Maple Bluff Fire Rescue Department

A special night for the Maple Bluff Fire Department as our Chaplain was honored as the Milwaukee Brewers Hometown Hero!

Well deserved recognition for someone who gives so much to our members, families, and community. We’re proud to call you one of our own!

Congratulations, Chaplain AJ!

It is with deep sadness that the Maple Bluff Fire Department announces the Line of Duty Death of Assistant Chief Matthew Anderson.
For more than 32 years, Matt served the Fire and EMS community with dedication, compassion, and unmatched commitment. He began his career here in Maple Bluff and went on to serve with multiple departments across Wisconsin. A firefighter, paramedic, mentor, and friend, Matt touched countless lives through his leadership, humor, and unwavering service.
After a courageous seven-year battle with colon cancer, Matt’s passing leaves a tremendous void. His impact on those he trained, worked alongside, and cared for will never be forgotten.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
Celebration of Life
Bowl-A-Vard Lanes
June 10, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Rest easy, Chief Anderson. Thank you for your service and your legacy.

🚒 Line of Duty Death Notification 🚑

It is with profound sadness that we announce the Line of Duty Death of Assistant Chief Matthew Anderson.

For over 32 years, Matt dedicated his life to serving others through Fire and EMS. His career began in Maple Bluff, where he earned his EMT-B certification and started a journey that would touch countless lives. Throughout his distinguished career, Matt proudly served with Madison West Ambulance, Curtis Ambulance, Bell Ambulance, Hartland Fire Department, Lisbon Fire Department, Ryan Brothers Ambulance, and the Johnson Creek Fire Department.

In 2012, while serving with Hartland Fire Department, Matt earned his Paramedic certification, further demonstrating his commitment to providing the highest level of care to those in need.

Matt was more than a firefighter, paramedic, and officer. He was a mentor, leader, teacher, and friend. He embodied the true meaning of brotherhood and dedicated countless hours to helping others succeed in the fire and EMS service. He was known for his quick wit, endless sass, and perfectly timed one-liners that could bring a smile to anyone’s face, even on the toughest days.

For more than seven years, Matt courageously battled colon cancer. Despite the challenges he faced, he continued to answer the call, serve his community, mentor future generations of firefighters and EMS providers, and give back to the profession he loved so deeply. His strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication inspired everyone around him.

Matt’s impact on the fire and EMS community cannot be measured. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the providers he trained and mentored, and the friendships he built throughout his career.

He leaves behind shoes that can never truly be filled, but his lessons, leadership, and memory will remain with us forever.

Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with Matt’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your hearts as they navigate the days ahead. Please know that your fire and EMS family stands beside you, and Matt’s legacy will never be forgotten.

Celebration of Life

Family, friends, and members of the fire and EMS community are invited to join us in celebrating Matt’s life on:

📍 Bowl-A-Vard Lanes
2121 E. Springs Drive
Madison, Wisconsin

📅 June 10, 2026
🕓 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Please come share stories, memories, and laughter as we honor a man who gave so much to so many.

Rest easy, brother. Thank you for your service, your friendship, your mentorship, and your unwavering dedication to others.

You will be missed, but never forgotten.

❤️🖤🚒🚑

Ready to start your fire service career?

The Maple Bluff Fire Rescue Fire Protection Technician Internship Program offers hands-on experience, paid certifications, tuition assistance, free housing, and more.

Apply today and become part of the next generation of Fire & EMS professionals.

Last night, MBFD and MBPD partnered to host the ASIM (Active Shooter Incident Management) Basic training, provided by Dane County Emergency Management.
This joint training brought our fire, EMS, and law enforcement teams together to strengthen coordination, improve communication, and ensure we’re ready to respond swiftly and effectively during high‑risk incidents.
A huge thank‑you to Dane County Emergency Management for delivering this valuable course, and to all the personnel who took time to train and prepare for the safety of our community.
Strong partnerships build stronger responses!

Village of Maple Bluff Residents and Friends,

It is with great gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of responsibility that I share the news of my appointment to Fire Chief/EMS Director for the Village of Maple Bluff. Having served the past two years as Assistant Fire Chief, I am truly honored to continue my service to this exceptional community in this new capacity.

During my time with the Maple Bluff Fire Department, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team of first responders and Village staff whose dedication, compassion, and professionalism consistently inspire me. Their support, shared vision, and collaborative spirit have shaped me into the leader I am today. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am eager to build on that strong foundation.

Maple Bluff is special. There’s a genuine sense of community here, residents care deeply for one another, and their trust in the Fire and EMS services is something we do not take lightly. As Fire Chief/EMS Director, I am committed to honoring that trust through transparency, preparedness, and a continued focus on excellence in service. My goal is to preserve the traditions that make the MBFD unique while seeking new opportunities for growth, training, and innovation.

I look forward to continuing to serve this community alongside the remarkable team of the Maple Bluff Fire Department. Together, we will ensure that Maple Bluff remains a safe, resilient, and welcoming place for all who call it home.

Thank you for this incredible opportunity and your ongoing support. I am proud to serve you, and I look forward to the work ahead.

Ethan Nelson
Fire Chief/EMS Director

Today, we pause to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.
As we gather with family and friends, may we take a moment to honor those who gave everything so we could live in peace and liberty.
We remember. We reflect. We are grateful.

Now Hiring: Assistant Fire Chief

Unfortunately for Wisconsin, we will potentially see another round of strong storms today. Make sure you are aware of weather conditions this afternoon into the early evening.