Proudly serving Roberts & Warren since 1949
Roberts–Warren Fire-Rescue was founded in 1949 by a group of neighbors determined to protect their growing community. More than seventy-five years later, we remain a proud volunteer department serving the Village of Roberts, the Town of Warren, and surrounding areas of St. Croix County, Wisconsin.
What began as fire protection grew to include one of Wisconsin’s earliest emergency medical response efforts — born right here in Roberts.
In 1973, Fire Chief Jim Winzer asked longtime member LeRoy Dull to join the department and provide first aid for firefighters on scene. As LeRoy completed his training, other members wanted in — and an idea took hold.
With no program like it in existence, LeRoy worked with Chuck Mehls of New Richmond Ambulance and Morry Crownheart at WITC (Northwood Technical School) to build a brand-new curriculum. As word spread, other departments began sending their people too.
“To our knowledge, we were the first ‘first responder’ unit in Wisconsin.”
LeRoy Dull · Founding member, Roberts Rescue
Because Roberts sits ten miles from all four neighboring hospitals, a local crew that can respond within the first four minutes of an emergency was — and still is — a life-or-death difference. With help from the Roberts Lions Club, Farmers Auto Body, and countless community donations, volunteers equipped a used bread truck as the squad’s first emergency vehicle.
By late 1975, Roberts Rescue was up and running with about fourteen members — farmers, teachers, nurses, mechanics, carpenters, and commuters — all carrying pagers and standing ready around the clock. From a single idea between Jim and LeRoy, our community of good neighbors built the first-class unit that serves the area today.
Neighbors helping neighbors, whenever the call comes.
Trained, equipped, and prepared for any emergency.
Rooted in the towns we are proud to protect.
Honest, dependable, and accountable to those we serve.
