Greenfield Firefighters Aid in Tragic West Allis House Fire

For the second time in two months, Greenfield firefighters aided in fatal West Allis house fires.

Yesterday’s experience proved to be especially difficult for local crews.

On Thursday, Greenfield firefighters were initially called to cover a West Allis fire station while that city’s crews responded to a house fire in the neighborhood near 76th Street and National Avenue.

Greenfield firefighters, however, were quickly diverted to the scene and it was members of those crews that found the deceased victims, twin 4-year-old boys and a 5-year-old girl.

“Our members join knowing the tragic outcomes that we may encounter on scenes and throughout their career,” Greenfield Fire Chief Jon Cohn said. “While firefighters cherish the calls that end with positive outcomes, they know that tragic outcomes are a reality. Firefighters deliver service with passion, dedication and determination; so calls that have tragic outcomes are a bit personal and certainly emotional. Calls with children are especially difficult.

“We hang our hats on the good moments and hope that these (bad moments) don’t happen.”

Cohn said counselors were available to his crew as soon as 10 p.m. last night. He said firefighters can end their shift and go home after experiencing tragic events like yesterday’s, but they are encouraged to stay at the fire station with their colleagues.

“We have a strong internal network and by virtue of firefighters working 24 hour shifts; essentially living together for a third of their career creates an environment of unity and support,” Cohn said. “Additionally, we utilize professional, volunteer staff as needed that allow members to discuss, defuse and debrief so the effects are hopefully minimized, do not continue to mount and cause additional problems.”

Last month, two West Allis children were killed in a duplex fire, one Greenfield firefighters responded to as well.

Cohn said the tragedies bring the opportunity to educate families and children on the importance of fire safety. He said his department drafted letters to be sent home with children in the Greenfield and Whitnall school districts that highlight the things like creating exit routes at homes, the need for smoke alarms, the dangers of candles and other issues.

“Unfortunately, this gets peoples attention,” Cohn said of the fires.