Session Descriptions

thursday, June 20th

We Need Water... And We Need Air - Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems, Mike Gagliano

Firefighters need two essential things to put out fires: Water and Air. Without a steady and sufficient supply of both, a sustained fire attack, search and extinguishment are impossible. The fire service has gone to great lengths to answer the need for water delivery with the development of water mains, standpipes, fire pumps and sprinkler systems. The question of air resupply has been less of a priority. Unfortunately, that has led to many terrible days with firefighters running out of air, being chased out of the structure before tasks could be completed, or taking shortcuts that typically involve breathing smoke. The results of that behavior are everywhere in hospitals, cancer wards and cemeteries.

Every good incident commander knows trying to haul air bottles across long distances or up significant heights is a slow and laborious process. Elevators can be used but present their own challenges and failures. This class will introduce a technology that answers the problem of air resupply in much the same way water standpipes resolved the problem of water resupply: Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS)

FARS are a standpipe for air. Air is supplied in the street, through fixed piping, monitored for quality and delivered to distant locations right where firefighters need it most. The strategic and tactical implications are enormous as firefighters can refill there air, while still under full respiration, and remain close to where the fire attack, search and other operations are happening. This class will open your eyes to what is possible when you have sufficient air and water to fight the fire.

DOR Update on Maintenance of Effort Reporting, Patty Mayers and Sara Regenauer

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue will provide a detailed overview of the new Maintenance of Effort reporting requirements including a walkthrough of the certification forms and available resources. Join us to attain an in-depth understanding of the new program and have your questions answered.

Patty Mayers 

Patty Mayers was appointed Assistant Deputy Secretary in March 2024 and has been a member of the department’s leadership team since July 2017 when she was appointed to serve as Communications Director. She brings more than 20 years of strategic communications and media experience to the Department of Revenue (DOR). Prior to joining DOR, she was Director of the Office of Public Affairs for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation where she oversaw communications for one of Wisconsin’s largest state agencies. Before her work for the state, Patty worked at Trails Media Group, publisher of Wisconsin Trails magazine, managing its regional book publishing division. She began her career at Madison Newspapers, Inc., in advertising. Patty grew up in Antigo, Wisconsin and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UW-Madison. She and her husband Jeff live in Middleton and have two adult children.

Sara Regenauer

Since June 2020, Sara Regenauer has held an integral role in the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s State and Local Finance Division, where it’s her mission to be a resource and a partner for local governments. Prior to joining the department, Sara served as the finance director and treasurer for the town of Beloit. While there, she created the town’s first long-range plan, capital improvement plan, and investment plan, and received the Wisconsin Government Finance Officers Association Award in three consecutive years for establishing an outstanding budget. While in her town roles, Sara realized her interest in local government and her desire to support Wisconsin communities. Previously, Sara worked for 17 years at a local financial institution, with 10 of those years in management. Sara obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baker College.

Best Practices for an All-Encompassing Mental Health Program, Michael Wos - PFFWCF

This session aims to provide fire chiefs and public safety agency leaders with a comprehensive understanding of best practices for mental health programs tailored to the unique needs of fire fighters and first responders. Attendees will gain insights into resiliency training, peer support training, legislative updates, mental health professional involvement, and practical implementation strategies to support the mental well-being of their teams.

Michael Wos

Michael Wos is the Executive Director of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting burn survivors, firefighters, and fostering safe communities throughout Wisconsin. Under Michael's leadership, the Fire Fighters Foundation has touched countless lives through its comprehensive fire safety and prevention initiatives and its unwavering support for firefighters and their families during times of need. While the Foundation's primary goal is to prevent fires and burns, it also provides meaningful assistance to burn survivors of all ages and at every stage of recovery.

