The Sheila and Bill Volker City of Chippewa Falls Police, Fire, and Emergency Services Endowment Fund was established in 2011, but Bill's respect for firefighting began when he was a child. His father, Ray Volker, was a firefighter for the Chippewa Falls Fire Department.

Bill grew up on the city's East Hill. His parents owned and operated Volkers' Corner Store, and the family lived above the store. Bill's mother ran the business when his dad was at work. From an early age, Bill was interested in the fire department and fire equipment, especially the engines. As an adult, Bill's love for all things firefighting continued. In his travels, he always makes a point to find the local fire station and take a tour if he is able.

After Bill and Sheila married, and when Bill returned to Chippewa Falls to work (at what was then the Hogseth-Pederson Funeral Chapel), he was appointed to the Police and Fire Commission. Bill took his job seriously and is proud of the input he had in the hiring of several police and fire chiefs who went on to make excellent contributions to the growth of both departments.

The Volkers both attended the police department's Citizens Academy, where community members learn about the role of a police officer by observing and experiencing many areas of law enforcement including training scenarios and investigations. They had a lot of interactions with local law enforcement through the Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, the business they've owned for more than 40 years, with police escorts for funeral processions, security checks, and Sheila's voluntary help to the department as a Spanish interpreter.

"We are very pleased with the work of the Police, Fire and Emergency Services and are thankful for their assistance through the years," said the Volkers.

The Sheila and Bill Volker City of Chippewa Falls Police, Fire, and Emergency Services Endowment Fund is a designated fund that provides dedicated support to the City of Chippewa Falls Police Department and Fire & Emergency Services Department for equipment needs and community relations program and events.