Volunteer Profile

Lisa Spreeman is a volunteer firefighter with the Shawano Fire Department. The department has 56 volunteers in Shawano and Belle Plaine, along with Wescott, where there is another female volunteer. They meet twice a month and response to an average of 150 calls a year. Spreeman was born and raised in Bonduel. After graduating from high school, she was a caregiver and earned a certified nursing assistant degree from St. Joseph’s Residence in New London. For the last six years, she has been employed at Manor Care Health Services in Shawano. Spreeman is married to Todd, who works at Little Rapids. They live in the town of Waukechon. She has three children and one grandchild. Spreeman enjoys deer hunting, fishing and biking. Q How long have you been a volunteer firefighter? A “Three years going on four. It will be four next March.” Q What did you have to do to become a volunteer? A “First, I applied at Auto Prep, where I filled out an application. I had to take entry level courses. The classes were through NWTC (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College). I did online courses through FEMA on tactics and emergency response systems. Also HAZMAT in case we get a spill. I met with four of the officers. I came to the first meeting and was introduced. They set me up with a pager.” Q What has it been like? A “Last year, I went to 128 calls. The guys treat me with respect. The hose lines can be 150 pounds or more pressure. I was born and raised on a farm and I knew what work was. If I ever needed help from any other firefighters, captain or chief, they all always took the extra time to show me. They never treated me any different because I’m a girl. They respect me and welcomed me in and don’t exclude me. When they need help, I jump right in. I volunteer for the Touch A Truck, the MDA Fill the Boot, the open house, the concession stand at the fair and parades. I like helping others. I’m here when I’m able to be.” Q Why do you volunteer? A “It’s giving back and paying it forward. It’s an adrenaline rush for me because I know I’m helping somebody out.” Q Why would you encourage other females to join? A “It’s a way to keep active and stay in shape. I never thought I could do it because I’m just an average person.”