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2025 Course List WSFA Annual Convention

Lessons learned in contiguous building structure fires 

Tim Adler - Public Safety Director/Fire Chief
Tomah Fire Department & Tomah Area Ambulance Service


The City of Tomah was struck by 3 large fires within its Historic Downtown District over the past 4 years.
Chief Tim Adler will share his thoughts on the successes and challenges of fighting contiguous building fires, tactical and investigative considerations, best practices, and the use of pre-planning/prevention.

All This Experience and I Had a Bad Ending 

Dan Roeglin - Fire Service Director
Northwood Technical College


This is a light-hearted and interactive look at despite how many years of experience and successful outcomes, things can still go sideways. Areas covered will include accident/injuries; fire behavior; apparatus placement; assigning or completing tasks; complacency; and the need for continued training and refreshing.

Fit For Duty, Wellness/Fitness 

Bob Pratt - Retired Lieutenant/Basic Eau Claire Fire and Rescue
Chippewa Valley Technical College Adjunct Instructor (Fire Service)


These sessions will be from health, wellness, and Physical fitness training. Firefighters need to see the connection of the mind, body, and soul. We will cover the mathematics of health numbers, time of physical fitness, and what our bodies need. Firefighters are Occupational/Tactical athletes, and they should be training in such a manner, we will discuss how to maximize on duty work outs. In the end we also will look at the mental health aspect of physical fitness benefits.

It’s a Dog’s Life: Arson Investigation Using a Canine 

Tiffany Ince - Special Agent
Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation


Discussion of the utilization of ATF Accelerant Detection Canine Tutty during fire investigations. Information provided pertaining to odor recognition, training, and scene considerations. The presentation will include case examples and demonstrations.

Pride and Ownership in the Fire Service 

JB Moody – Fire Chief
Stevens Point Fire Department

Are you seeking to foster a more productive, supportive, and rewarding work environment within your fire department? This presentation offers actionable strategies for transforming your department's culture, regardless of its size or staffing model.
From frontline firefighters to chief officers, every member plays a vital role in shaping the department's culture. We'll explore how individuals at all levels can contribute to creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Discover practical tips for enhancing communication, building trust, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among your team.

Main Street Strategies and Tactics 

Dave Briggs - Owner - Firefighter Training, Development, and Coaching LLC
Wausau Fire Department, Mid-State Technical College, NorthCentral Technical College


Nearly every community has a "Main Street" or a main road. Using building construction types and potential incident scenarios that may occur in your area, we will collaborate through size-ups, strategies, and tactics that can be utilized for mitigation. This session will focus on various example structure types and specifically, the resources you have at hand to work towards incident mitigation.

Don’t Torch your NFPA 1403 Obligations 

Mark Schwartz, BS, Firefighter/Paramedic
Fire Training & EMS CE Manager, AHA TCC
Chippewa Valley Technical College


Fire departments adhering to WI DSPS 330 and NFPA 1403 during acquired structure burns is crucial for ensuring the safety of firefighters and the community. This session will cover the basis of NFPA 1403 as it provides comprehensive guidelines on how to conduct live fire training in acquired structures and minimizing the risks associated with these high stakes but high value exercises.
By following these standards, fire departments can systematically control the burn, ensuring that all hazards are identified and mitigated, which in turn prevents accidents and injuries. Additionally, adherence to NFPA 1403 ensures that training objectives are met effectively, providing firefighters with realistic, yet controlled, experiences that enhance their skills in a safe environment. This not only improves the operational readiness of the fire department but also builds public trust in their ability to manage fire-related emergencies.

Bluffview Apartment Fire, Lessons Learned and Utilizing MABAS 

James Kirch – Fire Chief
James Pugh – Assistant Fire Chief
Sauk Fire District


Chief James Kirch and Assistant Chief James Pugh, from the Sauk Fire District, will be giving a presentation on the 16-unit apartment fire in Bluffview this past June. Discussion on lessons learned from a volunteer fire department on a labor-intensive fire. Benefits of utilizing MABAS and managing resources from 25 departments.

Paradigm Active Shooter: The Aftermath 

Rich O'Connor, Police Officer
Middleton Police Department


On September 19th, 2018, Rich came face to face with an active shooter at a software company in Middleton, WI. This is the story of what happened inside the building that day, and the emotional toll it took in the days, months and years following.

PTSD – It’s a family Problem 

Todd Messer
Fire Inspector/Investigator
Brooklyn Park Fire Department


Kathy Messer
Allina Health
Certified Medical Assistant/EMT


This presentation is delivered by a husband and wife who experienced PTSD and the stigma around PTSD firsthand and the affects it has on family. We talk about the behaviors leading up to my diagnosis, the denial that came along with it and the affect it had on my family and our life. On a personal side, Kathy will talk about what she noticed, the struggles she faced in getting her husband, whom she was losing, the help he needed. In the end, we share where administration fell short in recognizing the behaviors and the successful help that we took advantage of, and we close with where we are at today.

Wisconsin Task Force One, what it is, where it was, and where it’s going 

John McManus
Deputy Chief - Janesville Fire Department


Greg Temp
Retired Battalion Chief - La Crosse Fire Department.


Bob Zimmerman
Battalion Chief - Superior Fire Department


Doug Vrechek
Battalion Chief - Appleton Fire Department


This presentation covers the inception of the team, what our capabilities are. Some past deployments as examples, and what it takes to get us to your location. We’ll explain how we fold into your command structure, and cover what the financial side looks like if we do deploy.

Harnessing the Power of Drones in the Fire Service and Search and Rescue: Program Setup, Funding, and Impact 

Matt Roesler
Chief Deputy
Pepin County Sheriff’s Office

In this session, we will explore the critical role that drone technology plays in modern firefighting operations, search and rescue and other first responder duties. From improving situational awareness to enhancing safety and response times, drones offer unmatched capabilities for fire crews. Attendees will learn how to advocate for and secure funding for a drone program, as well as the essential steps to establish and maintain an effective drone operation within their fire departments. This session is designed for both decision-makers and field personnel looking to innovate and improve their emergency response capabilities.