WSESI January 2026 News

WSESI
Jan 29
3 min read

Rising Call Volumes Highlight Training Needs Across Wisconsin

The Township Fire Department (Chippewa Valley) released its 2025 call summary: 432 fire calls and 1,225 EMS calls, marking another year of increasing demand on responders and training programs statewide. https://www.weau.com/2026/01/02/township-fire-department-released-2025-call-summary/

These numbers echo a growing statewide trend — more calls, more complexity, and a shrinking pool of responders to handle the load. This directly impacts instructor workload, course demand, and certification pipelines.

Why it matters:

Higher call volumes mean Wisconsin needs more certified responders than ever before. That begins in the classroom — with qualified instructors delivering high-quality, scenario-based training that prepares students for a rapidly shifting environment.

Wisconsin Departments Face Insurance & Infrastructure Challenges

The Central Fire & EMS District (Abbotsford) is still navigating unresolved insurance coverage issues for their fire hall moving into 2026 — a reminder that many departments across Wisconsin face ongoing financial strain tied to facilities, staffing, and equipment.

Infrastructure and financial uncertainty often lead to reduced training budgets, deferred maintenance, and postponed improvements. This makes grant awareness and cross-agency collaboration essential for training centers and instructors.

As instructors: consider how stable partnerships with tech colleges, local agencies, and grant funding can keep training consistent even when budgets tighten.

Resources & Grants

PSAP Grant Program – NextGen 9-1-1 (Wisconsin OEC) Supports training, dispatcher development, and communication system upgrades. Deadline Feb. 19. https://oec.wi.gov/oec-grant-announcement-psap-grant-program/

Wisconsin EMS Association — Grant Warehouse A running list of state/federal funding opportunities for EMS agencies and training centers. https://www.wisconsinems.com/grants

Wisconsin Youth Firefighter Training Grant (DSPS) Provides up to $25,000 for departments, school districts, and colleges offering or expanding youth firefighter programs. https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/FirefighterTrainingGrant/Default.aspx

Forest Fire Protection (FFP) Grant – Wisconsin DNR 50% cost-share grant supporting gear, tools, and training for initial attack and wildland readiness. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/ForestFireProtection.html

CTE Incentive Grants – Wisconsin DPI Supports high school–technical college partnerships for EMS and public safety pathways. https://dpi.wi.gov/cte/technical-incentive

Instructor Development Corner: New Ideas for 2026

Scenario Triads

Teach the same scenario from three roles: rescuer, incident commander, and safety officer. Builds depth, critical thinking, and perspective.

Data-Driven Case Studies

Use Brown County’s newly released 2025 call data (19 agencies statewide). https://www.fox969.com/2026/01/23/brown-county-releases-2025-fire-ems-call-data-for-19-agencies/Students analyze real call trends before practicing skills.

Micro-Drills (90 Seconds or Less)

One problem. One decision. One debrief. Low prep. High return.

AI-Enhanced Simulations

Generate 3–5 variations of the same scenario using AI to keep drills unpredictable and adaptable.

Interagency Reality Exercises

Inspired by Marshfield’s December cross-discipline training with police and fire. https://www.wsaw.com/2025/12/09/marshfield-police-fire-departments-conduct-training-exercise-this-week/Build joint drills that strengthen communication and teamwork.

65th WSESI Conference Sessions Finalized!

Mark your calendars and plan on attending this years 65th annual conference. Our host for 2026 is now Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. The line-up this year includes an all star group including Famed Chief and Firefighting legend Forest Reeder, DSPS April Hammond and Gary Peck, Lt. Paul Vind, DCI Special Agent Eric Baine, NFA ISO & PICO courses, and our own Dave Yakowenko.

This year’s theme, “Collaborate. Connect. Conquer.”, focuses on strengthening instructional leadership, improving communication, and building the next generation of emergency service professionals.

Week-long Live Fire Instructor Course is $400. Only 4 spots left!
Ice-Rescue Technician Course is $175. Only 8 spots left!
Friday & Saturday Sessions are $150, WSESI Members $125
Special Friday only Session is $45!
NFA ISO course is Full
NFA PICO course only has 6 spots left!

Sign-up today at wsesi.org/conference

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 Secretary’s Desk

The role of our instructors has never mattered more. With rising call volumes, workforce shortages, and increasing expectations on emergency responders, your influence is the backbone of Wisconsin’s fire and EMS readiness. Continue refining your craft, lean into new methods, and set the standard for the next generation.

Thank you for your commitment.