New Prairie du Chien fire chief brings volunteer mentality aboard
By Correne Martin
The new fire chief in Prairie du Chien brings experience, leadership and a mentality focused on democratic volunteerism at its best.
“I have a passion for fire service,” said career firefighter Tad Beutin, who was chosen by the Prairie du Chien Police and Fire Commission mid-January, and started duty Feb. 10. He steps into a vacancy created by the departure of Jeff Boughton.
Beutin retired in June 2013 after 31 years in fire service in South Milwaukee, the last 25 of which were full-time. He and his wife, Jane, have had property in the Prairie du Chien area since the 1990s. Upon his retirement, they moved here full-time. He said many in the public may recognize him as a former Nelson True Value employee.
“I was not on this department, but it’s been an easy transition,” Beutin said. “I’ve worked with a lot of the guys on the department. I wanted to step in and help out.”
With a calm yet direct demeanor, Beutin is ready to work hand-in-hand with the 27 men and women who make up the Prairie du Chien Fire Department. He’s optimistic about gaining a genuine camaraderie and strengthening the cohesion of the department.
“The reason these people are here is because they love their community and love volunteering,” he stated. “Fires burn the same and you put them out the same whether you’re a volunteer department or paid. These guys are unbelievably dedicated, well-equipped and, whether we have one fire or a thousand fires, they do a bang-up job of responding.”
Beutin praised the fire association, which has helped to equip the department fully, to include a rescue UTV and, coming in July, a new fire boat, for which donations are still being accepted.
Upon being named the new fire chief, Beutin said he’s been honest about his intention to stay just five years before retiring again.
“I have one-, three- and five-year plans. Within that five years, I do want to see a new fire station—one that can hold all of our equipment and allows us more room to have a more efficient response.”
Beutin said he would also like to see a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, and is working to implement that in the coming months. A MABAS provides emergency rapid response and sustained operations when a jurisdiction is stricken by an overwhelming event.
He mentioned that the department is currently seeking additional members, who are 18 years and older and willing to go through proper training and education.
Since taking over the position, Beutin has worked closely with former chief Harry Remz and Chief Deputy Tim Deluhery Sr. to learn the administrative aspect of the job and get organized. He’s also been busy networking, and said he’ll soon be out doing fire inspections in the community.
Tad and Jane have one son and two grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, beekeeping and serves on the Crawford County Deer Advisory Council and Wisconsin Conservation Congress as the chair of its land use committee.
