GB Metro Fire Department talks safety procedures

GREEN BAY - Ann Watzka's been a firefighter for about 32 years. A division chief for the recently renamed Green Bay Metro Fire Department, she started her career as a paramedic.

"I got hired in Allouez and wasn't even a paramedic for 10 years and I enjoyed the fire side of it," said Watzka, laughing.

Part of her duties for Green Bay Metro Fire is overseeing fire training and support services.

She says the joys of the firefighting aspect of the job are problem solving and working on your toes, as a team.

"It's just a very fast-paced situation,” said Watzka. “EMS certainly can be also."

The job isn't always a safe one. But Watzka says a major part of staying safe is developing a sixth sense.

Watzka says information from dispatch, which can include history about the scene or area, is often only a piece of the puzzle.

"I think it's so dependent on who the person is who makes the initial call,” explained Watzka. “The call takers try to get as much information as they can from an individual, a lot of times it's third party, not even on the scene; a lot of times, it's someone who drove by."

Or the information is false. That's where Watzka says training, working with veteran officers and maintaining constant radio communication helps figure out difficult situations.

"You have to think of every potential scenario so that you try to be ready for whatever may occur, so that you can be the best prepared to respond appropriately," she said.

Which Watzka says means drilling for the unknown and being constantly cautious of the situation and information around you and your team at all times.

Watzka says police officers are usually sent to a fire scene as well, but only for traffic control - often arriving before fire or rescue crews.