Durand Fire Department

10/11/2026

A great live fire visual of way you should always close your bedroom doors when you go to sleep! Thanks to The Firehouse Boys for sharing!

10/03/2026

Our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Trooper Ritger and also to the Wisconsin State Patrol. Godspeed Trooper Ritger

It is with profound sadness that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin State Patrol announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Bradley Ritger at the age of 29.

On September 21, 2026, Trooper Ritger was responding to a traffic pursuit when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County/Eau Claire County line. As he moved to a position of cover, he fell from the bridge onto the roadway below. Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, Trooper Ritger succumbed to his injuries on October 2, 2026.

Trooper Ritger joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the 67th Recruit Class. He served in the Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in the Dunn County area. During his career, he attained certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector. Prior to his service with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Trooper Ritger served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for three years.

Trooper Ritger was a dedicated public servant whose strong work ethic and positive presence left a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He approached every situation with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. Whether assisting the public, supporting his fellow troopers, or taking on difficult challenges, he consistently demonstrated compassion and willingness to help wherever needed. His dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession will not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Ritger’s family, friends, loved ones and all who served alongside him. As the community mourns, the Wisconsin State Patrol has placed a law enforcement memorial vehicle at its Northwest Region Post in Eau Claire where the public is welcome to drop off cards, flowers, or other condolences.

Out of respect for the family, no additional information will be shared at this time. Funeral arrangements are being made by the family. We kindly ask media and the public to respect their privacy and space for grieving.

10/01/2026

MISSING PERSON / ATTEMPT TO LOCATE

Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office — Seeking Public Assistance

We are requesting the public's help in locating the owner of a boat found unattended earlier today.

The vessel was found tied off along the shoreline near Merrick State Park. Preliminary evidence indicates the boat ran out of gas, and we are currently trying to account for the owner's whereabouts and well-being.

How You Can Help:

Did you pick up or give a ride to a stranded boater near Merrick State Park?

Have you seen anyone walking in the area of the park or along nearby roads or shoreline?

If you have any information—no matter how small—please contact the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office immediately:

📞 Phone: 608-685-4433 (Select Option 2)

Please share this post to help spread the word throughout the community.

09/15/2026

Master Trooper Jeremy was always professional when we worked together on scenes and a huge partner in supporting the fire department.

Congratulations Master Trooper Brunner, you have had an exemplary career and have earned a great retirement!

Please join us in congratulating Master Trooper Jeremy Brunner on his retirement after 26 years of dedicated service!

Jeremy began his career on March 5, 2000, as a member of the 50th Recruit Class and went on to serve in Lafayette and Buffalo counties. Throughout his career, he contributed to the Wisconsin State Patrol in numerous roles including court officer, background investigator, and salvage vehicle inspector.

In his role conducting salvage inspections and VIN investigations, Jeremy worked closely with the DMV Vehicle Research Unit, conducting numerous investigations that led to the recovery of several stolen vehicles.

Throughout his career serving in rural counties, Jeremy developed strong working relationships with local sheriff’s departments and police departments, assisting them whenever he was needed.

Thank you, Jeremy, for 26 years of dedicated service to the Wisconsin State Patrol and the communities you served. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement, and best wishes for all that lies ahead!

09/11/2026

Our last post in remembrance of 9/11.

Our everyday tribute to the FDNY and their Ten Truck. Our ladder truck, Truck Ten, carries on the spirit of the brave men and women who served, are serving and will serve on one of the greatest trucks in fire department history, FDNY’s Ten Truck.

Our Truck Ten, with the full approval of the FDNY, bears the FDNY patch from the era of 9/11/2001. In memory and in honor of those firefighters, and the honor is truly ours.

09/11/2026

09/03/2026

Update: Wendy has been found safe. Thank you to the community for all of the assistance over the past couple of days. The outpouring of help has been more than we expected and it reminds us how great our community and other local resource are.

Update: Wendy was seen on a trail camera on today's date (9/4/26) around 12:30 PM near the address of E7390 1180TH AV. Wheeler, WI. If you live in the area, please check buildings on your property and any trail cameras. An updated photo showing the clothing she is wearing is the in the comments.

⚠️ MISSING PERSON – PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED ⚠️

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Wendy Champion.

Wendy was last seen at approximately 6:30 a.m. today in the area of N11198 670th Street, Wheeler, Wisconsin.

If you live in or around this area, we are asking you to please:

• Check security cameras, doorbell cameras, trail cameras, or other video footage for anything that may help determine Wendy’s direction of travel or whereabouts.

• Check your property and outbuildings, including sheds, barns, garages, or other areas where someone could potentially seek shelter.

• Be alert while traveling through the area and report anything that may assist in locating Wendy.

If you have any information regarding Wendy’s whereabouts or believe you may have captured her on camera, please contact the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office at 715-232-1348.

We are not asking for any assistance in searching at this time.

08/26/2026

Thanks Pepin County Sheriff's Office for sharing!

🚌 🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL — SLOW DOWN & STAY ALERT! 🚸

School is back in session across Pepin County! Students in Pepin are already back in the classroom, and today marks the first day for students in the Durand-Arkansaw School District.

The Pepin County Sheriff’s Office wishes all of our students, families, teachers, bus drivers, and school staff a safe and successful 2026–2027 school year!

As everyone settles back into the school-year routine, please remember:

🚌 Watch for school buses and be prepared to stop when their red lights are flashing.

🚸 Slow down and stay alert in and around school zones.

👀 Watch carefully for children walking or biking to and from school — especially near intersections, crosswalks, and bus stops.

📵 Put the phone down. A few seconds of distraction behind the wheel can have lifelong consequences.

⏰ Give yourself a little extra time. Morning and afternoon traffic may take a few minutes longer now that school is back in session.

Our kids are counting on all of us to help keep them safe.

Have a great school year, Pepin County! Drive carefully, stay alert, and watch out for one another. 💙

— Pepin County Sheriff’s Office

08/25/2026

A great tip from Pepin County Land Conservation and Planning Department!

Is your fire number sign faded, damaged, missing, or hidden in a bush? It is the responsibility of property owners to make sure that their address sign is clearly visible from a public road or highway.

Keeping your fire number sign visible and maintained is essential for public safety so that the fire department, ambulance, or law enforcement can find your property in a timely manner.

If you need a new fire number sign, you can purchase a replacement sign for $25 from the Pepin County Zoning Office.