Central Wisconsin Fall Fire Conference
Fire department personnel are invited to join Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and Mid-State Technical College for the fourth annual Central Wisconsin Fall Fire Conference. You will have the opportunity to:
- Experience a high quality, professional conference
- Listen to two presenters on key topics faced by all agencies and members within the departments
- Grow through networking and collaboration
Through the generous donations of sponsors, the conference is being offered at a fee of $15 per attendee.
Registration is required.
Carry the Fire: Developing Core Skills for Leadership
The Chessboard Mind—The Art of Tactical Foresight
Developing “tactical foresight" involves adopting a proactive and preventive approach to addressing problems, focusing on their root causes rather than just dealing with the symptoms or consequences. This concept can be applied in every aspect of public safety and personal development. Going upstream is a declaration of personal agency; we don't have to accept the way things are. Through this presentation, we will learn from the Octopus, Abraham Lincoln, and the Chicago Bulls—to name a few.
Why Good People Make Bad Decisions: Ethical Decision Making in the Fire Service
In the fire service, tough calls are part of the job. But what happens when the right decision isn’t clear, or when pressure, fatigue, or organizational dynamics cloud our judgment? In this session we will explore how psychological factors impact ethical decision-making in the complex and demanding environment of the fire service. This session, adapted from a course traditionally offered through the National Fire Academy, uses real-world examples to explore why good people sometimes make poor choices.
The Dark Triad in the Fire Service: Navigating Individual and Group Dynamics
This class is designed for firefighters, officers, and organizational leaders who are committed to strengthening team cohesion, promoting mental health, and cultivating a resilient organizational culture. Walk away with practical insights and tools to enhance your leadership capacity and protect your firehouse from the hidden threats posed by destructive personalities.
When & Where
Monday, September 29, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mid-State Technical College • Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Agenda
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:15 a.m. | Doors open for check-in |
| 8:00 a.m. | Welcome Benjamin Goodreau, Fire Chief, Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department |
| 8:10 a.m. | Carry the Fire: Developing Core Skills for Leadership & The Chessboard Mind – The Art of Tactical Foresight Kris Blume and Susie Zavala |
| Noon | Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Why Good People Make Bad Decisions: Ethical Decision Making in the Fire Service Kris Blume and Susie Zavala |
| 4:00 p.m. | Wrap-up and Visiting of Sponsor/Vendor Displays Benjamin Goodreau, Fire Chief, Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department |
Questions?
Contact Workforce & Economic Development or call 715.422.5339.
If you have a disability and need accommodations to take part in this activity, please let us know. Contact the event coordinator as soon as possible, ideally 14 days in advance.
