Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department

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The Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department (BUG Fire) protects the towns of Brussels, Union and Gardner in southern Door County in Wisconsin and has been serving the community since 1967. When the department was started, 26 volunteers served the community and now that number has grown to over 50 well trained public safety professionals. In 2025, BUG Fire began providing Emergency Medical Response as Emergency Medical Responders.

"Thanking and proudly serving the Towns of Brussels, Union, and Gardner. Three Towns...ONE Department. Working together."

Company Overview

Fire Chief: Curt Vanderite
Assistant Fire Chief: Jim Wautier
Assistant Fire Chief: Ryan Wery

General Information
We provide Fire and Rescue / Emergency Medical Response protecting 92 square miles of land and 117 square miles of water from two fire stations, with Station 1 in Brussels and Station 2 located in Little Sturgeon.

If you are interested in becoming a BUG Firefighter and / or Emergency Medical Responder, complete an application and send it to the address on the form.

Contacts

Fire Chief

Curt Vandertie ph: 920.559.2205

Assistant Fire Chief Station 2

Ryan Wery ph: 920.493.0773

Assistant Fire Chief Station 1

Jim Wautier ph: 920.825.1213

Fire Inspections Contact:

Ryan Wery for Town of Gardner or Jim Wautier for Town of Brussels and Union

** If neither are available, contact Curt Vandertie

Burning Permits Station 1

Jim Wautier ph: 920.825.1213

Justin Vesser ph: 920.639.1618

Curt Vandertie ph: 920.559.2205

Mark DeKeyser ph:920.495.3473

Burning Permits Station 2

Dan Kroll ph: 920.493.8558

Dave Kaye ph: 920.256.9390

Ryan Wery ph: 920.493.0773

Photos

chiefs equipment

station 1 Station 2

Safety Links

Safety and Prevention Information

Visit the following sites for safety and prevention plans.

General Fire Safety and Protection Tips

Safe Kids Fire Prevention Tips

Fundraising

We currently provide two individual and unique fundraising events annually.

BUG Firefighters Car & Motor Show

is held the first Saturday of June each year at the Brussels Town Park located at 1332 Junction Road in the Town of Brussels. This show includes cars, trucks, jeeps, tractors and motorcycles. It is a fun filled day with live band entertainment, food and refreshments. We appreciate your support!

B.U.G Firefighters Inc. is a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization that was started in 2008 by the Brussels Union Gardner Firefighters. The sole purpose of the group is to raise money, apply for grants, accept equipment or other monetary donations, and in turn, donate it back to the B.U.G Fire Department. This organization allows for businesses and individuals to make these donations which are 100% tax deductible.

BUG Emergency Medical Responders annual Belgian Days’ Run

(2 mile/4 mile run & 2 mile walk) is held the second Saturday of July each year, at the Brussels Community Center 1366 Junction Ruoad in the Town of Brussels. It’s a family friendly event for all ages and is our one fundraising event each year. Chocolate milk and Renard’s cheese curds are always a hit after your run / walk. We appreciate your support!

BUG Emergency Medical Responders Inc. is a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization that was started in 2025 by the Brussels Union Gardner Emergency Medical Responders. The sole purpose is to raise funds for the purchase, donation and acquisition of emergency medical and safety equipment, and training that support the BUG Fire Department’s mission of providing public emergency and safety services. This organization allows for businesses and individuals to make these donations which are 100% tax deductible.

About

Since 1967, the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department (BUG Fire) protects the towns of Brussels, Union and Gardner in southern Door County in Wisconsin. The boundaries of the fire district include all residents and all the property in the towns of Brussels, Union, and Gardner.

When the department was started, twenty six volunteers served the community and now that number has grown to around fifty well trained community members. In 2025, BUG Fire began providing Emergency Medical Response as Emergency Medical Responders.

Our Mission: The members of the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department are dedicated to providing public safety services to the citizens of our fire district, that result in improved quality of life and peace of mind. As a team, we will strive to minimize losses and suffering through emergency service delivery, public education, public information and community service activities. We will treat those we serve and each other in a manner that is honest, fair, and unbiased. We will honor our heritage, actively participate in our community, and serve with integrity. We strive to support the individual development, personal satisfaction and pride of all members, and endeavor to uphold the unique camaraderie and trust that is the fire service.