One or more companies organized under s. 213.05, with not less than 30 active members, having at least one good fire engine and not less than 500 feet of sound hose kept in an engine house, fit and ready at all times for actual service, and one or more companies organized under s. 213.05, with not less than 15 active members and equipped with at least one good hook and ladder truck, located not more than one mile apart in the same town, shall constitute a fire department. The members of the companies that make up the fire department may meet and elect one of their members chief of the fire department. The chief shall hold office for one year and until a successor is elected. The chief shall have control of the companies that make up the fire department and those companies shall obey the chief’s orders at all times. The chief shall also have all of the powers and privileges and be subject to the same penalties as fire wardens.