Michael's journey in the fire service began in August 2001 with the Mukwonago Fire Department. In 2004, he joined the City of Oshkosh Fire Department as a full-time firefighter and paramedic. His dedication and expertise led to his promotion to Equipment Operator in 2022, and in June 2023, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant, serving on Engine 14 on the city's Southside, a station that also covers the airport. Michael holds numerous professional certifications, an associate degree in Fire Science, and a baccalaureate degree in Fire and Emergency Response Management from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He has contributed to several fire service publications in Wisconsin and is a respected instructor, sharing his knowledge and experience with peers. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to fire safety, Michael received the Bringing Safety Home Award from the National Fire Protection Association and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition in May 2022 for his efforts to promote fire safety and the importance of home fire sprinklers.

Outside of his professional commitments, Michael enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife and three children.

The Art of Go/No Go - Making Quick Decisions on the Fireground, Mike Gagliano

The toughest and most critical decisions you make in your career typically revolve around committing to an interior attack or choosing another route. Seasoned officers know the difference between "We can get it" and "It's lost." You should too. Using a simple framework that allows you to build on your experiences and those of others, you can develop an intuitive approach that grows with you throughout your career. This is not a magic class, and no one becomes a great decision maker by attending a few classes and watching a few videos. The goal is to create a framework of three varying profiles: Rescue, Building, and Fire. These profiles allow you to keep focused on your decisions and give you the ability to draw on what you’ve learned and react to changes in the dynamic fire environment.

Capt. Mike Gagliano, Seattle Fire Dept. (ret.)

Mike Gagliano has over thirty years of fire/crash/rescue experience with the Seattle Fire Department and the United States Air Force.  He retired as the Captain of Ladder 5 and remains a proud member of Fire Station 31.Captain Gagliano has written numerous fire service articles, is co-author of the bestselling books Air Management for the Fire Service, Challenges  of the Firefighter Marriage and the SCBA chapter of the Handbook for Firefighter 1 & 2 from Pennwell. He is a member of the Fire Engineering/FDIC Advisory Board, Firefighter Air Coalition board member, on the advisory board of the UL-Firefighter Safety and Research Institute and teaches across the country on Air Management, Fireground Tactics, Leadership and Company Officer Development. Mike co-hosts the popular Fire Engineering radio webcast “The Mikey G and Mikey D Show” and partners with his wife Anne (Firelife.com) to teach on strategies for developing and maintaining a strong marriage/family.

Friday, June 21st

Leading with Character, Dave Anderson

Our focus is on addressing areas that promote trust , transparency, and accountability. Attendees will walk away with practical and actionable ways to exercise character. Together we will: - Focus on Becoming a Firefighter of Character. Together, we will learn about the 6 Habits of Character and how to practically apply them in our lives, thus becoming the leader we wish we had. We will discuss how building our character is a daily choice. It is the foundation of establishing trust within the community and with each other. - Teach how to create an environment of trust, how to form character by using the 6 Habits of Character and how to have courageous communication. - Learn how to recognize bias. We all have bias - but how do we allow bias to influence our decisions. We are in control of making a different choice. It takes courage and humility to admit - I may have bias towards others and the humility to do something about it and learn from others.

Lead with Character, this is the motto Dave Anderson lives by. He believes leadership begins when we take responsibility for our actions and become the leader we would want to follow. Dave's leadership journey began as a child and continued to develop throughout his years at West Point. With the guidance of his father, General Jim Anderson, Dave grew up with this truth: "Character Counts."

Product and Service Innovation

Introduction and presentation of vendors.

Next 18, Matt McDonell, Laura Skinner, and Jeff Gauthier

Join Next 18 founder and Executive Director Matt McDonell, lead clinician Laura Skinner, and alum/peer support Jeff Gauthier as they present their unique approach to using the sport of golf as a catalyst for growth and recovery for veterans and first responders. Recently joining the PGA Tour as the newest "Birdies for the Brave" initiative, Next 18 now operates within the TPC network across the country, including Wisconsin locations such as Erin Hills, Sand Valley, and Whistling Straits.

