Fire Department

The Madison Fire Department’s Lake Rescue Team is pleased to announce the naming and dedication of its new boat, The Ralph E. Chamberlin II.
 
Founded 33 years ago, the MFD Lake Rescue Team is available to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to emergencies on area waters. Now equipped with a new 24-foot, 300-horsepower Lake Assault™ boat, the team is poised to improve all aspects of emergency response with the help of advanced technology, including Lowrance™ GPS, radar, underwater sonar, and an infrared camera. It also has a fire pump that can flow up to 500 gallons per minute.
 
The Madison Fire Department is honored to celebrate this occasion with Ralph Chamberlin, a founder of the Lake Rescue Team after whom the boat is named. Chamberlin was a Madison firefighter from 1964-1989 and helped formally establish the first Lake Rescue Team in 1983. He was already a dive master when the team was born but went on to become a PADI instructor a year later.
 
Since then, countless firefighters and paramedics have followed in his footsteps, attaining the certifications and training necessary to make lifesaving water rescues in the City of Madison.
 
“Chamberlin had a vision for the safety of the community that, coupled with his excellent leadership, built a foundation for the team,” said Madison Fire Chief Steven Davis. “The City of Madison and surrounding communities still benefit from his work to this day, and we are grateful to honor such a tremendous leader.”
 
The public is invited to join the celebration, featuring remarks from Division Chief of Special Operations Tim Mrowiec, Fire Chief Steven Davis, and Firefighter (Ret.) Ralph Chamberlin, on Saturday, July 9 at 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Olin Park Boat Launch.