Appleton Fire Department

We are grateful to be a recipient of a 2026 We Energies Foundation Rewarding Responder Grant!

The grant will help AFD purchase new battery powered equipment for our firefighters that can be used during vehicle extrication, forcible entry, technical rescue, and other emergency operations.

This equipment will provide crews with additional portable and versatile tools to help them work safely and efficiently during emergencies.

Thank you to the We Energies Foundation for supporting first responders and investing in the equipment we use to serve our community!

Last week, your firefighters completed three days of high rise training, intentionally concluding on September 11.

Crews trained on the unique challenges of responding to fires in multistory buildings, including moving personnel and equipment up stairwells, advancing hose lines, coordinating operations between floors, and working from aerial apparatus.

The timing of this training was intentional. September 11 is a day deeply connected to the fire service and to the challenges and sacrifices of firefighting. Training on these skills is one way we can honor the firefighters who responded that day while continuing to prepare ourselves to answer the call in our own community.

Applications are OPEN! 🚒

The Appleton Fire Department is accepting applications for our next firefighter hiring process.

If you’re looking for a career built around service, teamwork, problem solving, and making a difference in your community, we want to hear from you.

📅 Application deadline: November 8 at midnight
🔗 Apply: https://appletonwi.gov/fire/careers

Come join our team.

Today, we remember the 343 firefighters, 72 police officers, 55 military personnel, and 2,507 civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

We also pause to remember the more than 1,400 rescue workers who have died from exposure to toxins found at ground zero.

Please take a moment today to pay respect to these heroes and never let their memory fade.

⚠️ Planned Department Training⚠️

The Appleton Fire Department will be conducting training in and around the Yellow Parking Ramp on East Washington Street today (9/8), Wednesday (9/9), and Friday (9/11).

The parking ramp will remain open for normal use.

Anticipate emergency vehicles in the area.

The Appleton Fire Department is saddened to share the passing of retired Deputy Chief James "Jim" Mauthe.

Jim began his career with the Appleton Fire Department in February 1952, when he was hired as a firefighter. Over the years he served in numerous roles, including Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief of Training, First Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief.

Jim retired in March 1985 after 33 years of service to the City of Appleton.

As AFD’s oldest living retired member, Jim remained connected to the department long after his retirement. Last year, he had the opportunity to once again ride on restored Old Engine No. 5, the same 1928 Seagrave pumper he learned to drive early in his career.

Jim passed away at 97 years old, just one month shy of his 98th birthday.

We extend our condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and the generations of Appleton firefighters who had the opportunity to know him.

Thank you Deputy Chief Mauthe for your many years of dedicated service to our community.

More about Jim’s life and legacy can be found here: https://www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/james-mauthe

🔌 Dorm room + mini fridge + TV + gaming system + laptop + phone charger + whatever else you managed to fit in there...

Don't overload your outlets.

Use power strips with internal overload protection, and never use an extension cord to power large appliances like refrigerators.

If you're moving into a new place this semester, take a minute to make sure your electrical setup is safe.