Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association

Thank you, Gordon Volunteer Fire Department for hosting our first in a series of the Modern Day Recruiter Class. Douglas County is now much more educated with tools to create or improve their recruitment and retention plan.

This class, funded by a FEMA SAFER grant is moving across the State of with ten classes already scheduled, or in the process of being scheduled.

If you are interested in hosting a three hour class for your region, please contact us. We need hosts for NE and SW Wisconsin at this time.

It is time to do things differently, and we intend to lead the way to a smarter, safer, and better staffed fire service. 🫡

FREE STATEWIDE TRAINING: Sponsored by the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association.

The MODERN DAY RECRUITER class is being offered by hosting departments across that state. The class is FREE of charge and will offer new and unique ways to recruit and retain volunteer fire and EMS personnel. Classes are open to fire, EMS, HR, Admin, and elected officials who want to improve their staffing models.

If you are interested in hosting a class in your area, please contact us at [email protected]. This initiative is paid for by a 2023 FEMA SAFER grant awarded to the WSFCA to help improve recruitment across the State of Wisconsin.

You will also learn how your department may be eligible for FREE PPE and health screening for your new volunteers.

Fire service leadership requires more than tactical experience.

Navigating municipal politics and shaping operational outcomes are distinct, mandatory skills. The Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association 2027 Winter In-Service is structured to address these core skills directly.

Attendees: The curriculum includes NFA courses F/W0602 "Shaping the Future" and F/W0121 "Politics and the White Helmet," alongside a General Leadership Track

Exhibitors: Secure direct access to state decision-makers. Table registration includes two representatives (Member $675 | Non-Member $850 | Additional Representatives $85)

Sponsors: Visibility options available on our website

Location:
February 25-27, 2027, at the Hilton Garden Inn-Madison Sun Prairie - 1220 South Grand Ave, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Click the link to our website to sign up and learn more: https://wsfca.com/aws/WSFCA/pt/sd/calendar/373464/_PARENT/layout_details/false

FREE Class on the Modern Day Tools to recruitment new candidates. Held across Wisconsin. Please feel free to attend one of these, OR host your own at your department.

Contact us to learn more.

In 2022, we asked Wisconsin fire departments to tell us what they were experiencing with firefighter recruitment. 293 departments responded.

The results were difficult to ignore:

• 79% were having difficulty finding and hiring firefighters.

• 79% expected to need six or more firefighters within the next five years.

• 42% expected to need more than 10.

• 69% had never received training on how to properly market, select and hire firefighters.

• 90% believed Wisconsin needed a statewide firefighter recruitment campaign.

The Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association used this research to help document the need for a coordinated statewide approach. That work helped lead to approximately $1.5 million in FEMA SAFER grant funding** to assist with firefighter recruitment in Wisconsin.

It is also helping us build something Wisconsin has never had before: a statewide website dedicated to helping people learn what it takes to become a firefighter and connect with departments looking for new members. That website will debut soon.

Now we need to use these resources.

Wisconsin fire departments that rely on volunteers have access to FREE PPE and health screening for eligible firefighters through the end of 2027, along with statewide recruitment resources designed to help departments attract the next generation of firefighters.

We are also bringing **Modern Day Recruiter** classes to departments across Wisconsin, providing practical tools and new approaches to improve local recruitment and retention efforts. Departments are already putting these strategies to work.

The data told us there was a problem. The funding gives us an opportunity to do something about it.

If you are a fire chief, city or village manager/administrator, elected official, or community leader, please review the attached Wisconsin Firefighter Workforce Snapshot and share it with your department and governing body.

Learn more about the program by visiting the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association website at www.wsfca.com and selecting the SAFER Grant tab.

Congratulations to the WSFCA’s 2026 Legislators of the Year! 🚒

The Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association (WSFCA) is proud to recognize Representative Tony Kurtz and Senator Howard Marklein as our 2026 Legislators of the Year.

Representative Tony Kurtz was presented with his award during the WSFCA Annual Conference, while Senator Howard Marklein was presented with his award today at the Platteville Fire Department.

The WSFCA appreciates both Representative Kurtz and Senator Marklein for their leadership, commitment, and support of Wisconsin’s fire service and the communities we serve.

Please join us in congratulating Representative Tony Kurtz and Senator Howard Marklein on this well-deserved recognition!

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services will be hosting training sessions in August and September. See the flyer and click the link below for details.

https://bookwhen.com/widsps-fireprevention =ev-s4gjg-20260923180000

Happy Fourth of July!

Today, we celebrate the freedoms and opportunities that make our nation strong while honoring those who work every day to keep our communities safe. We extend our sincere appreciation to Wisconsin's firefighters, EMS providers, law enforcement officers, military members, and all first responders who serve with dedication and courage – especially those spending the holiday on duty.

Whether you're enjoying a local parade, barbecue, fireworks, or time with family and friends, we encourage everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly. From all of us at the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association, we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July!