“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, Fire and EMS associate dean
PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) – On Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Waukesha County Technical College, the second annual 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, 38 high school Fire/EMS cadets and explorers – from the WCTC Dual Enrollment Academy, Milwaukee Fire Department Junior Fire Institute, Germantown/Jackson Fire Explorers, Racine Fire Department and Madison College Fire/EMS Academy – 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 10:30 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m., third round at 12:30 p.m., team unwind and scoring at 1 p.m., awards at 1:30 p.m. and closing at 2 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.
- 10:30 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.
- 12:30 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: Ambulnz, Zorn, Superior Ambulance, Reliant Fire Apparatus
- In-kind sponsors: Ambulnz
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 www.wctc.edu/fire-ems.