“In the ultimate test of skill and camaraderie, it’s a day filled with adrenaline, teamwork and challenging themselves as these future first responders demonstrate their dedication to community safety.” – Courtney Hull, associate dean of Fire and EMS Training
PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024) – On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Waukesha County Technical College, the inaugural First Responder Face-Off will take place on the College’s fire training grounds, 800 Main Street in Pewaukee.
The event invites fire department cadets and explorers to compete in a series of complex challenges that showcase their prowess in firefighting, emergency medical services and team dynamics.
In total, 33 high school Fire/EMS cadets and explorers – from the WCTC Dual Enrollment Academy, Milwaukee Fire Department Junior Fire Institute, Germantown/Jackson Fire Explorers and Western Lakes Fire District – will be competing in teams of four in six events.
“In the ultimate test of skill and camaraderie, it’s a day filled with adrenaline, teamwork and challenging themselves as these future first responders demonstrate their dedication to community safety,” said Courtney Hull, WCTC’s associate dean of Fire and EMS Training.
About the event:
- The day begins at 8 a.m., with orientation, followed by the first round at 9 a.m., second round at 10:45 a.m., lunch at noon, third round at 1:15 p.m., team unwind and scoring at 2:30, awards at 3 p.m. and closing at 4 p.m.
- Events include:
- 9 a.m. – Rapid Doff and Don: Properly and safely putting on and removing protective equipment and gear; Rapid Victim Removal: Work as a team to demonstrate ability to safely negotiate an obstacle course to rescue a smoke victim.
- 10:45 a.m. – Fire/EMS Relay: Work together to complete relay steps involving a hose hoist and dummy drag, stair chair and more; Barrel (Keg) Push: Demonstrate nozzle control and teamwork by pushing a keg 100’ around a barrel to the finish line.
- 1:15 p.m. – EMS Knowledge Relay: Test knowledge of EMS equipment; Communications Challenge: Demonstrate effective communication during a stressful situation.
- Several sponsors have graciously donated to this event, including:
- Event and team sponsors: Kelmann Restoration and Waukesha County Fire Chiefs Association
- Team sponsors: Conway Shield, Dinges Fire Company, Air One Equipment, Paul Davis Restoration, Pro-Tec Fire Services
- In-kind sponsors: Fire Department Coffee, Fire Science Nutrition, Sprecher Brewery
“Paul Davis is proud to sponsor this exciting new event that will showcase first responders’ hard work and dedication to keeping our community safe,” said Brady Chuckel, WCTC Foundation Board member and president/CEO of Paul Davis Restoration of Southeast Wisconsin, Fox Valley Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois.
Chuckel said the Paul Davis team collaborates with WCTC on employment opportunities for students and also works closely with first responders in situations of property loss caused by fire, weather events or accidents. “Our shared goal of helping people in their time of need makes this partnership a natural fit, and we look forward to some friendly competition!”
Hull said the competition promises to be high energy and is great practice for the students training for their next step in the Fire/EMS field. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the competition and cheer on the next generation of heroes in action!
To learn more about WCTC’s Fire and EMS programs and offerings, visit wctc.edu/fire-ems.