Annual Conference 2026

Congratulations — you are nearing retirement. You have selflessly served your community for decades. Now it is time to focus on you and your family and maximizing joy in your life. You also have a giant memory card full of skills, knowledge, experiences, and education that you want to somehow use. Finding a balance of all those things is easier than you think.

In this deeply personal and information-packed presentation, co-presenters and retired fire chiefs Todd Eckes and Bob Barteck open up to discuss strategies to balance family, finances, hobbies, health, and still finding ways to give back to the fire service.

Command staff face more scrutiny than ever. One misstep in a disciplinary investigation can erode trust, invite grievances, or expose your department to significant organizational liability. Wisconsin's firefighter disciplinary framework — including the authority and procedures governed through Police and Fire Commissions under Wis. Stat. § 62.13 — is not simply a compliance requirement. It is a leadership instrument that, when understood and applied correctly, strengthens command authority and organizational integrity.

This session covers Wisconsin's statutory framework, protected employee rights, due process requirements, and practical guidance for command officers responsible for disciplinary decision-making. Participants will gain clarity on procedural safeguards, representation rights, just-cause considerations, and the common command mistakes that weaken disciplinary outcomes.

When applied properly, these procedures strengthen organizational culture, reinforce accountability, and reduce the risk of costly legal challenges while preserving command credibility.

Understanding Wisconsin's firefighter disciplinary framework is only the first step. The true test of leadership begins when an allegation becomes real and command must act. In today's environment, investigations are scrutinized not only by commissions, arbitrators, and courts, but by governing bodies, unions, employees, and the public.

This session focuses on the disciplined execution of a legally defensible investigation within federal law and Wisconsin's due process and disciplinary structure. Participants will examine investigative planning, interview protocols, documentation standards, representation rights, evidentiary considerations, and the procedural failures that most often undermine disciplinary cases. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining fairness, protecting employee rights, preserving organizational integrity, and ensuring investigative findings are consistent, objective, and well supported.

When conducted professionally and deliberately, investigations do more than resolve allegations. They protect the organization, reinforce accountability, and strengthen command credibility.

The class will take two of the most important fireground strategies and break them down into actions firefighters can easily employ. We will focus on effective fire suppression methods to systematically take back an involved structure while supporting search operations. UL data and current best practices will be featured throughout the class.

Department of Safety and Professional Services staff that specialize in Firefighter Safety and Health & Fire Prevention will provide an overview of how SPS 330 relates to training. Staff will discuss NFPA and OSHA code references and requirements, health and safety officer expectations, records management, training program requirements, minimum training standards, personal protective equipment, and apparatus operation and training. Staff will also provide FAQs and be available for question and answers.