We thank Thomas and Anna both for donating it and making the project happen and the community members for their donations and how quick this was able to come together.”

Cornell Area Fire Department Chief Matt Boulding

A new helipad has been constructed in Holcombe, Wisconsin on the property of local siblings Thomas and Anna Rocque, who own Rocque Ridge Guides and Outfitters, a retail store and outfitting service located along Hwy 27 that offers hunting and fishing gear along with various rentals to the local area. 

Thomas Rocque, who is also a volunteer firefighter and EMT, felt that the helipad project was important as he saw firsthand how a few minutes can make a difference. He shared that the intersection of Hwy 27 and County Hwy D, just north of his shop less than 1/10 of a mile, seems to be a problem area where a lot of incidents have occurred.  

Anna Rocque explained that they noticed a community need for the helipad after helicopters needed to land multiple times on their property in emergency situations and wanted to supply a permanent flat surface for those emergency services to land at any time and in any season. Anna added, “Seconds and minutes matter when it comes to an accident. There’s a need, unfortunately, especially in the summer months with all the tourists,” she said.  

Thomas said, “We’ve landed 5 helicopters this summer already. It was something that was getting a lot of use.  We felt that it could be improved upon versus just landing in a field and it’s uneven and your stretcher doesn’t roll.”  

“We’re not impeding the flow of traffic. We’re less likely to cause another accident,” Thomas remarked.  “We’re a long way from any trauma center.”  

Cornell Area Fire Department Chief Matt Boulding agreed as he feels the helipad is necessary and will be beneficial for the communities of Holcombe, Northern Chippewa County, and Southern Rusk County as well. He remarked that there has been an increase in emergencies in the last couple of years, especially on the Rusk County side.  

“It gives a safe place for the helicopter to come in and land. We don’t have to try to stop traffic or hold traffic up if it takes them longer to stabilize a patient before they take off.  Safety was the overall concern of that area,” he said.  

Thomas added that the helipad would contribute to safety as it would keep emergency vehicles, patients, and responders off the roadways.  

Thomas and Anna signed a 99 year-lease for the land to be used for emergency services and build a permanent EMS landing pad which will serve Southern Rusk and Northern Chippewa Counties.  The 70’ x 70’ helipad installed by T&J Concrete Construction, Inc., Bowe Trucking and Excavating, Inc. and Haas Sons, Inc, will have lights and will feature a 12’ X 20’ taxiway with a 6-inch-deep concrete pad. It will also include a 100-foot safety zone and an 8ft by 12 ft walkway to allow medics access to the helicopter.  

Hearing of Thomas and Anna’s plans, local community members in Chippewa and Rusk counties jumped to support, and the Northern Chippewa County and Southern Rusk County Helipad Committee was created to handle funds and planning.  

Anna commented that the community has shown an outpouring of support with many large organizations and local residents donating a significant amount of money. Chief Boulding also shared how the communities of both counties have supported the project by providing the funds for it. “The helipad was completely funded off of donations from the Chippewa County and Rusk County community members.”  

Initially, Thomas didn’t expect the community to respond so strongly. “It kind of took me by surprise. I didn’t really think that much was going to come of it, to be honest.”  

Chief Boulding added his thankfulness as the project is close to completion. 

“We thank Thomas and Anna both for donating it and making the project happen and the community members for their donations and how quick this was able to come together.”  

As the project nears completion, a ribbon cutting event is expected to be announced this week.  

An account has been set up at Citizens State Bank for those wishing to contribute to the future maintenance of the helipad including snow removal and future repairs. Checks can be made payable to : Lake Holcombe Resort & Business.