Dave Blocker Retires After 40 Years in Fire/EMS

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Lt. Dave Blocker
Forty years is a long time to spend in a career as demanding as that of firefighting, but Dave Blocker will be the first to tell you there's never been a day he didn't want to go to work.
 
Blocker, who retired from the MFD on January 7, 2025, leaves a profession that wasn't just demanding, but also fun and rewarding.
 
Blocker spent 17 years with the La Crosse Fire Department and worked for Tri-State Ambulance prior to joining the Madison Fire Department in October 2001. He served the remaining 23 years of his career in Madison, predominantly at stations on the east side except for a stint at Fire Station 4, on the edge of the University of Wisconsin campus. During his time on the department, he served as a member of the Rapid Intervention Team, Tech Rescue Team (later known as the Heavy Urban Rescue Team), and the Hazardous Incident Team. He was also an instructor at two MFD Recruit Academies. 
 
Blocker with his crew at Fire Station 3
Blocker and his crew at Fire Station 3
In 2014, Blocker was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and remained a company officer until his retirement. Throughout his tenure, he imparted lessons of vigilance, staying sharp, and not becoming complacent, all while instilling an appreciation for lifelong learning.
 
"If you're not learning something, you're stagnating," said Blocker. "Honestly, I have learned something, if not every day, then every swing, whether it was a special team or our territory or providing care."
 
Blocker acknowledges that complacency can happen to anyone, especially as some aspects of the job become routine, but he cautions that "complacency, Mother Nature, karma— call it what you will— will find a way to teach you a lesson."
 
One call that put his crew to the test occurred on July 19, 2019, when an explosion and fire at an MGE substation shut down electrical power to neighborhoods across the isthmus on what was the hottest day of the year. Blocker and his crew were on duty at Fire Station 3, about five blocks away.
A large plume of flames and smoke at the MGE power plant on East Main Street
MGE substation fire, July 2019
 
"I was just telling my crew, 'It's hot today. We'll do inside stuff, stay cool, stay hydrated as much as possible,' and I don't think those words were hardly out of my mouth when we heard an explosion and the lights flickered," Blocker remembers. "It wasn't 30 seconds and the tones went off and we went to that fire."
 
Crews were met with high, heavy, and persistent flames, and they had to remain cognizant of electrical hazards and other safety considerations along the way. As the first-in engine company, Blocker's first concern was whether it was safe for the crew to approach. After connecting with on-site personnel who knew the equipment well, Blocker's crew had clear directives about what they could and could not put water on.
 
"There were a lot of people that put themselves at risk to put that fire under control," he said.
 
Even on the most challenging days, there was always satisfaction in knowing that a problem was solved as a team and that the people impacted were grateful for the efforts.
 
"I've always appreciated that the fire department has been well-respected and well-supported within the community," Blocker says. "The other side of that coin is that we continue to deliver a good service and continue to earn that respect."
 
As Blocker puts a cap on a 40-year career, he pays due credit to his wife, Anne, for tending to home life. Living in Iowa to care for family meant very early mornings and long commutes. With those days now behind him, Blocker looks forward to more quality time with Anne and their three kids, exploring the world through travel, and sleeping in.
 
"I couldn't have imagined doing anything else. Now I can hardly wait for what's next!"
Dave Blocker and his family in front of Engine 3

This content is free for use with credit to the City of Madison Fire Department.

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