New fire chief in ‘getting to know’ mode

New Saukville Fire Chief Thad Trinko took the reins of the fire department after being sworn in by Village President Barb Dickmann during the Wednesday, Dec. 4, Village Board meeting.

Trinko said he’s focused on “getting familiar with all the operations of the department and getting to know the personnel.”

“It will be a slow and methodical process. I’m on the job and looking forward to taking on this challenge and making whatever changes are necessary,” he said.

“The department looks like it’s in pretty good shape.

“We want to establish a plan and make sure we’re providing the best, most cost-efficient fire service we can. Everyone is very supportive and very willing to work with one another. I’m very optimistic.”

Coincidentally, one of area’s biggest fires of the year broke out just before 5 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Town of Grafton, but Trinko was unable to respond himself being that he was not sworn in until after 8 p.m.

The Saukville department sent an ambulance and a pumper tender to help supply water to fight the fire on High Bluff Drive.

Trinko, a firefighter and battalion chief in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., for 37 years, said he was impressed with the mutual aid system and the cooperation of the various departments in the region.

“MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) seemed to work very well. It’s a very impressive system,”

Trinko said he and his wife have relocated to the area, though they haven’t sold their home in Arizona yet, waiting for the real estate market to get going again in the spring.

Trinko said much of his time in the area has been spent meeting village staff and others in the community.

“I’m just getting to know the community and getting to know all the people involved,” he said.

Trinko was chosen in October over four other candidates, including three current members of the Saukville Fire Department.

Trinko replaces Gilly Schultz, who retired in September after 19 years as chief and 44 years with the department. 

A study completed this year concluded the department has a high degree of dedication and pride but that improvements are needed in personnel policy development and training of administrative staff.

One of Trinko’s main responsibilities with Lake Havasu City was training firefighters there and throughout the state of Arizona.