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WSESI February 2026 News

The Shift from “Skills First” to “Thinking First” Training

For decades, we taught from the bottom up: skills → scenarios → decision-making. It worked well enough, but today’s new recruits walk into the firehouse with different learning expectations. They learn faster when the why comes before the how.

Teaching reframed:

  • Start with thinking models, not task lists.

  • Teach students how to structure decisions before you hand them a tool.

  • Use short, tight “micro-scenarios” (2–3 minutes) to anchor skills to context.


Why it matters:The newest generation doesn’t struggle with memorization — they struggle with application. If we want safer firefighters and medics, we need to teach how to think under pressure, not just how to perform tasks.


The 3X30+10 Model for Better Fire & EMS Instruction

A simple structure to transform your next class:

  • 30% Foundation — give the core concept, the mental model, and the decision points.

  • 30% Demonstration — show what right looks like.

  • 30% Student-Led Performance — have them teach each other, break the problem down, and verbalize decisions.

  • 10% Debrief — give the “why,” not just critiques.


Why it matters: This model keeps students engaged, cuts instructor talking time in half, and dramatically improves retention — especially for new firefighters and EMTs who need structure more than speeches.


Training Option to Add This Month: “Silent Scenarios”

Run a drill where nobody talks except the IC.

Teams must:

  • Pre-plan

  • Communicate with hand signals

  • Rely on positioning, not chatter

    • This works for fire attack, patient movement, search, or vehicle extrication.


Why it matters: It trains discipline, non-verbal communication, and clarity. It also reveals which crews rely on noise instead of structure.

Free Training to Promote This Month

Highlight these in your station or agency training calendar:

65th WSESI Conference Wrap Up!

The 2026 WSESI Conference was exactly what our profession needed — a packed weekend of sharp instruction, honest conversations, and training that pushed every one of us to raise our game. The energy in every classroom, apparatus bay, and drill space said it all: Wisconsin instructors are hungry to learn, get better, and lead from the front.

We were fortunate to have some of the best minds in the fire service delivering high-impact training:

  • Chief Forest Reeder, bringing decades of instructional wisdom and a no-nonsense approach to leadership development.

  • DSPS’s April Hammond and Gary Peck, offering critical clarity on compliance, standards, and instructor expectations across the state.

  • Paul Vind, delivering Ice Rescue training that hit the perfect balance of realism, safety, and confidence-building.

  • The National Fire Academy (NFA) courses, giving our members cutting-edge instructional insight straight from the national level.

  • Dave Yakowenko, knocking it out of the park with both the LFI course and the NFPA 1403 program — real-world lessons you can take home and use immediately.

Terrific training. New insights. Stronger instructors. That was the theme of the entire weekend.

We also want to take a moment to recognize and thank the people who make our organization what it is:

  • Kevin Gerarden, for his dedicated years of service as Executive Secretary. His work built the foundation we continue to grow on.

  • Past President Jim Austad, whose name was added to the NFA Walk of Fame brick path — a well-earned honor that reflects decades of impact.

  • All our new members, who joined us this year. Welcome aboard — your voice and your presence make us better.

A special thanks goes to Fox Valley Technical College and Tom Nelson, who were instrumental in coordinating and running this year’s conference. From logistics to facilities to student support, they helped deliver one of the strongest training events WSESI has ever hosted.

To everyone who attended, taught, supported, or shared the weekend with us: thank you. This is how we move the fire service forward — together, one instructor at a time.

Membership Renewal Reminder

It’s that time again — your Wisconsin Society of Emergency Service Instructors membership renewal is due. Staying current ensures your voice and experience continue to shape instructor standards, course development, and educational policy across the state.

Membership supports:

  • Advocacy for instructor recognition and certification standards.

  • Access to training opportunities, conference discounts, and instructor resources.

  • Networking with peers who share your same challenges and passion for teaching.

👉 Renew today to stay connected and continue supporting the mission of advancing fire and EMS education in Wisconsin. Renew Your Membership Here

From the President’s Desk

Happy New Year.

 I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and spent quality time with loved ones. The start of a new year offers a perfect chance to pause, reflect, and set new goals. As we step into 2026, we celebrate the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. While some may fade quickly, the core desire to improve ourselves and our profession remains powerful. 

This year, I invite all Fire Instructors to commit to three resolutions that reflect our mission and responsibilities within the fire service.

 First, I challenge us to treat every teaching opportunity as important, because it truly is. Whether leading a class, mentoring a new firefighter, or giving a quick skills review, each moment counts. Our words, actions, and preparation shape the next generation of firefighters, influencing their performance, decision-making, and safety. Teaching is more than sharing information; it's investing in someone's confidence and ability. Strive for excellence—prepare well, teach with passion and authenticity. By doing so, we uplift our profession and ensure that every instructional moment matters. 

Second, I urge each of us to recruit one new member to the Wisconsin Society of Emergency Service Instructors. Many of us know instructors who could benefit from this organization but haven't joined yet. Whether they’re new, experienced but disconnected, or unaware of benefits like advanced training, networking, leadership development, and community, bringing in a new member can greatly strengthen us all. A small effort from each of us can lead to a significant impact. 

Third, I encourage all instructors to attend a conference as learners, not just presenters. While sharing knowledge is valuable, staying solely in the teaching role can limit our growth. Being a student exposes us to new ideas, technologies, and practices. Returning as learners isn’t a step back; it’s essential for growth. It sharpens our skills, questions assumptions, and rekindles our curiosity.

 As we enter 2026, these resolutions offer a simple yet powerful way to grow ourselves, our teaching, and our profession: teach with passion, invite others to join, and pursue learning enthusiastically. The fire service thrives on continuous improvement. Our success depends on what we learn, how we adapt, and how we evolve. As instructors, we shape the future of the fire service—one lesson, one member, one class at a time. 

Let this year be about intentional growth, renewed passion for teaching, and a collective effort to raise standards for ourselves and those we serve. Thank you for your dedication to strengthening our craft and supporting our members. May 2026 bring progress, opportunities, and unwavering commitment to the noble task of instructing in the fire service. Wishing you a safe, successful, and impactful year.

David Yakowenko




 
 
 

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