Altoona, WI Fire Department

10/21/2026

Come and join us on Saturday!

10/21/2026

New this year, next month a winter gear drive that gets donated to Kids ‘N Cops!

In need of new or gently used winter gear sizes 3T to adult small 🧤🧣🧥🥾

Items can be dropped off November 1st through December 4th at:
📍Altoona Police Department
📍Altoona City Hall
📍Law Enforcement Center at EC County Courthouse
📍Fall Creek Library
📍 Augusta City Hall

10/17/2026

Today your Altoona, WI Fire Department assisted CVTC Fire & EMS with a controlled burn of an aquired structure near Fall Creek. Two members of the department were students in this 96hr FFI class along with 19 other students from across the area. These burns are some of the most valuable training a department and its members can get. Members of the department are also CVTC Fire Instructors and also assisted. Thank you to the property owners for their willingness to allow students to get some outstanding hands-on experience.

10/03/2026

The members of the Altoona Fire Department would like to express sincere condolences to the family of Trooper Ritger who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving the community. Thoughts are with his family and friends during this time. Thoughts also go out to the entire Law Enforcement Community. Stay strong!

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.

10/02/2026

Several members of the department spent some time Thursday the Altoona Family Child Care Center. Thanks for having us!

10/01/2026

We want to thank the City of Altoona for the recent order of a new Pierce Apparatus! Thank you for choosing Pierce Manufacturing and Reliant Fire Apparatus to help assist you in serving your community!

09/26/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY!! The River Prairie Ginormous Pumpkin Festival will take place today, Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 8AM - 3:30PM at River Prairie Park, Altoona WI. We hope to see you out here. There is something to do for the whole family!!

Click here for more information >>> https://www.rpgiantpumpkinfest.com/

09/15/2026

Thoughts and condolences to our brothers and sisters at the Shell Lake Fire Department and with Brian's family.

With Heavy Hearts, We Remember.

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of one of our own.

Our department has lost not only a firefighter, but a brother, a friend, and a dedicated member of the community. After nearly 8 years of service, Firefighter Brian Carlson leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and selflessness that will not be forgotten.

Throughout his years with our department, he gave his time, his energy, and his heart to serving the people of our community. Whether responding to an emergency, training alongside his brothers and sisters, or simply being there when someone needed help, he truly embodied what it means to serve.

His passing leaves an unimaginable void in our department and in the lives of all who knew him. We grieve alongside his family, friends, fellow firefighters, and everyone whose life he touched through his years of service.

Today, we honor his life and his commitment to others. We will carry his memory with us every time we answer the call, every time we put on the uniform, and every time we stand beside one another as brothers and sisters.

Our deepest condolences and unwavering support go out to his family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

🚒 Rest easy, brother. We have the watch from here.

09/13/2026

Congratulations to everyone who climbed 110 flights of stairs on Saturday for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field. We are especially proud of those who represented the Altoona, WI Fire Department and Township Fire Department - Eau Claire, WI.