Madison – The Wisconsin Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is continuing its popular Youth Volunteer Firefighter Training Program grants, with DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth today announcing the four winners in this latest round of awards.

The winners in this latest round of grants are:

  • Beaver Dam Fire Department – $25,000 for the department’s Cadet Gear Replacement Program
  • Richfield Fire Department – $22,580 for the SE Washington County Explorer Program
  • Osceola School District – $25,000 for the Osceola Junior Firefighter Program
  • Ripon Area Fire District – $2,420 partial grant request for the Ripon Area Fire District Youth Apprenticeship Program

“Recruiting and training the next generation of firefighters is critical to not only community safety, but also firefighter safety,” said Sec. Hereth. “Wisconsin fire departments, most of which are volunteer units, need an infusion of youth. As Wisconsin’s safety agency, we understand the urgency and want to do our part in sustaining programs that train young firefighters and help ensure the safety of Wisconsin communities.”

Through this grant program, Wisconsin DSPS awards individual grants of up to $25,000 to qualified fire departments, technical colleges, or school districts for establishing or expanding youth firefighter recruitment and training programs for middle and high school age youth. The departments, tech colleges, and school districts often collaborate to offer programs that provide opportunities to young people in their area.

“As a long-time member and leader in a volunteer fire department, I can tell you there is a recruitment crisis, and we need to be introducing the next generation to the fire service.” said April Hammond, DSPS Integrated Section Chief for the Fire Prevention/Safety and Health Program. “If you lose personnel, it can start to impact response times and service to the community.” 

Wisconsin DSPS provides services related to fire prevention, protection, and fire department safety and health, while also administering the state’s 2% Fire Dues Program.

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.