashwaubenon Fire Department
  • Hobart Fire Department
  • Ledgeview Fire Department
  • Bellevue Fire Department
  • Town of Lawrence Fire Department

These agreements mean that when a major incident occurs, such as the significant duplex fire in August 2025 that caused $150,000 in damage, multiple professional agencies can quickly coordinate their efforts to mitigate the disaster and protect life and property.

Fact 3: The Department’s Focus on Community and Personnel Development

Beyond the emergency response statistics, De Pere Fire Rescue is committed to fostering a progressive and supportive environment for its personnel and actively engaging with the community. This focus on internal health and public relations is critical for long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

One notable recent development is the introduction of a therapy dog, Stanley, to the department. While still in basic obedience training, Stanley's role is to provide emotional support and stress relief for fire rescue personnel who regularly face high-stress, traumatic situations. This is an increasingly common and important initiative in modern fire departments focused on the mental health of their staff.

The department also recently saw the retirement of a Battalion Chief after 31 years of dedicated service, a transition that highlights the long-tenured history and deep experience within the De Pere Fire Rescue team. The continuous cycle of recruitment, training, and leadership transition is a constant focus for Chief Jansen and his command staff.

The Future of De Pere Fire Rescue

Under the new leadership of Chief Brett Jansen, De Pere Fire Rescue is poised to address the challenges presented by its 9% call volume increase and the ongoing growth of the Brown County area. The department’s strategy centers on leveraging its strong community partnerships, investing in professional development, and maintaining a high standard of emergency service. The commitment to fire inspection, public education, and robust emergency medical services ensures that the department will remain a steadfast steward of safety for the City of De Pere for years to come.

5 Critical Facts About De Pere Fire Rescue's New Era: The 9% Call Volume Spike and Chief Brett Jansen's Vision
de pere fire rescue
de pere fire rescue

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