Rep. Dallman Announces Troy W. Haase as First Responder of the Year
Madison, WI --- Representative Alex Dallman (R-Green Lake) presented Troy W. Haase of Portage, WI with the 2023 First Responder of the Year Award from the 41st Assembly District. City of Portage Fire Chief Haase accepted the award, surrounded by family, during a ceremony in the Wisconsin Assembly Chambers.
“I am honored to present Chief Haase with the First Responder of the Year Award,” said Dallman. “Citizens across the State of Wisconsin are grateful and blessed for the many selfless first responders who serve our communities. With over 30 years of fire service experience, Chief Haase is very deserving of this award. His service and leadership to our community is unmatched and we are thankful to have him here in Wisconsin and in the Portage community!”
The First Responder of the Year award was established in 2019 to recognize the unselfish work that distinguished first responders such as firefighters, police officers, sheriffs, and EMS personnel provide to our communities. Nominations were sought for those first responders from the 41st Assembly District who exemplify heroism, professional achievement or has a notable length of service.
In 1990, Chief Haase began his career as a firefighter and EMT in the Portage community before pursuing other leadership opportunities in cities across Wisconsin. In 2018, Chief Haase was named the Wisconsin Fire Inspector of the Year. In 2020, he returned to Portage, WI where he currently serves at the City of Portage Fire Chief leading a department of 27 staff members which services an area of over 170 square miles and a population of over 16,400 people.
“It is an honor to be recognized as the First Responder of the Year on behalf of the countless men and women who serve our communities across the 41st Assembly District,” said Haase. “I want to especially thank my family, the Portage Fire Department staff, and all the volunteers who help keep our communities safe each day.”
Many local first responders have highlighted Chief Haase’s distinguished leadership when a large fire broke out at a local dairy plant as well as two other large fires at the waste processing plant. One nominator stated, “Chief Haase also demonstrates his leadership in the longevity of his crew, providing seasoned first responders to protect the community.”
In addition to honoring first responders from across Wisconsin, the State Assembly passed a resolution recognizing October 17, 2023 as First Responders Appreciation Day in Wisconsin.