Firefighters in Door and Kewaunee counties are subject to the same security risks during emergency responses like the one that resulted in the death of an Appleton firefighter. While law enforcement officers provide traffic control around fire scenes, they'll accompany firefighters and emergency medical technicians to other calls on an as-needed basis. Ephraim Fire Chief Justin McDonald says if his firefighters believe they're responding to any situation where their security may be at risk, they're told to call for protection immediately.
Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski says each community can decide whether to send officers along on each fire department or EMS call. Joski says his deputies will respond when requested by fire departments or if they're out on patrol.
Appleton Police also responded to the medical call with Appleton Firefighters and paramedics. They returned fire after the man the emergency crews had tried to help refused treatment, walked away and opened fire with a pistol. One police officer was injured by gunfire.