Meet Firefighter/EMT Jonathan Rosenau

Where are you stationed?

Fire Station 4 (Monroe Street) on the 'C' shift.

What was your career prior to MFD?

I was a mechanic. I graduated Madison College with my Associate Degree in automotive technology. I started my career working at car dealerships, then transferred to a local transportation company where I would service and maintain school busses and handicap accessible vans for the Madison school district, finally landing a position with the City of Madison Fleet Services heavy duty division, where I worked on automated garbage trucks, earth-moving equipment, and plow trucks.

Looking back at the recruit academy, what do you remember the most?

Standing on top of the Oscar Meyer building during high-rise week surrounded by the other recruits. In that moment, the whole process sunk in for me and I became emotional. We, as a class, had put in the work and built the relationships with one another to where we were not going to quit or give up. We were in this for us. Then, after climbing the stairs and standing on top of the building, it was no longer a process for us; it was for them, the City of Madison residents.

How have your skills or knowledge from your past jobs or experiences come in handy at the MFD?

Being able to improvise and adapt in the moment. You may not always have the supply or tool that you need but being able to use what you do have. Being able to keep a cool head, take in your surroundings and always having your feelers out for unsafe situations. I used to repair vehicles on the side of the highway, so keeping yourself safe is the number one priority.

Why did you want to pursue this career?

I had come to a point in my life where I wanted to do something more for a career, not just show up for my paycheck each week and go home. I had a family member that struggled with mental health and ultimately took her own life. I wanted to find a way that I could help others. The fire service is truly a selfless position in the community, serving those in the community with never a question as to should we help or not. I am proud to serve those in need. I try and tell my kids as often as I can, "Have a great day and make someone else’s day better. Be kind to those around you and love yourself."