WCTC Fire & EMS

06/12/2026

🔥 Friday Feature: Instructor Spotlight – Brandon

Brandon has been part of the WCTC instructional team for 2½ years. With 25 years in the fire service and a passion for mentoring future firefighters, Brandon brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to every student he teaches.

What inspired you to get into EMS/fire service?
🔥 Growing up in rural central Wisconsin, I originally planned to become a conservation warden. Everything changed when I joined a local volunteer fire department—I was instantly hooked and knew the fire service was the career for me.

What do you enjoy most about working at WCTC?
🔥 I completed much of my own fire service training at WCTC and always looked up to my instructors. Having the opportunity to become one of those instructors and help shape the next generation of fire service professionals is incredibly rewarding.

What’s one piece of advice you give to students?
🔥 Never stop learning. Ask questions, soak up as much knowledge as you can, and don’t become complacent. This profession is a lifelong learning journey.

What’s your most memorable call or teaching moment?
🔥 One of my most memorable calls was a high-rise apartment fire where I served as the acting lieutenant. My crew was first on scene to a working fire on the 10th floor. We made multiple rescues of residents trapped by smoke and successfully knocked down the fire. It was a challenging and rewarding experience that showcased the importance of teamwork and training.

What do you like to do outside of work?
🔥 My family loves to travel, both across the U.S. and internationally. I also enjoy playing hockey, softball, and baseball, but my favorite role is being a dad. I also volunteer as part of the medical team for Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.

06/05/2026

🔥 Friday Feature: Instructor Spotlight – Ken

Ken has been part of the WCTC team for 8 years. With a lifelong passion for EMS and a commitment to student success, Ken brings experience, enthusiasm, and a student-centered approach to every class he teaches.

What inspired you to get into EMS/fire service?
🔥 I’m old-school—it was the 1970s TV show Emergency! that first sparked my interest in EMS. The excitement and sense of purpose hooked me from an early age.

What do you enjoy most about working at WCTC?
🔥 The culture. WCTC combines high-quality education with a supportive, positive learning environment, creating a place where students can truly succeed.

What’s one piece of advice you give to students?
🔥 Take ownership of your education. Be proactive about getting what you need from your instructors and the program, and don’t be afraid to speak up about what is—or isn’t—working for you.

What’s your most memorable call or teaching moment?
🔥 Rather than focusing on specific calls, I cherish the privilege of serving patients when they need help most. As an instructor, my favorite moments are seeing former students years later and knowing I played a small role in the excellent care they now provide.

What do you like to do outside of work?
🔥 I’m an avid cyclist, participate in an adult Irish dance club, and have recently started playing pickleball.

05/29/2026

🔥 Friday Feature: Instructor Spotlight – Casey

Casey has been part of the WCTC team for almost 7 years. With a lifelong connection to emergency medicine and a passion for mentorship, Casey brings compassion, curiosity, and support into every classroom experience.

What inspired you to get into EMS/fire service?
🔥 My parents inspired me. My mom was an ER nurse and my dad was an EMS pilot, so I grew up around emergency medicine. Watching the way they cared for people—and how humble they were about it—left a lasting impact on me.

What do you enjoy most about working at WCTC?
🔥 The supportive culture among instructors. We work together well and truly want to create a positive, encouraging environment for students.

What’s one piece of advice you give to students?
🔥 Remember how it felt to be new. Be patient and gracious with new coworkers, trainees, and students—you never forget the people who helped you grow.

What’s your most memorable call or teaching moment?
🔥 I love seeing the moment when a concept finally clicks for a student or sparks their interest. That shared excitement for learning is incredibly rewarding and keeps me learning too.

What do you like to do outside of work?
🔥 I enjoy taking solo road trips around Wisconsin. Along the way, I’ve met some fascinating people—including a Division I football referee and a retired school superintendent.

05/29/2026

A huge thank you to Steve Howard and the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) for visiting our Fire Officer I class! 🚒

Steve provided invaluable insights into NFPA 13E, emphasizing the critical role the Company Officer plays when managing fires in sprinklered buildings. Understanding how to support and work alongside these systems is a game-changer for fireground efficiency and safety.

We appreciate the NFSA’s commitment to training the next generation of fire service leaders!

05/16/2026

🚑 Curious about a career in EMS, but not quite ready to commit to EMT or paramedic school? Start with EMR!

