News & Events

88 LADDER 1 / / / Nov 25, 2025

Riverside's new Ladder 1 is officially in service! It is a 107' heavy duty with a 500 gallon tank and 2,000 GPM pump.

WISCOM UDATES / / / Nov 23, 2025

Thanks to Dennis Reynolds from the Wisconsin Interoperable System for Communication (WISCOM) for talking at our most recent meeting! Here are the high-level points about the current state radio upgrade project and what you can do now to prepare.

WHAT: Wisconsin is upgrading the statewide radio system (WISCOM) to a new 7/800 MHz P25 network.

WHY:

• Stronger, more reliable coverage, with better signal penetration into structures.

• Less channel interference—clearer communication.

• More open bands—it's easier to secure a frequency.

WHEN:

• Build-out is happening now, region by region. Expected to be complete in late 2028.

• 80-20 matching grants are available NOW to help municipal agencies buy compliant radios, and it is not expected that more funding will become available.

BOTTOM LINE:

It is recommended that departments plan to purchase at least mobile (vehicle-mounted) radios that work with the new system, especially if you work with other departments and organizations outside of your division. The grant application window closes January 15, so apply NOW to take advantage of available funds.

LINKS:

• WISCOM Interoperability Grant

• WISCOM Presentation Slides from Nov meeting

NOV UPDATES / / / Nov 18, 2025

• This week (Nov 17-21) is Wisconsin Winter Weather Awareness Week. It's a great time to reach out to your community to encourage preparedness and safe behavior as nasty weather starts to threaten.

• This week is also Crash Responder Safety Week. This year's theme is "Safety Starts With You – Slow Down and Move Over!" 

• If you haven’t already, please take the time to fill out this national survey on first responder mental health, from the First Responder Center for Excellence. Whether you are professional or volunteer, a firefighter, EMS, or other first responder, please provide your confidential feedback.

• The Hazardous Material Emergency Planning (HMEP) grants are now available! Read more on the Wisconsin Emergency Management grants page.

• Interested in wildland firefighting? Want to build a career with the DNR? The DNR is looking for limited-term help! These seasonal positions offer hands-on experience, training, and direct exposure to DNR operations, excellent for those interested in full-time Forestry Technician or Forester roles. Positions are available all over Wisconsin. Commitment may range from part-time and on-call to 40 hours per week. Get more details and apply here by December 1. Contact Anthony Palladino if you have questions.

MISC UPDATES / / / Oct 5, 2025

• Register now for a free NVFC-sponsored EV/AFV Incident Management training at Kronenwetter on Nov 8, from 8a-4p. More details here.

• NTC has a full-time fire instructor faculty position available. Read more and apply here.

• Our next MABAS meeting is Nov 5. We will have a WISCOM representative to review the interoperability radio plans for the state, so bring your questions! Details and a calendar invitation will be sent out soon.