Brookfield fire chief named 14th Assembly District First Responder of the Year

Brookfield Fire Chief David Mason has only been on the job for about four months. But in that time, he's already won the First Responder of the Year award for the 14th Assembly District.

It's an award he's happy to receive but never expected. 

"There's no expectation for this kind of recognition," Mason said. "I appreciate it, but I was a bit surprised." 

The award was given to Mason by Rep. Robyn Vining at the state Capitol in October.

Mason came on as chief of the Fire Department in June. Before then, he served as assistant chief for nine years.

But his career in emergency services began long before then.

In 1991, Mason, who was a registered nurse, began to work as a flight nurse for Flight for Life in Milwaukee. 

But he had always wanted to be a firefighter. So he went for it.

He passed his test in 1995 and began to work as a paid-on-call firefighter for the Lisbon Fire Department. 

"It took my life in a complete different direction," Mason said, adding that he was then able to focus on emergency medical services, as well. 

Starting in 2012, he served as the assistant fire chief for the city of Brookfield Fire Department. 

Mason took over as chief after Chief Charlie Myers retired in May.

His job now is to provide resources and direction for the 58 sworn members and two support staffers at the city's three fire stations. 

"The city of Brookfield Fire Department has always been a very high-functioning fire department," Mason said. 

Training is also an emphasis for Mason, as a typical firefighter in Brookfield is also a paramedic and equipment manager, Mason said.

More:Brookfield Fire Department adds 9 firefighters in response to increase in calls for service

Increase in service 

In October, the Brookfield Common Council agreed to nearly $3 million in federal funding to add nine more firefighters to the Brookfield Fire Department over the next three years. 

Mason, who was in favor of the funding, said the department hasn't added any new firefighters since 1995. Since that time, the department has seen a steady increase in the number of calls for service.

In 1995, the yearly total call volume for the department was 2,266. In 2021, that number is projected to rise to 4,629 — an increase of 104%.

The increase in staff will help the department achieve its goals, Mason added.

"We're always concerned about being able to meet our mission, given the increase of calls for services," Mason said. 

Mason said he's concerned about the number of applicants for firefighter and EMS jobs these days. He believes the interest level in first-responder positions is declining. 

"I remember when I started, we had several hundred applicants all for the positions here," Mason said.

Now, for the current jobs they're posting, he'd be happy if he sees 60 applicants.

He hopes that changes soon. 

Mason enjoys interacting with the community while making visits to schools and doing fire inspections. 

"I really enjoy working with my coworkers and meeting the needs and challenges of the department," Mason said.

In a news release, Vining praised Mason and his efforts in the 14th Assembly District.

“Brookfield Fire Chief David Mason serves the city of Brookfield with honor and distinction as the Chief of the Fire Department," Vining said. "Chief Mason has served the city of Brookfield for 26 years, nine of which as assistant chief, and previously served as a Flight for Life flight nurse. Appointed in June of this year as Chief of the Fire Department, Chief Mason brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position." 

Evan Casey can be reached at 414-403-4391 or evan.casey@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter @ecaseymedia.