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.
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/Past Assignments: Firefighter/Paramedic
About Reggie: I'm a Madison native and East High School graduate.
Jenna Larson
Date of Hire: 2021
Previous Experience: Volunteer firefighter at New Glarus Fire Department; volunteer paramedic at DeerGrove EMS; worked full-time at UW-Madison in various roles including international relations and talent development.
Current/Past Assignments: Firefighter/EMT; Heavy Urban Rescue Team
About Jenna: I previously had a great corporate career but felt something was missing. Once I began volunteering in EMS/Fire, I was hooked and made the career change. I love to travel and vow to keep my country count higher than my age. I also teach EMS part-time at Madison College.
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/Past Assignments: 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.
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/Past Assignments: Firefighter/Paramedic; HazMat
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.
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/Past Assignments: Firefighter/Paramedic
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.
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/Past Assignments: 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 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.