The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin)
Copyright 2006 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The first firefighter killed while fighting a fire in the city was described as a role model who would do anything for anyone.
Arnie Wolff, 55, was killed and his partner Jo Brinkley-Chaudoir was injured after they fell through the floor of a burning house to flames below on Sunday. Investigators think the fire started in the basement but the cause has not been determined, Rod Pevytoe of the state Division of Criminal Investigation said.
Brinkley-Chaudoir, an 11-year-veteran, escaped through a basement window. She was treated for burns at a local hospital and released.
Wolff, a 17-year veteran, was married and had three children.
“Arnie truly liked helping people out, and that’s what he loved about the job, going on calls and helping people get through whatever tragedy was going on in their lives at that time,” said Rich Gee, fellow firefighter and paramedic.