January 23, 2024 – Hartford, WI – A familiar face in the firefighting community of Washington County, Wi, will be taking over as the next fire chief in the City of Hartford, WI. As WashingtonCountyINsider.com was first to report Monday morning, Anthony Burgard will leave his position as chief in Richfield and take up the reigns as Assistant Chief under Paul Stephans until Stephans retires May 3, 2024.
Burgard, 41, has been with the Richfield Fire Department for 19 years. His resume is loaded with qualifications and certifications which many say made him a top selection for the job.
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The Hartford Police and Fire Commission received a dozen applications, including some internal; six people were interviewed.
City Administrator Steve Volkert said Burgard stood out to the Police and Fire Commission because he was very well rounded with firefighting, EMT and EMS experienced.
“He also brings a real understanding of the delicate mix between paid-on-call and full-time firefighters,” said Volkert, deferring to the Police and Fire Commission who actually oversaw the entire process.
“His experience his education, his eagerness to continue to grow in the position, his commitment to fire and EMS, his energy; he’s going to be a great fit.”
Hartford currently has eight full-time employees in the fire department with two more added this year for a total of 10. It also has roughly about 50 paid-on-call part-time employees.
Police and Fire Commission president Dick Fehr said it was a simple thing that made Burgard standout from the other 2-hour interviews. “He loves his job, and he seems to be honest and willing to go the extra mile,” said Fehr. “It was just his enthusiasm for doing what he’s doing.”
Fehr, who has been with the Police and Fire Commission in 2003, was also involved in the selection chief Paul Stephans.
A former Battalion Chief in Milwaukee, Fehr said Burgard had a good grasp on what was ahead for Hartford FD. “The future of possibly moving to a full-time fire department and building a second station,” he said.
Burgard said he was excited for the opportunity, grateful to the City of Hartford, and can’t wait to work alongside Chief Stephans.
“It is going to be an amazing opportunity to work under Chief Stephens for several months, getting to learn about his specific job and the department directly from him; this is possibly the best part of this upcoming job opportunity,” he said.
Some of the next steps Burgard sees at the HFD includes a strong program for recruitment.
“Every single day we need to keep the recruiting going forward,” said Burgard. “This is probably one of the highest priorities for Hartford. We need to always offer up an opportunity for people to learn about the fire department and learn how they can help and join themselves.”
Burgard caught the firefighting bug as a kid. “It was the trucks and the cars that got me and made me say ‘I want to be a firefighter when I grow up,'” he said. “It was seeing the fire trucks at the fire prevention open houses and deciding I want to be one of those people and then following up and working and spending all my time to make sure I could attain that goal.”
The Richfield Volunteer Fire Company and the Village of Richfield raved about outgoing chief Burgard, saying he “has been an instrumental community leader for the Village and the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company.”
His ability to navigate and lead under extreme situations is unparalleled. Whether facing the intense heat of a roaring blaze or making critical decisions during emergencies, Chief Burgard has consistently demonstrated a calm and collected demeanor that instills confidence in those around him.
Beyond his tactical expertise, Chief Burgard’s empathetic approach is a quality that sets him apart from others. Over the years, he has shown a genuine concern for the well-being of both his Team and the residents of our community. Many times, Chief Burgard has been a reassuring presence when people find themselves in distress, oftentimes meeting them on what might be one of their very worst days. His compassion and understanding have brought comfort to countless individuals during challenging times.
The neighboring City of Hartford is gaining not just a skilled professional but a compassionate servant leader who has made a lasting impact on our Village and the Towns we serve. Thank you, Chief Burgard, for your service. Â
The Village of Richfield and the RVFC will be working together to fill the vacancy caused by Burgard’s departure.
The Hartford common council meeting on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, has been cancelled for lack of a quorum. The meeting has been rescheduled to February 13, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Chief Burgard said he will be in attendance. Watch for a live broadcast at Washington County Insider on Facebook.
Below are stories about the fire chief search in Hartford, WI.
January 22, 2024 – Hartford, WI – The Hartford common council will announce its next fire chief during its rescheduled meeting February 13, 2024.
Hartford started the process to replace Chief Paul Stephans following his retirement announcement in November 2023. The City of Hartford put a succession plan in place so the new incoming chief would be able to shadow the outgoing chief before taking over.
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City Administrator Steve Volkert said the city felt continuity was very important in a hire of this magnitude.
“Especially when you have somebody who is as committed as Chief Paul Stevens is,” said Volkert. “We are very thankful for where he’s taken this department and when you have someone that good, you want them to really rub off heavily on the next person.”
During Tuesday’s meeting the council will approve Anthony Burgard, 41, as Assistant Chief under Paul Stephans until Stephans retirement on May 3, 2024.
This is a working story, and more information will be published as details become available.
Below are stories tied to this topic published previously on WashingtonCountyInsider.com
January 4, 2024 – Hartford, WI – A even dozen applied for the Hartford Fire Chief position and this week interviews got underway.
“This week the Hartford Police & Fire Commission had round one of our interviews for our next Fire Chief,” said city administrator Steve Volkert.  “We hope to find a qualified finalist from this list who will then take over on May 4.”
It was announced in November 2023 that Chief Paul Stephans would be retiring in May 2024.
Below is the story published in November 2023 announcing the retirement of Hartford Fire Chief Paul Stephans.
November 16, 2023 – Hartford, WI – The City of Hartford is looking for a new fire chief as Chief Paul Stephans will be retiring in 2024.
A product of Hartford, Stephans graduated Hartford Union High School, along with his five siblings and his children. Stephans advanced from Deputy Fire Chief to Chief following the retirement of Chief Robert Baus.
Applications for the job are due by 4 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2023.
Stephans indicated he would be stepping down in May 2024.
Below is the 3-page job description which lists the salary at $97,000 to $107,000.
CITY OF HARTFORD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FIRE AND RESCUE CHIEF
The City of Hartford Fire & Rescue Department is in search for the next long-term, dedicated leader to move our department into the future.
HF&R has a rich and storied 160-year history based on the principals of going above and beyond to care for the residents in our area, just like we would our own family. We have a combination department of 10 full-time plus over 60 part-time and paid on call staff.
This job sets the culture for this department that serves the City of Hartford and surrounding townships with a total population of 26,000 people with a fire district of 72 square miles and primary EMS response area of 136 square miles.
Our municipal-wide culture is one of cooperation, comradery and fun, in a family type atmosphere.
This position is mainly responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing all major activities of the Fire and Rescue Department, including fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical services-ALS level, fire education, fire safety and inspections, support services, community development, and emergency government coordination.
Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience, a minimum of five years Fire and EMS experience, four years’ experience in administration with specific experience in such areas as planning, budgeting, leadership, and training, and must be State certified or certifiable Fire Officer.
This is a full-time, exempt position with a municipal benefits package unmatched by anyone else. Starting salary range for this department head position is $97,000 to $107,000 for 2024 DOQ, with a fast plan for financial growth.
Hartford Fire Chief Paul Stephans
Find out specifically more about this position and department at https://ci.hartford.wi.us/204/Fire-Rescue.
Resume and completed job application should be addressed to the attention of the President of the Police and Fire Commission and can be dropped off or mailed to Hartford City Hall, 109 North Main Street, Hartford.
Deadline to apply is Friday, December 15, 2023, at 4 p.m.
Below is the 3-page job description.
JD Fire Rescue Chief 2023
Below is the agenda item posted for the November 15, 2023 – special meeting.
