Division Chief Paul Ripp Retires, Celebrating 30 Years of Service

Paul Ripp speaks from experience when he tells up-and-coming firefighters to keep applying for a spot on the MFD.

"If you love this job, keep pushing for it."

Ripp remembers his own aspirations to become a Madison firefighter. While working at a local grocery store, he came to know the firefighters who stopped by daily to shop for their firehouse meals and he became intrigued.

"I went back to school to see what it was like, and when I went to the academy, I knew I was hooked," said Ripp.

After four attempts, Ripp was finally hired to the Madison Fire Department on October 9, 1995.

"I always tell people who haven't made it yet that sometimes that's the route you have to take."

Now as he celebrates his retirement after 30 years of service, Ripp is reflecting on the impact of a career where professional development and mentorship became defining themes.

During his time at MFD, Ripp served as a Firefighter, Apparatus Engineer, Lieutenant, Fire Training Captain, and Division Chief. Along the way, he was also a member of the Hazmat Team, Rapid Intervention Team, and the Heavy Urban Rescue Team.

As Captain of Fire Training and Division Chief of Fire Training, Ripp oversaw or was involved with a total of six recruit academies. He enjoyed the rewards of seeing recruits conquer new challenges and fall in love with the career themselves.

In recent years, as Division Chief of Hiring, Promotions & Professional Development, Ripp helped pioneer new initiatives with a focus on cultivating new leadership within the department, from new officer and apparatus engineer training to fire instructor development.

But one of his proudest achievements was partnering with Madison College to develop Fire/EMS Interview Workshops aimed at preparing prospective Firefighter/EMT candidates for their official job interviews. The day-long workshops educate participants about interviewing best practices, connect attendees with current Firefighter/EMTs, and offer the opportunity to participate in a mock job interview.

"Many who've gone through the panel got hired here, and many have come back after their interview with the chief to say how beneficial it was to go to the workshop," said Ripp.

Though he closes out a total of 35 years in the fire service, Ripp will continue to have an impact on the service through his work as an instructor at Madison College. He also looks forward to spending more time in retirement traveling, fishing, and golfing.

"People say it all the time, but it is a very rewarding career to be able to help people the way that we do," said Ripp. "To see a patient who you treated and have them come thank you in person over lunch at the firehouse— it's amazing."