City Of Janesville issued the following announcement on May 16.
The City of Janesville is pleased to announce the appointment of Lieutenant Jamie Kessenich to the position of Deputy Fire Chief of the Janesville Fire Department (JFD), effective Monday, May 16, 2022.
"It's a great honor," said Deputy Fire Chief Kessenich of her appointment. "To continue to advance through the ranks at the department where I began my career is truly a dream come true."
Deputy Fire Chief Kessenich began her career in the fire service in May 1996 when she joined the Janesville Fire Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic. She has since held the positions of Motor Pump Operator and Lieutenant, managing the JFD's Child Safety Seat Program and serving as a swift water rescue instructor. She will now oversee Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Support Services in her new role. "Deputy Fire Chief Kessenich brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Command Staff," said JFD Fire Chief Jim Ponkauskas.
Deputy Fire Chief Kessenich has received multiple recognitions for her service with JFD, including Paramedic of the Year in 1999 and Department Employee of the Year in 2005. She was further honored by the YWCA of Rock County as a 2015 Woman of Distinction Award recipient.
Deputy Fire Chief Kessenich holds an associate degree in Fire Science from Blackhawk Technical College. She is currently studying for a bachelor's degree in EMS Administration from Columbia Southern University. Originally from Waunakee, she now lives in Evansville with her husband, Robert Kessenich, who serves as the JFD's Fire Inspector. The couple have two daughters.
Deputy Fire Chief Kessenich is the first female member of the JFD's Command Staff and its first female Deputy Fire Chief. "Being the first female in this position is a tremendous accomplishment," said Deputy Fire Chief Kessenich.
Original source can be found here.
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