Rhinelander Firefighters Local 1028

08/27/2026

What do Rhinelander firefighters Local 1028 do on duty, when not running EMS/FIRE/RESCUE CALLS?

Every morning we have a dedicated apparatus that goes through our weekly inspection.

During the warmer months, you’ll see us with our truck, outside, on the apron. During our weekly checks, we check every item that is supposed to be present and we operate all features of the apparatus. (Pump, generator, lights, aux systems)

This past tuesday, while doing our truck checks, we also took the time to get some training in with our newest member (D. Schillinger)

Along with our morning truck checks, we inspect all businesses around the city to ensure they do not have any code violations, placing them at risk for fire. This week, Black Crew inspected the airport and got to learn about their ARFF apparatus.

Whenever a new member enters the department, we ensure they are capable to operate to the standards that we expect of them. This includes 2 weeks of dedicated orientation along with ongoing trainings during the probationary period.

Welcome to Local 1028, D Schillinger.

08/22/2026

Duck dash!
Today members from Local 1028 helped set up the annual duck dash on Brown st in Downtown Rhinelander.

To supply enough water for the dash, we have to use our 4” LDH (large diameter hose) and 2 2.5” diffusers.

The LDH is big enough to deliver 1,000gpm and more.

Congratulations to the racers and winners.

Members present
G. Plautz
T. Perry
A. Arndorfer
D. O’Malley
J. Savage

08/21/2026

Thank you People’s State bank!

People’s invited local 1028 members out to their appreciation cook out to show their appreciation to first responders.

The on-duty crew enjoyed the time and food you blessed us with.

(Jim Plautz, Scott Hefter, Austin Arndorfer, Dolan O’Malley, Ryan Berghammer, AJ Johnson)

Local 1028 members had fun and got to show off the equipment and vehicles that we utilize everyday, in our actions to serve Rhinelander. Peoples also invited RPD and OCSO to the cook out and are going to be splitting proceeds from the event with all entities.

Thank you!

08/21/2026

Nighttime surprise!
Pizza ranch stopped by with a late night gift for us. Thank you pizza ranch, it is very much appreciated, and delicious!

08/20/2026

Today, members from Local 1028 (Scott Hefter, Dolan O’Malley, Jon Vincent, Jim Plautz, Austin Arndorfer) assisted Paramedic Student Laura, with learning one of the most critical calls paramedics face. Cardiac Arrest.

Laura is going through Medic school with some of our own RFD brothers, and has chosen to do ride alongs with us. When not running calls, we have had Laura prove her knowledge and skills with cardiac arrest scenarios.

In the scenarios, Laura has shown us her skills with
- patient assessments
- rhythm interpretation
- defibrillation
- airway management
- Vascular access (Iv starts / IO insertion)
- medication dosing
- medication administration
- post ROSC resuscitation

Some of the few life-saving cardiac-arrest medications that paramedic students are expected to know include
- epinephrine
- atropine
- sodium bicarbonate
- calcium chloride
- dextrose
- lidocaine
- naloxone
- amiodarone
And others

Good job today, Laura

08/19/2026

Thank you to Erbert’s and Gerbert’s of Rhinelander! The very nice people of Erbert’s and Gerbert’s stopped down to gift our crew with a delicious meal box for each of us. We enjoyed the food and are greatly appreciative of the gesture!

As Local 1028 has been experiencing a lot of new employees coming and going, we have not been very active on social media for the past couple months, while other priorities were given attention. As we’ve settled down, and have our feet back under us, we hope to express gratitude and public appreciation for all those who give such wonderful and refreshing gifts to us through the year.

Keep an eye out for updates with breast cancer awareness shirts, (pink shirts, as we like to call them). We’ve heard many people express the desire to have our hometown mascot, the Hodag, on it, and we are getting designs fired up to make that happen.

Thank you all,
Local 1028

(Left to right)

S. Rathbun (DC - Black),
AJ Johnson (RFD Chief)
Courtney (very kind Erbert’s and Gerbert’s employee)
J. Vincent (FF Driver/Paramedic - Black)
G. Plautz (Lieutenant/AEMT - Green)
J. Legrey (Probationary Sr FF/Paramedic student - Black)
J. Kottke (Probationary FF/EMT - Black)
Lisa (very kind Erbert’s and Gerbert’s employee, behind the camera)

04/02/2026

03/11/2026

If you, or someone you know may be interested in a career in the fire service, Rhinelander Fire Department may be the spot for you.
If you are interested, feel free to reach out and ask questions, and we will provide guidance and answers for you.