Since summer, Noelle Hudson of Sussex has been shadowing firefighters at the Sussex and Menomonee Falls fire departments.

Firefighting has always required courage, but it also requires compassion, adaptability and problem-solving. These qualities can be found in people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

James Richey reminds current and future fire chiefs that the time might come when they will be obligated to share warnings of staff, training and equipment shortfalls, which will put those chiefs' job ...