Gerry Schmeckpepper, the first fire chief for the town of Doty, passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2022.  Details can be found here: https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/obituaries/wis350828

Gerry started fire protection in the town in 1972 when the town obtained an engine and was part of the Wolf River Fire Dept.  Station #2 was located at Echo Valley Resort and served the portion of the Town south of Hwy 64.  Townsend Fire served north of Hwy 64.

In 1978, the town board was concerned with the rising prices being charged for fire protection, declared at the July meeting that “Gerry and Jack told to find people and start their own fire department for the town.”  The townspeople voted 26 – 4 to purchace an engine and building for the new department.  Since its start in 1978, the fire department has responded to over 450 calls for service.  Gerry retired from the fire service in 2001, but was involved with fundraising activities in the town for many more years