About Us

The Brice Prairie First Responders began in 1983, started by Ron & Linda Kane along with Steve Hammes. Many decades later, we still are serving our community based on their original vision. All members are volunteers; we don’t have a paid staff, and don’t keep regular office hours. Membership experience ranges from EMT’s, Emergency Medical Responders, a registered nurse, a paramedic, lifeguard, and a few firefighters. In addition to the medical training, all members have had extensive training in Ice Rescue; many are trained in Mass Casualty Incidents, Railroad Response, Rope Rescue, and Hazmat Awareness.

We typically respond to over 75 emergency calls a year ranging from a minor medical assist, car accidents & water rescue to multi-day searches of land and water, and sudden cardiac arrest. Our primary coverage area includes Brice Prairie, parts of the state bike trail, and a large portion of Lake Onalaska and the Mississippi River. We also participate with other neighboring communities when needed for search and rescue efforts or mutual aid, and are a member of MABAS Wisconsin Division 134. Most of us respond directly from home, providing emergency care prior to the arrival of Tri-State Ambulance.

It is our honor to improve the quality of life and safety of our community. We participate in the annual river cleanup, provide assistance and support to the Bike Race/ Run Walks held in the summer and many other events. We have all of you to thank for your wonderful support and contributions. That has allowed us to use your generous donations to purchase an inflatable ice/water rescue boat and replace an aging vehicle to tow the boats. We do accept donations, and we also generate funds by collecting your aluminum cans at our building, and with our Annual “Rockin’ the Prairie” bash, which is held the fourth weekend in August (mark your calendars now, it’s the week after Kornfest!). Our building is located on County Road ZN at County Road ZZ, (next to Angry’s Way Out Bar and Grill).