Meet Firefighter/EMT Gabe Dommershausen

Where are you stationed?
Station 5 (Cottage Grove Road) on the 'A' shift

Why did you want to pursue this career?
I have always tried my to put myself in a position to help others. That was my aim when I joined the military out of high school and when I was fighting wildfire out in the Pacific Northwest. I believe being a firefighter puts you in a constant position to do the greatest good on a daily basis at an interpersonal level with the community.

Why did you want to work in Madison, for the Madison Fire Department?
I grew up on the north side of Madison and I’ve always enjoyed what the city has to offer and the community. After spending 7 years as a wildland firefighter, I knew that structure fire and EMS were the direction I wanted my career to take. So, ultimately a desire to serve as a firefighter in the city I grew up in, as well as to raise my kids in a community I love, brought me and my family back to Madison in hopes of serving in the Madison Fire Department.

What is something you’ve come to love about Madison or enjoy doing that is uniquely Madison?
I really like all the local music festivals. From spring to fall, there is always something interesting going on and fun experiences I can share with my family. Also, I like the mixture of city and nature you can find in and around the Madison area, allowing for canoeing, hiking, biking and just being outdoors.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to join the MFD?
It’s an amazing job with ample opportunities to make a difference in your own community, so if you have a strong desire to serve Madison, there really is no better way.