Bio: Peterson, Duane - Fire Chief to Step Down (2004)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Peterson, Strangfeld, Roehl

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 10/31/2022

Neillsville Fire Chief Will Step Down (Peterson - 2004)

By Matt Conn and Bob Lulloff (from Marshfield News Herald)

NEILLSVILLE—A veteran of the Neillsville Fire Department will resign from his position as fire chief.

“I came to that decision because I’ll be 62 on my next birthday,” said Duane Peterson, fire chief for the past 13 years and a firefighter for 35 years on the department. “It’s just time to retire.”

In his letter to the city council, Peterson said that the department is fine, but generating the drive and power needed to run it has become increasingly difficult.

“I’m just getting older, and this is a young person’s job,” Peterson said. "I’ve enjoyed every year I’ve been there, enjoyed it immensely.”

Peterson remembered the unique camaraderie among the firemen, and the fire or crush victims he had helped save throughout the years.

“Just the fact you saved a house or barn and get the fire out and save the property is exhilarating to a firefighter,” he said.

Four years ago on the high school’s prom night, he was at the scene of a crash that claimed the lives of four Clark County teens and a Marshfield man, an experience he won’t forget, Peterson said.

Duane Peterson leaves behind a well-trained crew, said Jeff Strangfeld, second assistant fire chief.

“He was the chief that took our department and turned it into an efficient department. He made sure that we had the equipment and the training to where we were fighting fire the proper way.” He said. “It’s sad to see a guy with much experience go.”

Peterson acted as a father figure to other firefighters, said Strangfeld, 43.

“He’s made up his mind that he wants to go, but he will be missed,” he said.

Peterson said he would be willing to stay until a replacement is found if the position is not filled by Sept. 1.

A meeting is set for Aug. 16 at City Hall. The rural fire association, the council and the police and fire commission will discuss the matter, and a number of changes could be made during the transition, such as whether to increase wages for the position, said Rex Roehl, city clerk. The position currently pays $4,000 a year.