Next 18 offers four-day wellness camps free of charge to all participants. These camps include lodging, food, PGA instruction, daily golf, extensive group conversations, and clinician-led programming. The program employs a highly curated approach to non-conventional treatment, focusing on developmental trauma, CPTS, and moral injury education. Participants are introduced to breathwork, yoga, meditation, and journaling, providing them with a versatile set of resources for their return home.

Next 18 is also launching a "back 9" initiative in collaboration with the Oklahoma VA, offering a six-month after-care program. This effort, along with the expansion of national resources and the development of a supportive community for alumni, underscores Next 18's commitment to its participants. Since September 2021, the registered 501(c)(3) organization has operated 17 camps, serving 182 alumni from 29 states. Next 18 strives to become the preeminent suicide prevention program for first responders nationwide.

Matt McDonell

Matt McDonell is from Detroit, Michigan and lives in Fox Point, WI. Matt served in the US Army from March 2011 – December 2015 as an Airborne Infantryman with the 173rd IBCT and was stationed mainly in Germany. Matt deployed to Afghanistan in a combat role in 2012/13. He was medically retired in late 2015. Since exiting service Matt has owned a successful lawn and snow company, received his MBA (2020) from Cardinal Stritch University, and has received his MSW (2023) from Concordia University. While not running camps across the country, Matt uses his MSW and private practice therapist role to take local veterans and first responders in Milwaukee out one-on-one to golf and facilitate their needs to tackle hurdles they are facing in a non-traditional counseling environment. He plans to use the program and education as a pilot program for those who would like to do similar, unconventional social work and counseling at the betterment of his brothers and sisters across the country. In his spare time, Matt enjoys scuba, golf, cross-fit, traveling the world, reading, a good cigar, and hot/cold therapy.

Laura Skinner

Laura Skinner (LPC) founded Navigate Wellness in 2014. Her driving mission was and continues to be creating a sanctuary for the community. Her vision to assemble a team of compassionate healers dedicated to holistic growth and healing has manifested over the last decade as her practice has grown. Navigate Wellness currently has two locations - Mequon and Port Washington, offering in-person and online services. Laura’s unique style and practice embraces innovative approaches addressing the mind, body, and spirit. In addition to being a practice owner, she found an additional opportunity to flex her creative mind and feed her spirit by working with Next 18 as their Lead Clinician and creating all of the content that is used at Next 18 camps.Next 18 is a national non-profit organization that provides 3.5 day golf camps offered free of charge to veterans and first responders. Next 18 facilitates a golf camp mindset interwoven with mental health and holistic lifestyle resource modules, which were created by Laura. Laura specializes in treating Substance Use Disorders and Trauma, utilizing advanced therapeutic modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Hypnotherapy, Somatic Experiencing (Body work), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy). Her expertise extends to working with first responders and veterans, providing tailored support to those who have served their communities and country. With lived experience and a commitment to her personal growth journey, Laura has crafted a practice reflecting her values and meeting the diverse needs of her clients. Outside of her professional life, Laura enjoys exploring new destinations with her children, engaging in creative projects, and immersing herself in the outdoors and music.

Jeff Gauthier

Jeff served as a volunteer fire fighter for four years in Menomonee Falls, WI. before becoming a full-time member of the Milwaukee Fire Department in 2000. Jeff is a twenty-two-year veteran of the Milwaukee Fire Department, having served in the ranks of fire-fighter, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Lieutenant. Jeff retired after serving thirteen years as a Lieutenant in some of the busiest companies the city has to offer. His career was dedicated to training, education, teaching young adults about the fire service, Peer Support, and a positive attitude. Jeff and his team formed the Milwaukee Junior Fire Institute in 2009. The Milwaukee “JFI” is a non-profit dedicated to teaching young adults about the fire service and incorporating life skills along the way. Upon retirement Jeff stepped down from that role after serving the program for over 14 years. Jeff served on the Milwaukee Fire Department Peer Support Team for over 12 years. He was the Lead Peer for Substance Use Disorders and Issues. Jeff served on the MORI Team (Mobile Opioid Reduction Initiative) for three years working with fellow Peers in the state to help reduce the number of overdose deaths in Milwaukee County. In 2016 he began working for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and became a Peer Support Master Instructor. Jeff is now the IAFF 5th District Representative (Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota) for the Standing Committee on Behavioral Health. Jeff continues to work and travel on behalf of the IAFF for both In-person and Virtual training. Jeff is a Certified Recovery Coach and works with individuals on Breathwork, Meditation Techniques and holds a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Jeff attended Camp 1 Fire Ridge 2021 and instantly wanted to become more involved serving as an advisory member for one year. Jeff currently volunteers as embedded Peer Support at Next18 camps. Jeff enjoys helping attendees find ways to tap into available resources, breathwork, meditation and how to work towards improving their quality of sleep. Jeff’s typical self-care includes motorcycling, golf, hiking with his wife and dog, and reading.

