Fire crews across Portage County kick off ‘Keep the Heart Red’ campaign
By Brandi Makuski
PORTAGE COUNTY — Area fire departments will again mark February as Heart Month with their annual “Keep the Heart Red” campaign.
The community awareness, which launched on Monday, is aimed at reducing heart disease and highlights how often firefighters respond to cardiac emergencies locally.
Paramedic supervisor and field training paramedic Tim “TJ” Ewers said heart-related calls remain one of the most common types of medical responses for crews.
“Heart disease, or heart issues in general, is the number one killer of most adults in America,” Ewers said. “It’s a way to raise awareness for it.”
The department averages about 10 to 12 cardiac-related calls each month, ranging from chest pain to more serious cardiac events.
Throughout February, a large red heart display will stand outside Fire Station 1. After each cardiac call, firefighters replace a red light or ball on the heart with a black one, creating a visible tally for the public.
“Each cardiac call that we respond to, we’ll be replacing a red ball on the heart with a black one … to just raise awareness and show that it is an ongoing thing that we deal with,” Ewers said.
Beyond the display, the department plans education and outreach, including social media posts and visits from health and fitness professionals. In past years, the department has invited guests to share heart-healthy cooking ideas and exercise tips. This year, staff expect to again partner with providers such as Advanced Physical Therapy to promote prevention.
Ewers encouraged residents to stay proactive.
“Regulating your diet and exercise, regular physicals and checkups with your doctors — just make sure you can stay healthy and keep your heart in good shape,” he said.
By the numbers
Since the campaign expanded countywide, participating departments have tracked cardiac responses each February. According to the department, there were nine cardiac calls during the campaign month in 2022, six in 2023, six in 2024, and 12 in 2025.
Other agencies also contribute data. The Amherst Fire District shares its cardiac call statistics with Stevens Point, though it does not maintain a public heart display because the department is situated on a back road without much passing traffic. Chief Victor Voss said the department supports the effort and provides its numbers for the regional total.
“Awareness on cardiac health is always positive,” Voss said.
The Plover Fire Department also participates. Deputy Chief Trevor Howard said the campaign aligns with a broader national focus.
“American Heart Month has been observed every February since 1964,” Howard said. “It focuses on maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise and monitoring blood pressure to prevent heart disease.”
For Stevens Point firefighters, the message is simple: small lifestyle changes can reduce the chance crews ever need to respond.
“We want people to take care of themselves before we ever have to show up,” Ewers said.