Our Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course is the perfect way to explore the world of emergency medicine while gaining life-saving skills that go far beyond basic first aid. Whether you’re considering a future in EMS, fire service, healthcare, coaching, security, or just want to be better prepared to help in an emergency, this class is for you.

✅ 72-hour hands-on course
✅ Learn emergency response and patient care skills
✅ Great introduction to EMS careers
✅ Classes held at Elm Grove Fire Department
📅 Varied class days from May 20 – July 17

Ready to see what EMR is all about? Visit wctc.edu/fire-ems
then click on EMS Continuing Education for course details and registration information!

WCTC is proud to offer a wide variety of courses and specialized training opportunities to meet the Fire and EMS needs of our community. A Wisconsin state-approved training center, WCTC provides specialized, hands-on skills training in our cutting-edge classrooms and labs.

05/15/2026

🔥 Friday Feature: Instructor Spotlight – Lauren

Lauren has been part of the WCTC team for 8 years, bringing energy, creativity, and compassion into both the classroom and the field. Known for her enthusiasm and dedication to students, Lauren is passionate about helping others during some of life’s toughest moments.

What inspired you to get into EMS/fire service?
🔥 An old boyfriend was going to school to become a firefighter and got me excited about the profession. My dad was also a firefighter in Kentucky. I loved the excitement of the job, the idea of not working behind a desk, and the opportunity to make a difference for people during difficult moments.

What do you enjoy most about working at WCTC?
🔥 The people. We have an incredible team of fun, hardworking staff who make every day enjoyable. I love the energy and teamwork here—and of course, we have some amazing students too!

What’s one piece of advice you give to students?
🔥 Don’t procrastinate. Time management is one of the most important life skills you can develop. Waiting until the last minute can cost you opportunities, so stay organized and stay ahead.

What’s your most memorable call or teaching moment?
🔥 One call that has stayed with me involved the death of a 6-week-old baby on Thanksgiving Day. It was especially difficult because I had a 6-month-old at home at the time. Although it was heartbreaking, something meaningful came from it—I still keep in touch with the child’s parents, and we’ve remained friends over the years.

What do you like to do outside of work?
🔥 With four kids—and a fifth on the way—most of my free time is spent with family! I also enjoy camping, gardening, crocheting, drawing, woodworking, and taking on DIY home projects with my husband.

05/14/2026

Have you checked your Wisconsin EMS license expiration date lately? ⏰
Your license expires in just 47 days — procrastination season is over!

WCTC’s EMT Refresher is the LAST refresher course before the expiration deadline:
📅 Online course: June 1 – June 25

Visit wctc.edu/fire-ems and click on EMS Continuing Education to register.

Don’t wait until the last minute — the time is now!

05/05/2026

First responders across Wisconsin face high stress and trauma—but often lack accessible, culturally relevant support.

The Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation First Responder Wellness Conference brings together expert clinicians, peer leaders, and wellness professionals for an interactive, practical day focused on real tools that work.

🧠 Topics include nutrition, sleep, alcohol use, and wellness practices
👨‍🚒 Open to fire, EMS, law enforcement, EAPs, healthcare professionals, and families
📅 8-hour program with hands-on learning
💲 $50 (lunch included)

🔗 Register here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/M8X/

Invest in your wellness—you can’t pour from an empty cup.

04/25/2026

Interested in joining our amazing team of fire and EMS instructors? Apply today at wctc.edu/jobs. Applications will be reviewed after May 1st!

04/24/2026

🔥 Friday Feature: Instructor Spotlight – Anthony

Anthony has been part of WCTC for 1.5 years, bringing energy, clinical expertise, and a strong focus on student confidence into every class.

What inspired you to get into EMS/fire service?
🔥 The thrill of the job, the opportunity to use advanced prehospital skills, the camaraderie, and a schedule that supports a strong work-life balance all drew me in.

What do you enjoy most about working at WCTC?
🔥 Helping students build confidence in their skills. I enjoy breaking down complex concepts and advocating for students so they can succeed.

What’s one piece of advice you give to students?
🔥 Be honest—with yourself and others. Ask questions, learn from mistakes, and stay open to feedback. When things get tough, remember why you started.

What’s your most memorable call or teaching moment?
🔥 Being part of the first prehospital blood administration in Milwaukee County.

What do you like to do outside of work?
🔥 Staying active in the gym, traveling, spending time with friends and family—and enjoying good food and a well-earned nap.