2026 Winter In-Service Information

THursday, Feb. 26

1730–2000 - Weary Travelers Reception – Sugar River Pizza Co.
(1390 Cabela Dr., Sun Prairie, WI 53590)

Friday, Feb. 27

0700 - Registration Open & Breakfast at Hotel

0800–1015 - Opening Ceremony, Featuring Keynote Presentation: Execute: 6 Habits That Will Transform Your Work & Life from Derek Deprey

Carefully look over your "to-do" list. Will you commit to action? Reality check: wherever you are in your life and career is a result of your habits, good or bad. Great news! No matter where you are right now, you can transform your life by transforming your habits. The best way to get started is to bridge the gap between being busy and being productive. In this workshop, you'll learn that the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Derek will help you design every minute of your activities with 6 gap-closing behaviors. You’ll go from, “I’m overwhelmed, stuck, and unfulfilled” to, “I’m laser-focused, making progress, and fulfilled.”

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Set an inspiring goal
Create a deadline
Block off alone time

Commit to deep work
Say no
Do it afraid

1015–1030 - Vendor Visits & Networking

1030–1200 - All Tracks Begin (General Leadership Track & NFA Class)

General Leadership Track

Labor Law Update & Artificial Intelligence & Local Government – What Could Go Wrong?
Ryan Heiden, von Briesen & Roper, s.c.

Artificial intelligence is the latest and greatest technology, which means courts and the law are behind addressing the legal impacts of AI on employers and their operations. Despite the delay, employers have slowly found themselves before courts defending legal claims related to their use of AI. These court decisions, along with legal guidance related to other, similar technologies, have provided employers with an insight into some of the legal concerns AI presents, and what employers can and cannot do when engaging with AI. For example, AI presents challenges related to hiring decisions and processes, development of policies, research of personnel matters, and the public records law. This presentation will provide attendees with insight into these matters through case examples and other practical considerations. This presentation will also focus on recent labor law updates fire department leaders should be aware of heading into 2026.

1030-1200 F/W0522 — Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Through Difficult Conversations
Harold Cohen, National Fire Academy

The purpose of this 2-day course is to provide knowledge and skills for having difficult conversations to exercise leadership in addressing adaptive challenges. The goal of this course is for the participant to identify and apply skills for having difficult conversations as they relate to exercising leadership when addressing adaptive challenges.

1200–1300 - Lunch with Vendors

1300–1630 - Educational Sessions Resume

General Leadership Track
1300–1530 – Ladder Up Mentorship Workshop – Jay Winston
1545–1630 – Legislative Update & Interactive Discussion – Lobbyist George Klaestch

1300-1630 F/W0522 — Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Through Difficult Conversations
Harold Cohen, National Fire Academy

1730–1930 - Dinner Reception at Hotel

Saturday, Feb. 28

0730 - Registration Open & Breakfast at Hotel

0830–1030 - All Classes Begin

General Leadership Track
0830–1030 – “No Comment” is the Wrong Comment – Crisis Communication for Fire & EMS Service Leaders - Chief Aaron Lipski

It takes effort and deliberate communication to get ahead of and ‘control the narrative’. Doing this properly is not easy, nor is it always comfortable, but if we seek to remain trusted we must remain transparent. Handling this well increases your department’s visibility, credibility, and community trust. Chief Lipski will utilize good (and not so good) case study examples to highlight effective strategies.

0830-1030 F/W0522 — Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Through Difficult Conversations
Harold Cohen, National Fire Academy

1030–1100 - Vendor Visits & Check Out of Hotel Room

1100–1200 - Lunch with Vendors

1200–1500 - Educational Session Resumes

General Leadership Track
1200–1315 – State of the Fire Service: Codes, Costs & Current Challenges - Jason Roberts, City of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue

NEW SESSION ALERT!

1300-1500 - Free PPE & Screening for New Recruits: How to Use Wisconsin's SAFER Grant - Jerry Streich, ODP, Capstone LLC

The Wisconsin Fire Chiefs Association has been awarded a $1.5 million FEMA SAFER grant to build a statewide recruitment marketing plan that inspires new candidates to join local fire departments. A portion of the grant will provide FREE firefighter PPE and required health screening for newly hired recruits during the grant period, or until available funds are exhausted.

Attend this session to learn what the grant covers, who is eligible, and exactly what your department must document to receive funding. We’ll also cover upcoming training classes and the marketing opportunities available to help your department recruit and retain members. Please join us!

1200-1500 F/W0522 — Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Through Difficult Conversations
Harold Cohen, National Fire Academy