Conference Sessions

65th Annual WSESI Conference Session Information

February 16-21, 2026

Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Chief Forest Reeder

Tactical Decision-Making – Making the Right Move at the Right Time (Friday)

Making the right call starts with recognizing the right conditions. This class teaches officers how to assess critical fire reground factors and apply standard actions that match evolving incident conditions. Participants will gain practical experience through tabletop and simulation-based tactical scenarios that build confidence and speed in real-world decision-making.

Training Officers: Today’s Survival Officer (Saturday)
You are no longer just a scheduler—you are your department’s survival officer. This deep-dive course focuses on training division leadership, new delivery models, and how to build and sustain a high-performing training program. You'll leave with tools to assess
department needs, prioritize critical skills, and lead a training culture that saves lives.

Outcomes Over Objectives (Saturday)
This course reframes how we approach fire service instruction. Rather than teach to pass a test, we teach to perform under pressure. Learn how to design scenario-
based, outcome-focused training that enhances retention and better decision-making.

Gary Peck and April Hammond

Attributes of Leading (Saturday)

Developed through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Everyone Goes Home program, this dynamic course challenges participants to explore the personal qualities that define effective leadership in the fire service. Through guided discussion, case studies, and self-assessment, students examine key leadership attributes—such as integrity, accountability, trust, and resilience—and learn how to apply them in daily operations. The course encourages honest reflection and growth to build stronger, safer, and more engaged teams at every level of the organization.

SPS 330- How it fits into your Training Schedule (Friday)

Department of Safety and Professional Services staff that specialize in Firefighter Safety and Health & Fire Prevention will provide an overview of how SPS 330 relates to training. Staff will discuss NFPA and OSHA code references and requirements, health and safety officer expectations, records management, training program requirements, minimum training standards, personal protective equipment, and apparatus operation and training. Staff will also provide FAQs and be available for question and answers.

LT. Paul Vind

Ice Rescue Technician 8hr Train-The-Trainer (Saturday)

The Technician class is the Atlas Outfitters approved Ice Rescue Tech course. This hands-on course prepares emergency responders to safely and effectively perform surface and submerged victim rescues in icy and cold-water environments. Participants will learn hazard assessment, equipment use, self-rescue, team operations, and victim retrieval techniques following NFPA 1670 and 1006 standards. The course includes classroom instruction and extensive on-ice practical evolutions designed to build confidence, competence, and crew coordination under realistic conditions.

I ask that if you have Ice Rescue suits that you bring them to class. You should use the equipment you have to get familiar with it. I do have a few suits that I bring with me to class for those that don’t have suits.

S/A Eric Beine

An Overview of the Wisconsin State Fire Marshal’s Office and Legal Considerations at a Fire Scene. (Saturday)

This presentation will provide an overview of the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) and the resources available to local authorities during a complex fire investigation. Attendees will learn about fire scene preservation, evidence preservation considerations, and working with the Special Agents/Deputy State Fire Marshals. After an overview of the SFMO, attendees will learn about legal considerations during a fire investigation and applicable arson related statutes. The Special Agents will also be joined by Accelerant Detection Canine (ADC) Bo. An overview of the Accelerant Detection Canine program will be covered as time allows.

National Fire Academy Courses

Friday & Saturday (16 Hour Total):

Incident Safety Officer (ISO)

Develop the skills to evaluate, manage, and mitigate hazards at emergency incidents. This course prepares officers to serve as the safety advocate for their crews and ensures compliance with risk management principles on the fireground.

Preparation for Initial Company Operations (PICO)

Designed for company officers and aspiring leaders, this course focuses on effective decision-making, crew coordination, and tactical readiness during the first crucial minutes of an incident.

David Yakowenko

Learn to Burn (Without Getting Burned): Integrated Live Fire & NFPA 1403 Instructor

(40 Hour 5 Day Course)

This 40-hour, hands-on program combines the Live Fire Instructor Certification requirements with NFPA 1403 acquired structure preparation and compliance training. Participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to plan, prepare, and deliver safe, effective live fire training evolutions in both fixed and acquired structures.