Mid-State Technical College, in partnership with Advanced Tactical Medicine, hosted the inaugural Tactical Strength & Readiness Symposium July 21–22, 2026, bringing together professionals from 25 public safety agencies representing law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, corrections and other first responder disciplines.
The two-day symposium was designed to strengthen the readiness, resilience and effectiveness of those who serve their communities by providing practical strategies, expert insights and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Participants learned from nationally recognized keynote speakers, including Todd Blyleven, a survivor and hero of the 2017 Route 91 mass shooting in Las Vegas, who shared powerful lessons on courage, leadership and resilience under extraordinary circumstances. Attendees also heard from Jb Moody, chief of the Stevens Point Fire Department, whose presentation emphasized leadership, preparedness and the importance of building resilient organizations capable of performing under pressure.
In addition to keynote presentations, attendees participated in six breakout sessions focused on physical resilience, mental readiness, tactical performance, leadership, wellness and decision-making in high-stress environments as well as group discussions and hearing from a panel of experts. The symposium encouraged participants to exchange ideas, learn from one another's experiences and explore evidence-based practices they can apply within their own agencies.
Following the first day of the symposium, participants gathered for an informal networking social, providing an opportunity to continue conversations, strengthen professional relationships and connect with peers from agencies across the region. The event fostered meaningful discussions, encouraged the sharing of experiences and best practices and reinforced the value of collaboration across public safety disciplines.
"Bringing together professionals from varied disciplines created valuable opportunities to learn from one another, while building knowledge of tools and strategies to stay operationally ready to perform at their best," said Rick Anderson, dean of Mid-State's Adams Campus and School of Public Safety. "We're excited to build on this momentum and make the symposium an annual opportunity for public safety professionals throughout the region."
Advanced Tactical Medicine’s Director of Industrial & Tactical Medicine Traci Tauferner said, "Partnering with Mid-State Technical College made it possible to create an event that combined nationally recognized speakers with practical, evidence-based training tailored to the realities first responders face every day. We appreciate Mid-State's commitment to advancing public safety education and look forward to continuing this partnership in the years ahead."
Building on the success of this year's symposium, Mid-State Technical College and Advanced Tactical Medicine have already scheduled the 2027 Tactical Strength & Readiness Symposium for July 13–14, 2027. Planning is underway to expand educational opportunities, strengthen partnerships across the public safety community and continue providing high-quality training that equips first responders and public safety professionals to meet the evolving challenges of their professions.
