Wisconsin Society of
Emergency Services Instructors
Emergency Services Instructors
Wisconsin Society of
Emergency Services Instructors
The Wisconsin Society of Fire Service Instructors (WSFSI) was formed in 1962 to serve the needs of fire instructors in our State. Now renamed Wisconsin Society of Emergency Services Instructors (WSESI),
the Society assists local instructors through the exchange of ideas, dissemination of information, and the presentation of seminars and conferences. All of this is geared toward helping fire and emergency services instructors in their personal development and assisting them in bringing quality education and programs to their own agencies.
Please tour our site and learn more about how WSESI can serve all of your instructional needs. Your questions and comments are always welcome.
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO OUR MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS
From WSESI Executive Secretary Kevin Gerarden
As many of you are wearily aware, nearly every organization in our state (as well as the rest of the nation) have taken dramatic measures to prevent or slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Businesses, institutions, schools, and entities of every size have either closed, cancelled events, or moved to remote operations to accommodate the quarantine measures. Similarly, WSESI has conducted board and trustee meetings virtually, used electronic communications liberally, and have done our best to ‘roll with the punches’ as circumstances require.
For the past month or more, the WSESI’s Board of Directors and committees have been engaged in the planning process for the 2021 Annual Instructors Conference, including a Call for Presentations, communications with lodging providers and Visitors Bureau representatives. At this point in the process, we continue to plan as if we will have the opportunity to convene our Conference in the usual way, but mindful that decisions and/or obstacles may arise that could affect our ability to proceed with an in-person Conference. Here’s where you can help us!…
PLEASE contact (at a minimum) your Regional Director, or any combination of Directors and/or Officers of the Society (use the addresses on the sidebar of our page) and share with us your views and your current situation as it relates to the coming months, especially a February Conference. You may wish to include answers to questions such as:
- Is your agency limiting participation in training events, such as our Conference?
- Are you yourself voluntarily (or out of necessity) self-isolating from events?
- What would be necessary to define, in your mind, an event that is safe to attend?
- Would you rather participate in a virtual conference, if offered in lieu of an in-person meeting?
- Are there any other considerations we should be taking into account?
SEPTEMBER 30 is the deadline for the job posting by South Milwaukee Fire Department (SMFD) – See our events page for more information.
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY (NFA) COURSE – WSESI is scheduled to present the NFA two-day course Preparation for Initial Company Operations (PICO) as one of three program tracks planned for the 2021 Annual Instructors Conference in February 2021. In order that we may secure enough participation to lock in the instructor and delivery dates, we are now accepting NFA Short Form Applications in advance of the opening of Conference Registration. Attach your application to email, addressed to kgerarden@wsesi.org to secure your seat in the class. Hard-copy applications may be mailed to WSESI, P. O. Box 764, Oshkosh, WI 54903. Please be sure to use a FEMA Student ID number and to obtain the signature from the head of your organization (most commonly the Fire Chief) or authorized designee.
COVID-19 and FIRE SERVICE EVENTS – As pandemic precautions continue simultaneously with resumption of many commercial activities, WSESI is monitoring events and programs of Wisconsin’s Fire / Emergency Services organizations throughout the coming months...
Word has been received of the following cancellations:
- WSFM Final Alarm Ceremony & Procession – postponed until 2021.
- Wisconsin NFA Weekend – Oct. 9-11
- WEMSA Virtual Conference – November 9 – 14.
WISCONSIN FIRE EMS LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP COALITION (WFELLC) has been on hiatus since Stay-at-Home measures have affected the legislative activities in the state, among other considerations. Watch our News for updates on resumption of Coalition efforts.
Any member wishing to become active in our advocacy of public policy issues should contact President Jim Austad, or WFELLC delegates Jim Flanagan or Kevin Gerarden.
Having trouble downloading documents? Call 920-235-5494 to request a paper copy of any Society forms or documents, or email your request to kgerarden@wsesi.org .
NEXT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: Tuesday, October 20, 2020 – via teleconference (unless otherwise announced).
Contact your Board members with any agenda items.
Wisconsin Technical College System
Fire Service Education and Training Update
Angela White, Fire Service Education and Training Director
As the Fall semester begins, I want to welcome back all students starting fire courses and degree programs throughout the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). As we welcome you back, rest assured that as educators and learners, we embrace our responsibility and capacity to create inclusive, genuine spaces and systems that support equity. The WTCS stands firmly against racism, discrimination, oppression, and exclusion of all types. Together, we have the power to create a more inclusive and equitable society for each other and for the future.
As you may have already noticed, instructors have been working hard to transition courses (or parts of courses) to hybrid and blended learning formats to enhance student safety and to maintain social distancing. You will notice a shift in how practical exercises and practical testing are conducted and we ask for your continued patience and cooperation in this evolving process.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have issued the following extensions for certification candidates:
Two-Year Certification Period
Students who finish/finished a fire certification course between 3/15/2018 and 12/31/2020 will have one additional year to obtain their certification. The three-year certification term expires three years from each student’s course completion date.
Example: Student Jones finishes their Firefighter I course on 6/5/2019. Student Jones now has until 6/5/2022 to complete the certification process.
Emergency Services Instructor Renewal
Students who have an Emergency Services Instructor certification that expired between 3/15/2020 and 12/31/2020 will have one additional year to obtain their renewal. The one-year extension begins the date of their current expiration.
Example: Student Fox has an ESI certification with an expiration date of 7/1/2020. Student Fox now has until 7/1/2021 to renew their certification.
Extension Timeline
As of the date of this article, it is uncertain if there will be an expansion of this temporary extension policy. Please follow the WTCS Fire Service website for all further details, updates and deadlines. https://mywtcs.wtcsystem.edu/fire-service
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions any time.
Wishing you safety, good health and a great semester!
Angela White, Fire Service Education and Training Director
Wisconsin Technical College System Office
4622 University Avenue, P.O. Box 7874
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7874
Phone: 608-266-7289
Email: angela.white@wtcsystem.edu
Web: https://mywtcs.wtcsystem.edu/fire-service
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WTCSystem/videos
Twitter: @WIfiretraining
Pronouns: she / her / hers
