About the Bear Den
Who We Are
The Bonduel Area Fire Department is a Public Protection Classification ISO Class 3, paid-on-call fire department, Established on April 13, 1916, serving the Village of Bonduel and the Town of Hartland. Our department provides fire suppression, rescue services, fire prevention, public education, and mutual aid to neighboring communities.
We proudly protect approximately 36 square miles, including portions of State Highways 29, 47, and 117. These major transportation corridors generate a diverse range of emergency responses, including structure fires, motor vehicle crashes, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescue emergencies, and hazardous materials releases. We are committed to providing a rapid, professional response whenever our community calls for help.
Our department is made up of dedicated men and women who balance careers, families, and other responsibilities while maintaining the training and readiness expected of today's fire service. Members are trained to meet or exceed Wisconsin Firefighter I standards, with many continuing their education through advanced certifications in areas such as Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operations, Technical Rescue, Fire Inspection, Instructor Development, Incident Command, and other specialized disciplines.
Training is one of the foundations of our department. Through frequent hands-on drills, classroom instruction, live fire training, regional exercises, and continuing education, our firefighters continually build the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively respond to a wide variety of emergencies. Our goal is to ensure every member is prepared to serve safely, confidently, and professionally when our community needs us most.
We are committed to maintaining an aggressive, highly trained, and safety-focused fire department that our community can depend on at any hour of the day. We believe preparation before the emergency is what allows us to perform when lives and property are at risk. Every member is expected to continually improve, train with purpose, uphold the highest professional standards, and place the needs of the community above their own.
Our Mission
Our mission is to protect lives, preserve property, and serve our community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. Every response is driven by our commitment to providing the highest level of service to our residents, businesses, and visitors.
VISION
"To be a trusted, highly trained, and progressive fire department that prepares today for the emergencies of tomorrow while earning the confidence of those we serve through excellence, accountability, and service."
CORE VALUES
The Bonduel Area Fire Department is built upon values that guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define the expectations of every member. These principles are not situational. They represent our commitment to our community, our fellow firefighters, and the profession.
SERVICE
"The needs of our community come first. We are committed to protecting lives, preserving property, serving with compassion, and always placing the mission above ourselves."
DEDICATION
"We accept the responsibility of being ready when our community calls. Preparation, commitment, and dependability are expected both on and off the emergency scene."
PROFESSIONALISM
"We maintain high standards through training, discipline, preparedness, and conduct. We continually develop our knowledge and skills to provide the highest level of service possible."
INTEGRITY
"We act with honesty, respect, and accountability in every decision. We earn and maintain the trust of our community through ethical actions and personal responsibility."
TEAMWORK
"We succeed together. By communicating effectively, supporting one another, and working as one department, we create an environment where every member contributes to the success of the mission."
LEADERSHIP
"Leadership is demonstrated through actions, not rank. Every member is expected to set the example, mentor others, accept responsibility, and continuously improve themselves and the department."
SAFETY
"We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our members through disciplined operations, sound decision making, and adherence to recognized standards. Every firefighter has the responsibility to identify hazards, speak up, and help ensure that everyone goes home."
TRADITION
"We honor the generations of firefighters who built this department through their sacrifice and service. We preserve their legacy by continually improving and leaving the department stronger than we found it."
COMMITMENT
Every member of the Bonduel Area Fire Department is entrusted with protecting our community during its most difficult moments. That responsibility requires continual training, personal accountability, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We will never stop learning, improving, or preparing for the next emergency because our community deserves nothing less.
Dedication
Serve our community and department to the best of our ability
Team
A group of individuals striving to reach common goals
Integrity
Community partnerships based on trust, respect and accountability