Meet Firefighter/EMT Celia 'Seal' Mueller

Where are you stationed?
Currently at Fire Station 1 (Dayton Street) on the 'B' Shift. 

What are some unique qualities or characteristics about your territory, and how do they shape your service to the neighborhood?
Station 1 is downtown, and we are always busy out serving the community. We get students, professionals, families, residential and commercial structures, locals and visitors to our great city. 

Have you always wanted to be a firefighter?
Before joining MFD, I worked in Los Angeles for a fundraising bike ride from San Francisco to L.A. in support of the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. While I enjoyed funding community care services, I wanted to be out in the field in a more hands-on position. When I asked, "Who are the helpers?" and, "Who always shows up?" it was firefighters and paramedics. I moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to family and went to Madison College to work on a fire science degree while applying for MFD. 

How has your previous education or work experience prepared you for this role with the City of Madison?
I've worked in a lot of customer service and health justice roles in the past that helped me develop strong communication skills and a passion for community service, which I think set me up to be successful in this field. 

What do you do when you're not working at MFD? 
I have a quiet little farm where I like to spend my time with my partner, our dog, and friends. I enjoy mountain biking, snow and water sports, and a good game of Yahtzee.