Crime & Safety

City Thanks, Commends Fire Chief Before He Retires

Russ Spahn is retiring as the Greenfield Fire Chief in a ceremony at Fire Station 1 at 4 p.m. today.

Russ Spahn, who spent his entire adult life as an employee of the City of Greenfield, .

Spahn, who first worked in the Division of Public Works before moving over the fire department, has been the city's chief for five years.

According to Mayor Michael Neitzke, there have not been increases in fire personnel since 1987, though call volume has more than doubled since then to more than 4,500 calls per year. 

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"He's managed to reinvent our department, making it one of the most cost effective in the county," Neitzke said. "Chief Spahn has made the challenges of service delivery almost invisible to our residents.

"Chief Spahn is always forward thinking. He understands what fire and emergency medical services are transforming into, and has got our department moving in that direction."

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Spahn's ceremony is slated for 4 p.m. at Fire Station 1.

Here are more comments from Neitzke and others on Spahn and his career:

From Mayor Michael Neitzke: 

"He's a true professional in every sense of the word. Above all, he, like me, really loves our community. It is a matter of honor and pride for this man. He has always given it his all, and beyond some."

"It's been a real privilege to work with such a professional leader, and honorable and decent person. People like this don't come along very often."

From District 4 Alderperson Pam Akers:

"Thank you for all your years of service to the City and Residents of Greenfield! Wishing you much joy as you begin this new phase of your life!"

From retiring Police Chief Frank Springob:

"Russ Spahn has been an outstanding city employee for his entire career. As you may know, he started with our DPW and when a recruitment for the fire department was announced, he applied for firefighter and was appointed shortly thereafter. His successive promotions through their ranks to paramedic, then company officer, assistant chief, and finally fire chief is testament to his superior qualities and abilities. During his relatively short tenure as fire chief, his vision for reorganization, staffing, and equipment replacement was accomplished placing our fire department at the top amongst the metropolitan Milwaukee suburban departments. Upon succeeding Chief Poppy, he took a good fire department to the next level and he leaves it much better. What more can be said? He is to be commended for all he has accomplished."

From District 5 Alderperson Shirley Saryan:

"Chief Spahn, thank you for your many years of service to Greenfield.  Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!"

From District 1 Alderperson Linda Lubotsky:

"Chief Spahn you have had a good career, with many lives saved, both directly and indirectly by training others. I hope you have a great retirement! The fine residents of Greenfield thank you for all your years of service to us and ensuring that if and when we needed emergency help we have had, and still do, the best people to help us in whatever emergency situation that may have occurred."


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