Wisconsin Fire Chief Collapses, Dies

Feb. 12, 2009
Clayton-Winchester Fire Chief Dean Mathison, 63, collapsed Feb. 10 while attending a regional safety meeting at the Seymour Fire Department.

LARSEN, WISC. -- Firefighters here are mourning the loss of their chief.

Clayton-Winchester Fire Chief Dean Mathison, 63, collapsed Feb. 10 while attending a regional safety meeting at the Seymour Fire Department.

The previous day Mathison had responded to a vehicle fire.

He had been involved in the fire service for 42 years.

His son has replaced him as acting chief.

His passion was serving as a member of the Clayton/Winchester Fire Dept for 42 years, 40 of those as an officer, and the past 20 as the chief.

He has served as chairman of the Winnebago Area Firefighters Association for many years. He also was chairman of the Winnebago County Fire Chief's Association, a member of the Quality Assurance for the Winnebago 911 Dispatch Center, served on the Winnebago County E911 fire sub committee, the Northeast Wisconsin Safety League, and the Winnebago County Fire Investigative Unit, according to his obituary.

Funeral Services

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Grace Lutheran Church of Winchester in Lauren.

There also will be visitation on Saturday from 9-11 a.m. prior to the beginning of the funeral service set for 11.

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