Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Melde new early on that he wanted to work in the medical field. After being hired to the MFD in 1999, he devoted 26 years to fire/EMS, the majority of which were served on the ambulance.
Station Four
Located across the street from Camp Randall Stadium on the UW-Madison campus, the crews at Station 4 justifiably claim their identity as "Bucky's House."
The station was built in 1982.
It's staffed daily with four firefighter/EMTs and two firefighter/paramedics who work 24-hour shifts.
Equipment
- Engine 4 – a 2021 Pierce Enforcer Engine with Pierce Manufacturing's new state-of-the-art Idle Reduction Technology (IRT). IRT helps the Madison Fire Department take a big, important step toward reaching the City of Madison's goal of zero net carbon emissions by 2030. The new Enforcer Engine has a 1,250 gallons-per-minute fire pump and 500-gallon water tank along with ground ladders and 3000 feet of fire hose. Additionally, Engine 4 carries emergency medical equipment including a defibrillator, oxygen, and immobilization gear.
- Medic 4 – a 2025 Demers ambulance with a Ford E-450 chassis. M4 provides advanced life support wherever needed, but primarily for the UW-Madison campus and near-west side of Madison. It carries a full complement of advanced life support medicine and equipment including a 12-lead cardiac monitor & defibrillator, advanced airway supplies, oxygen, and trauma care equipment. To aide in patient and paramedic safety and comfort, M4 operates with a Stryker Power Pro 2 cot, Power Load system, and Liquid Spring suspension.
Daily Staffing
- 1 Lieutenant, station Officer
- 1 Apparatus Engineer (driver) operating the engine
- 2 Firefighter/EMTs staffing the engine
- 2 Firefighter/Paramedics staffing the ambulance
Many stations develop a specific identity over time and carry that through with logos that members of the crew display with pride. With permission from the University of Wisconsin, Engine #4 sports images of Bucky Badger and UW-Madison flags, and Bucky takes center stage on the station logo. The crews unofficial motto: "First due to the U."