Wisconsin’s safety agency continues investment in future of state fire departments
Madison – Wisconsin Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Secretary Dan Hereth announced today his department will be opening applications for Youth Volunteer Firefighter Training Program grants on Monday, February 2. This marks the fifth round of funding distributed through this DSPS grant program, which helps address recruitment concerns of Wisconsin fire departments.
The grants support programs that expose middle and high school students to career and volunteer opportunities in the fire service at a time when they are making decisions about future careers and endeavors.
“We’re proud to continue this successful grant program,” said DSPS Sec. Dan Hereth. “Wisconsin’s firefighter population is aging, and recruiting and retaining replacements is vital for ensuring the safety of Wisconsin communities.”
“These funds have helped build or expand collaborative training programs between Wisconsin technical colleges, area high schools, and local fire departments, exposing youth to the benefits of fire service and service to their community,” explained April Hammond, DSPS Fire Prevention/Safety & Health Section Chief.
The total amount of grant funding available this cycle is $75,000, with an individual award maximum of $25,000.
DSPS revised eligibility guidelines last year to expand grant funding opportunities to more groups in more parts of the state. This year, the agency adjusted the scoring rubric to add weight to applicants that have never previously been awarded one of the grants.
The funding is available to all qualified fire departments, as well as technical colleges, middle/high schools, or other groups collaborating with a qualified fire department to establish or expand youth firefighter training programs for students.
The schedule for this latest round of grants is:
- February 2 – Grant applications open
- March 1 – Application submission deadline
- March 23 – Anticipated grant awards announcement date
Groups interested in applying for a grant can review materials on the DSPS Firefighter Training Grant Program Website. Questions regarding the grant process and application materials can be submitted to: DSPSGrants@wisconsin.gov
In addition to the grant program, DSPS works with the state fire service to administer the 2% Fire Dues program and to regulate firefighter health and safety. In 2024, the department unveiled a new, free Fire Risk Tool on its public website to help Wisconsin fire departments assess risk in their respective communities.
Wisconsin fire departments provide fire prevention education to schools and community groups. They also collaborate extensively with organizations working to support living in place for older adults, and they provide critical demographic housing information and response support during weather emergencies and natural disasters like floods, tornados, and wildfires.
About DSPS
DSPS issues more than 240 unique licenses, administers dozens of boards and councils that regulate professions, enforces state building codes, and maintains the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which is a key tool in the multi-faceted public health campaign to stem excessive opioid prescribing. A fee-based agency, DSPS is self-sustaining and receives no general fund tax dollars for its day-to-day operations. With two offices and roughly 250 employees, DSPS collaborates with constituents and stakeholders across a wide range of industries to promote safety and advance the economy.
