Firefighter Bree BowerRecruit Class 9 is now serving at a fire station near you! Get to know Madison's newest firefighters.
 

Where are you stationed?
Station 8 (Lien Road), 'B' shift
 

What were you doing prior to joining MFD?

Prior to MFD I was an RN at UW Hospital. Three years of night-shift nursing taught me a lot about caring for people during some of the worst moments of their lives. I pursued a career with MFD because I wanted to work with people out in the community rather than within the walls of a hospital. I wanted to be able to see and understand the whole picture that is each patient, and their life, in order to better serve them.
 

What was your first day in the station like? Did you catch any memorable calls on Day 1?

My first day in the station was quite nerve-racking, but my senior firefighters were great sports as I attached myself to their hips and learned the ropes of station life.

On my very first day I caught a call for a car fully engulfed in flames in a parking lot! Much sooner than I thought I’d be seeing my first real fire. My heart was beating faster than is probably healthy as we drove to the scene, gearing up as we went. Every few seconds I’d look at my senior firefighter making sure I was copying their every move and waiting for any and all pointers they wanted to throw my way. Relying on my training from academy and following my crew’s lead, we put the car fire out with ease.
 

What do you love about Madison or enjoy doing that is uniquely Madison?

I moved to Madison to go to school at UW-Madison and never left. This city never ceases to amaze me. Still today I find new things to love about it. Some of my all-time favorite things to do here are bike around Lake Monona, buy fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market, eat at all the best local restaurants, be in the atmosphere of Badger sporting events, and hear great music at Concerts on the Square and the many festivals of the Willy Street neighborhood in the summer.
 

What advice would you give to someone hoping to join the MFD?

Advice I’d like to give someone hoping to join the MFD is to keep trying. Keep bettering yourself, learning more about people and how to best serve them. I didn’t know it was possible to be excited to come into work before working at MFD. But let me tell you it is possible, and it’s the best feeling in the world. If you truly want to join this team, keep at it. It’s so worth it.

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Category: Station 8