Chief Schroeter joined Protection Engine Company No. 1 of the Port Washington Fire Department in 1976.  Chief Schroeter was elected as a company officer and moved up the ranks from Engineer, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, and served as Captain in 1984.  He also served a five year term as Trustee.  He was a certified Advanced Emergency Medical Technician from 1977 – 1984, and continued as an EMT through 2001. Chief Schroeter recently refreshed his EMT card in 2006.

Upon moving with his family to Miller Place, Chief Schroeter joined the Andrew Chereb Engine Company of the Miller Place Fire Department in 1994.  Once again he became a company officer and moved up through the ranks and served as Captain in 2002.   He also served as the Chairman of the Department Budget Committee for six years.

Chief Schroeter was elected to the chief's office in 2005.