About Us

Experienced Airport Firefighting


For over 40 years, Pro-Tec Fire Services has offered long-term, contracted Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) services to our customers throughout the United States and Canada.

As the first to offer contracted Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting services, we served as pioneers in the groundbreaking market.

It was in 1974 that we negotiated and commenced our first contract for ARFF services, under the guidance and vision of Norm Watermolen, at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) in Brown County, Wisconsin.

To this day, Pro-Tec still provides services to Austin Straubel International Airport, as well as to over 20 other airfields.

Our company's reputation is built on the solid, long-term professional relationships that we've worked hard to build along the way. We are proud of the superior performance put forth by our professional staff. Our clearly defined set of core values, code of conduct and mission statement serves as a common base for our employees as well as an objective means for our clients to measure us by.


  • Fire training
  • Kalamazoo Team
  • Fire truck next to airplanes
  • Fire truck spraying

Mission Statement



"Pro-Tec Fire Services is committed to protecting life, property, and the environment
to those we serve through safe practices, teamwork and community service."

Core Values



  • Safety

    Everyone goes home. No one gets hurt.

  • Service

    Delight your customer.

  • Efficiency

    Use available resources conservatively.

  • Excellence

    We strive to be the best every day.

Active Memberships





Meet Our Team



Bill Hershman

President
920-593-1722

E-mail Me
Beth Chandonais

Director of Media Relations and Communications
920-593-1725

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Kate DeSmidt

Director of Human Resource
920-593-1728

E-mail Me
Heidi McGill-Cahak

Director of Finance and Accounting
920-593-1727

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Stephanie Koga

Payroll Specialist
920-593-1724

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Dave Holmes

Eastern Regional Fire Chief
609-273-4456

E-mail Me
Dan Diehl

Western Regional Fire Chief
405-314-7328

E-mail Me
Sylvain Theriault

Canadian Regional Fire Chief
306-262-3473 *

E-mail Me

*  International charges may apply


Recognizing Excellence

Milestone Anniversaries


Our heroes demonstrate their extraordinary talent and skills 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They bring remarkable skill and compassion to their work at Pro-Tec Fire Services, where they express their commitment to the well-being of the people we serve, their families and our community. Congratulations on your milestone work anniversary in 2023!

5 Years


  • James Atcuson - King
  • Randall Berger - TTN
  • Daniel Burk - TTN
  • Darin Cathey - King
  • Charles Episcopo Jr. - SBY
  • Troy Gray - AZO
  • Ryan Grothe - CRQ
  • Evan Hecht - DSM
  • Andrew Humphrey - OKC
  • Christopher Johansson - TTN
  • John Karns - MFR
  • Vince Lockett - MFR
  • Heidi McGill-Cahak - Corporate
  • Phillip McKinley - DSM
  • Adam Mohr - ATW
  • Jeffery Ritter - TTN
  • Paul Schanz - King
  • James VanZant - King
  • William White - ADM
  • Caleb Wiegert - OKC
  • Thomas Wiles - King
  • Lucas Young - ADM

10 Years


  • Truston Davis - SBY
  • Ronnie Hayes - ADM
  • Matthew Moore - OKC
  • Justin Steer - ADM
  • Michael Stone - PQL

15 Years


  • Eric Marcinkowski - CRQ