Talk to a Recruiter
Thinking about a career with the Madison Fire Department? We've assembled a knowledgeable and dedicated group of people willing to answer your questions! Email any of our recruiters your questions about the Madison Fire Department, to schedule a station tour or ride-along, or to learn about any of the MFD's specialty areas including EMS, Hazmat, Lake Rescue, Heavy Urban Rescue, and Fire Investigation.
Send questions about the hiring process to Fire Recruitment at JoinMFD@cityofmadison.com or (608) 513-3446.
Benny Nevarez
Date of Hire: 2017
Previous Experience: Firefighter with Middleton Fire District, EMT at Cross Plains Area EMS, and Firefighter/EMT with DeForest-Windsor Fire and EMS; worked at multiple area restaurants; part of the horticulture team at Epic System; worked at UW Hospital in the Emergency Department
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/Paramedic; Hazardous Incident Team; Internship Coordinator; Peer Support Team; Honor Guard
Past Experience at MFD: Firefighter/EMT
About Benny: I graduated from Middleton High School and knew at a young age I wanted to work for the City of Madison Fire Department. Madison has a great variety of activities for everyone. When not working, you can find me at local live music venues and sporting events with my family, or outside doing anything the weather allows.
Liz Abitz
Date of Hire: 2022
Previous Experience: Taught middle school English and still continue to work for a tree service, trimming and removing trees
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/EMT
About Liz: I finished college with a Bachelor's degree in English and Education from Ripon College, intending to become a teacher. However, I decided to change up careers after a couple of years and stumbled upon the fire service after a retired Madison firefighter suggested I pursue this job. It was the best decision I've ever made.
In my free time, I can be found attending Madison events like the farmer's market and Concerts On the Square, kayaking around the lakes, and hanging out with my little sister from the Big Brothers-Big Sisters program.
Tasha Kirch
Date of Hire: 2019
Previous Experience: Certified Nursing Assistant in memory care
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/Paramedic
Past Experience at MFD: Firefighter/EMT
About Tasha: I'm a Madison native, raised on the south side near Fire Station 6. I'm a mother of two children. One of my passions is running, which keeps me energized and focused. Whether it's hitting the pavement or exploring scenic trails, I find peace and inspiration in the outdoors. Hiking is another activity that brings me peace and allows me to reconnect with myself. My first shift with MFD, I was an inexperienced firefighter. I was assigned to Station 3, where I benefited from a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Brittany Diaz
Date of Hire: 2021
Previous Experience: Bachelor's degree in Sociology & Spanish; Contractor supply sales
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/EMT
About Brittany: I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Spanish from North Central College in Naperville, IL. When I'm not working, I am usually spending time outdoors with my two Siberian Huskies, going on backpacking trips, weightlifting or running, and spending time with family.
Casey Balczewski
Date of Hire: 2021
Previous Experience: Firefighter for the City of Appleton for two and a half years and volunteer at Sun Prairie Fire Department. Five years active duty with the Marine Corps Infantry.
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/Paramedic; Heavy Urban Rescue Team
Past Experience at MFD: Firefighter/EMT
About Casey: I was born and raised in Madison and graduated from Madison Edgewood High School. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where I played football and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. It has always been a dream to work for the city and give back to the community I grew up in. I love helping others in a time of need, being a part of a giant work family, and hanging out with my wife and kids.
Reggie Williams
Date of Hire: 2014
Previous Experience: Volunteer firefighter at the Maple Bluff Fire Department/Paid On-Call EMT; Varsity boys' basketball coach, Asst. football coach, and JV golf coach at the Madison Metropolitan School District; Driver's Ed teacher; Director/Coach at Wisconsin Academy Basketball
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/Paramedic
Past Experience at MFD: Firefighter/EMT
About Reggie: I'm a Madison native and East High School graduate.
Jessie Bowden
Date of Hire: 2018
Previous Experience: Attended UW-Madison; worked in food service
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/Paramedic
Past Experience at MFD: Firefighter/EMT; Hazardous Incident Team
About Jessie: I'm from the north side of Madison and attended East High School. I graduated from UW-Madison with a Bachelor's in International Studies. When I'm not working, I spend my time hiking, gardening, and working part time at UWPD Lake Rescue and Safety.