Maximizing Retention & Attraction in the Fire Service: Leveraging Financial Benefits and Education,  Anew Advisors

Join Anew Advisors for an insightful presentation tailored for Fire Chiefs across Wisconsin. This session will delve into the pivotal role that financial benefits and educational programs play in attracting and retaining firefighters. Through a combination of expert insights, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees will learn strategic approaches to enhance their firehouse's appeal and support their teams' financial well-being.

Anew Advisors

Anew Advisors, LLC came to fruition in 2020 after the founders extensive experience in the financial services industry. Anew is a financial investment firm that specializes in providing retirement planning services to first responders, including police officers and firefighters, across the United States. 
Combined, the team has almost 60 years experience in the financial industry, and over 60 years experience in the first responder industry - which makes us a formidable force capable of offering specialized retirement planning services to those who serve.

Anew Advisors is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) providing fiduciary investment services to first responders. We address the distinct financial challenges they face with a blend of expertise and empathy. Our mission is to give honest, impactful advice to first responders so they can build a financial legacy for their families and their brothers and sisters.

Current Threat Environment, WISIC, Ryan Murphy, Julia Aurit, and John Connor M. Tampoya

Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy, Fire Chief with the Janesville Fire Department (JFD). Ryan has been with the Janesville Fire Department for over 25 years. Additionally, Ryan is the Fire/EMS Liaison with the Wisconsin Statewide Intelligence Center in Madison, WI. Safety Officer with Wisconsin Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. Ryan recently wrote articles for Fire Engineering and The Wisconsin Fire Chiefs Magazine.

Saturday, June 22nd

This House Rocks - Achieving Firehouse Excellence, Mike Gagliano

There is nothing quite like a firehouse. It can be the most incredible experience of your life or a miserable exile to purgatory. It can be a place of learning where skills are honed and techniques refined or a stagnant cesspool where competence erodes into ineffective complacency. What is it that causes one place to be cohesive and brimming with camaraderie, while just down the road there is dissension and drudgery? Learn five key areas that can turn any firehouse into the type of place that enables firefighters to thrive and fulfill their calling. This class will look at how to build and enjoy the type of firehouse everyone wants.

Capt. Mike Gagliano, Seattle Fire Dept. (ret.)

Mike Gagliano has over thirty years of fire/crash/rescue experience with the Seattle Fire Department and the United States Air Force.  He retired as the Captain of Ladder 5 and remains a proud member of Fire Station 31.Captain Gagliano has written numerous fire service articles, is co-author of the bestselling books Air Management for the Fire Service, Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage and the SCBA chapter of the Handbook for Firefighter 1 & 2 from Pennwell. He is a member of the Fire Engineering/FDIC Advisory Board, Firefighter Air Coalition board member, on the advisory board of the UL-Firefighter Safety and Research Institute and teaches across the country on Air Management, Fireground Tactics, Leadership and Company Officer Development. Mike co-hosts the popular Fire Engineering radio webcast “The Mikey G and Mikey D Show” and partners with his wife Anne (Firelife.com) to teach on strategies for developing and maintaining a strong marriage/family.

Why We Are Here: The Culture to Be the Best