Dennis Wigfield

"I grew up in a family where the fire service was more than a responsibility — it was a way of life. My father, Richard Wigfield, served before me, and my grandfather, James 'Jimmy' Betts, also wore the North Rose Fire Department badge. Their dedication shaped my understanding of service from a young age. As a third-generation firefighter, I entered the department with a deep respect for its traditions and the people who built it.

When I joined the North Rose Fire Department, I did so with the intention of helping my community. Over time, that intention became a lifelong commitment. Throughout my 34 years of service, I responded to thousands of emergencies — structure fires, EMS calls, severe weather incidents, and multi-agency operations. Each call reinforced the importance of calm leadership, teamwork, and preparedness.

I was honored to serve 16 years in chief and assistant chief positions, roles that allowed me to guide the department through periods of growth, modernization, and increasing regulatory demands. As chief, I oversaw daily operations, training standards, apparatus planning, and the development of safety protocols designed to protect both firefighters and the public.

I believed strongly in mentorship and professional development. Encouraging advanced training, supporting new members, and respecting the experience of seasoned firefighters were central to my leadership philosophy — helping shape the next generation.

My commitment to the department extended beyond emergency response. For 12 years I have served as a Fire Commissioner, focusing on long-term planning, budgeting, and capital improvements. This work helped modernize equipment, improve facilities, and ensure the department remained financially stable and operationally ready for the future.

Serving in a rural volunteer fire department has shown me how essential volunteerism is to the survival of our communities. Many people today don't fully understand the value a volunteer department provides. Volunteers save lives, protect property, and save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year simply by giving their time and skills.

In rural areas, volunteer fire departments are not optional — they are the backbone of emergency response. Without volunteers, costs would rise dramatically, and many communities could not sustain a fully paid department.

Yet the future of the volunteer fire service is uncertain. Increasing regulatory standards, extensive training requirements, and a lack of new members willing to volunteer have created real challenges. I hope I never see the end of a volunteer fire department in our community, but the trend is concerning. If people do not step forward, and if we do not find ways to support and strengthen volunteerism, the future looks grim.

Throughout my career, I have tried to lead by example — show up, work hard and stay calm. The fire service has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a profound appreciation for the dedication of volunteer firefighters.

Carrying forward the legacy of my father and grandfather while serving the people of North Rose has been one of the greatest honors of my life."