Christopher Hahn
Date of Hire: 2010
Previous Experience: Intern at Franklin Fire Department; volunteer at Town of Raymond Fire Department; paid on call at Big Bend/Vernon Fire Department; paid on premise at Hales Corners Fire Department; seasonal park system employee at the Franklin Department of Public Works; resident assistant at UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater; actuarial technician; volunteer auxiliary police officer
Current Role at MFD: Apparatus Engineer; Heavy Urban Rescue Team (satellite member); Honor Guard
Past Experience at MFD: Firefighter/EMT
About Christopher: My interests include fitness, gardening, maintaining a koi pond, reading about military history, spending time as a family with my wife and son.
Bryce Powell
Date of Hire: 2017
Previous Experience: Bartender, waitress, phone technician, firefighter/AEMT intern at Maple Bluff Fire, Firefighter/Paramedic paid on-call at Town of Lisbon Fire.
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/Paramedic
Past Roles at MFD: Firefighter/EMT; Hazardous Incident Team
About Bryce: I teach CPR and am also a fire instructor at WCTC in Waukesha. If I'm not enjoying concerts in Madison or Milwaukee, I enjoy working out and traveling in the U.S. and Mexico.
Collin Severson
Date of Hire: 2022
Previous Experience: Personal Training and Group Fitness, Seasonal Employment with City of Madison Traffic Engineering, Sports Supervisor with Madison School and Community Recreation, Conservation Corps Trail Worker, Masonry Laborer and Machine Operator
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/EMT
About Collin: Born and raised Madison east-sider, attended La Follette High School. Graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor's in Kinesiology. Interests include fitness, playing and coaching rugby, attending live music shows, and bicycling around Madison.
Tamara Dinkel
Date of Hire: 2016
Previous Experience: Project Manager for commercial general construction; Monona, Middleton, and Verona Fire Departments; Waunakee EMS; Ryan Brothers EMS; Madison College Instructor-CPR and all levels of EMS.
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/Paramedic; EMS Training
Previous Role at MFD: Firefighter/EMT
About Tamara: I'm a graduate of Monona Grove High School and attended UW-Madison, earning a Bachelors degree in Psychology; four-year athlete for the UW Women's Rowing team and was a rowing coach. Volunteer and club associations include Gilda's Club Cancer Support Community, CampHERO for Girls, and Ignite: Women Of the Madison Fire Department. I fell in love with the fire/EMS services when I was 36 years old, and I was hired after my third process at age 42. It is never too late to passionately pursue your goals.
Nickolas George
Date of Hire: 2017
Previous Experience: La Crosse Fire Department; BLM Craig Hotshots; Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Current Role at MFD: Firefighter/Paramedic
Past Experience at MFD: Firefighter/EMT; Hazardous Incident Team
About Nickolas: Born and raised on the north side of Madison. Attended Madison East High School and graduated with the Class of 2009. Played football, basketball, and track. Avid hunter and angler in the Madison area. Attended UW-La Crosse from 2009-2012 for physical education. Received an Associates Degree as a Fire Protection Technician from Western Technical College in La Crosse, 2013. Currently live on the south side of Madison with my wife and son.
Bernadette Galvez
Date of Hire: 1990
Previous Experience: I'm involved with Project Angel, which provides gifts for prisoners around the holidays, and I help with CampHERO. Prior to working the fire department, I managed a fast food restaurant.
Current Role at MFD: Currently the Community Education Officer; Juvenile Fire Setters program, MFD Recruitment Committee, Peer Support Team.
About Bernadette: I have a B.S. in Criminal Justice, and I'm EMT and Firefighter I certified. I'm also a Senior Car Seat Technician. I'm passionate about teaching kids about fire safety. They look up to people in uniform, and they take advice from us. Having been around the department for a long time, I've seen many changes over the years. I love the variety of people interested in becoming a firefighter and who want to be involved in reputable department.