Sedlacek promoted to Battalion Chief in Madison Fire and Rescue
MADISON – Michael Sedlacek, who joined Madison Fire & Rescue in 2008 as a rookie firefighter, was promoted recently to Battalion Chief of “B” Shift.
“During the City Council meeting (on Jan. 12), the City of Madison proudly recognized several members of Madison Fire & Rescue and our emergency medical partners for their exceptional service and dedication to our community,” Mayor Ranae Bartlett said.
“These recognitions highlight the professionalism, commitment and bravery of those who serve Madison every day, and the city extends its sincere gratitude for their service,” Bartlett said.
Sedlacek previously worked as Captain. “I have served in both administration as the Captain of Community Risk Reduction, and I’ve served on shift. The Captain is over a station and a group of three to five firefighters at a time. As a Battalion Chief, you are over all four stations,” he said.
Before joining the Madison force, Sedlacek worked for Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc. or HEMSI as an EMT and was enrolled in paramedic school.
“I wanted to be a firefighter since I was a kid. Some firefighters waved to me in Ashtabula, Ohio, and I was hooked,” Sedlacek said.
“I am a first-generation firefighter, and I actually influenced my father to become a chaplain for the Monrovia Volunteer Fire Department years ago,” Sedlacek said. “Once he moved to Michigan, he continued to do (that work) there.”
Now as Battalion Chief at Station no. 1, Sedlacek has the responsibility for overall care of the entire shift. “My shift is ‘B-Shift,’ and I look after every member of the shift in some way. My responsibility is to first lead by example, be fair, honest and communicate clearly.”
“I have to hold a high standard for everyone, including myself. I am responsible for mentoring the Captains who work under me and working to ensure all members of my shift are trained appropriately and ready for promotion,” Sedlacek said.
A Battalion Chief is the “go-between” from administration and line personnel. “We want to limit negativity, unneeded criticism and rumors, when possible,” Sedlacek said. “We respond to high-priority calls like structure fires, cardiac arrests, wrecks with entrapment or any call I feel another set of eyes or hands may be necessary.”
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, his family moved to Vacaville, Calif. He attended a boarding school, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, near the Napa Valley. After graduating in 2005, Sedlacek moved to Alabama. He currently lives in Madison.
Sedlacek married on Oct. 24, 2025. “The wonderful lady’s name is Lauren. Both of us had children from other relationships, but the kids are everything,” he said. “My three are the oldest: Makenzi, 21, a junior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Caiden, 15; and Maci, 13. Caiden and Maci both are budding track stars, All-Americans and Junior Olympians. The youngest is Solomon; he just turned 8 and loves architecture, bridges and, of course, Roblox (gaming platform).”
Away from work, Sedlacek is a business owner and enjoys working with his hands. “I am also into 3D printing and designing,” he said. “I ride my motorcycle as often as I can. I love the open road. We’re planning a trip to California on the motorcycles. It’s gonna be great,” Sedlacek said.
