Waterloo Fire Rescue

We're ready for the my Waterloo Days parade! See you there! 👋🏼🍭🍬

This morning Waterloo Fire Rescue may have been noticed with a presence on the west side of the 5th street bridge. The department Technical Rescue Team conducted a training scenario utilizing a decent/ascent rescue evolution involving a live victim below the bridge. This particular rescue is called a 'Ladder Gin' rescue which involves a ground ladder and engine apparatus for a high point rope rescue system.

In Honor of EMS Week 2026, WFR would like to thank Administrative Assistant Dawn Ward, for her devotion to EMS and to the residents of Waterloo.



Dawn Ward has been with the EMS Division of Waterloo Fire Rescue for the past two years. She attended Hawkeye Community College and obtained an associate’s degree in Executive Secretary with intentions of entering the legal field. After getting hired at a local hospital to “get her foot in the door”, she never looked back. “The medical field fascinated me, and I knew this is where I belonged.” Now, after 35 years in the medical field and 27 of those years in emergency services, she is proud to be able to utilize her experience and knowledge of ambulance billing and reimbursement at Waterloo Fire Rescue. “I enjoy the diversity of my job and having the opportunity to gain new experiences in this ever-changing field of EMS.”

In Honor of EMS Week 2026, WFR would like to recognize Medical Officer, Greg Stewart for his dedication to EMS and to the citizens of Waterloo.

“With over 23 years of dedicated service in Emergency Medical Services, including 21 years with Waterloo Fire Rescue and 17 years serving as Medical Officer, I am proud to be part of our fire-based ambulance team. As an Emergency Medical Services Instructor, Fire Service Instructor, ACLS Instructor, and BLS Instructor — and holding my PALS certification — I am deeply committed to assisting the next generation of EMS professionals while continuously improving our care. My focus in EMS has always been data-driven quality improvement and delivering exceptional customer service to every patient we serve. I am excited about the future of our profession and look forward to greater integration of technology, which will help simplify the workload for EMS providers and allow us to deliver an even broader range of advanced skills, care, and treatment in the field.”

Our EMS Open House yesterday was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who attended and a very sincere thank you to our sponsors for their generous donations. Thank you for your support. Sponsors were Kwik Star, Fareway Foods, Hyvee Foods, Target Stores.

Meet Waterloo Fire Rescue’s EMS Training Officer, Dave Meiser. Dave began his career with WFR in 2009 and became the department’s EMS Training Officer in 2022. He keeps very busy keeping everyone in the department up to date on current medical equipment and skill levels. He holds a national paramedic certification with a critical care endorsement. Dave was promoted to lieutenant in 2025, is a TEMS Team member and was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2024. Thank you Dave for your dedication and service to the department and citizens of Waterloo!

In Celebration of EMS Week 2026, WFR would like to salute Emergency Medical Services Supervisor, Jason Hernandez, for his commitment to this community and the EMS industry.



Lt. Jason Hernandez has been a proud member of Waterloo Fire Rescue for over 25 years and has held multiple roles while on the department. He has been a paramedic for 27 years and received both Paramedic of the Year (2005) and Firefighter of the Year (2012) awards during his time with WFR. He was promoted to Medical Officer and assigned to Medic Unit 331 in 2004, holding that position until 2018 when he was promoted to Medical Supervisor. He has been a proud member and team leader of the Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Team for 13 years. The TEMS team provides tactical medical support to the Waterloo Police Department’s Tactical Response (SWAT) Unit. He was promoted to Engineer in 2008 and to the rank of Lieutenant in 2017.

Lt. Hernandez’s primary role is that of Service Director ensuring departmental compliance with Iowa Health and Human Services (IHHS) guidelines and the Iowa Board of Pharmacy as it relates to ambulance service operations. He is supported in his role by his Administrative Assistant, Dawn Ward, Medical Officer, Lt. Gregory Stewart and EMS Training Officer, Lt. David Meiser. As well as approximately 115 EMT’s, Advanced EMT’s and Paramedics that deliver 24/7 emergency medical care to the customers of WFR. Lt. Hernandez works hard to ensure the WFR ambulance service personnel receive the training and equipment needed to provide current, evidence-based emergency medical services. As medical supervisor he also fosters and maintains critical partnerships with numerous training organizations, healthcare and social work partners that truly enhance WFR’s delivery of services.

Lt. Hernandez enjoys spending time with his wife, Cassie, son Jacob and daughters, Kylee, Leilani and Maelynn. In his free time, he enjoys boating and playing competitive, recreational volleyball. He has also been a medicolegal death investigator with the Black Hawk County Medical Examiner’s Office since 2006 as well as a recovery diver with the Cedar Valley Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team for over 10 years.

Chief Beck had the privilege of awarding an Civilian Commendation to Micah Hadley today at the EMS Open House. On April 4th, Micah was driving in the city when he saw a person in distress. He turned around and found a male choking on food. Micah performed the Heimlich Maneuver, dislodging the food and then called 911. He remained with the person until E302 and M332 arrived on scene. According to the crew members, without Micah's quick, decisive actions, the outcome would have not been positive for the patient. Thank you, Micah.
The Waterloo Fire Rescue Open House lasts until 6:30 today.

In honor of EMS Week, Waterloo Fire Rescue would like to thank our area hospitals for their continuous commitment to collaborate with us in providing exceptional emergency medical care to this community to include:

*Early Stroke Recognition
*Heart Attack Detection
*Enhanced Trauma Care
*Pediatric Advanced Life Support


“Improving Outcomes, Together” is not only the theme for this year’s celebration, but also what we strive for every day. Thank you.

Join us TOMORROW for Waterloo Fire Rescue’s Open House in honor of Emergency Medical Services week! Bring the kiddos to enjoy hot dogs, chips, cookies, lemonade, and POPSICLES from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Station 1, 425 E. 3rd Street, Waterloo. There’s FREE fun, food, and activities for the whole family!!