MEDIA ALERT: WCTC to host First Responder Face-Off May 2

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Tuesday, April 28, 2026) – About 40 area teens will test their life-saving skills on Saturday, May 2, during Waukesha County Technical College’s third annual First Responder Face-Off. The competition pits fire department cadets, explorers and Dual Enrollment Academy students, ages 14 to 18, against one another in a series of high-intensity firefighting and emergency medical services challenges. 

Led by WCTC Fire/EMS faculty and staff, the day will be filled with adrenaline, teamwork, camaraderie and friendly competition as these future first responders will demonstrate their dedication to community.

When and Where: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Waukesha County Technical College (Pewaukee Campus) 800 Main Street, Fire Training Grounds and Apparatus Bays

• 8 a.m. -- Orientation and intro
• 9-10 a.m. -- First round (Location: Pole Barn 2)
• 10-11 a.m. -- Second round (Location: Fire Training Grounds)
• 11 a.m. -- Lunch
• 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. -- Third round (Location: Fire Apparatus Bay – Building S, Room S-230)
• 12:30 p.m. -- Awards ceremony

Who: Teams from across the region, including:

• WCTC Dual Enrollment Academy students
• Madison College Dual Enrollment Academy students
• Milwaukee Junior Fire Institute participants
• Western Lakes Fire Department explorers
• Racine Fire Department cadets

What (Competition Challenges): Participants -- individually and on teams -- will go head-to-head in six rigorous events:

• Rapid Doff and Don: Suiting up and taking off protective firefighting gear. (Pole Barn 2)
• Rapid Victim Removal : Navigating an obstacle course and rescuing a smoke victim. (Pole Barn 2)
• Fire/EMS Relay: Completing a relay involving a hose hoist, dummy drag and manikin carry. (Fire Training Grounds)
• Barrel Push: Demonstrating nozzle control and teamwork to push a barrel to a finish line. (Fire Training Grounds)
• EMS Equipment Knowledge Relay: Identifying different EMS equipment based on a reference list. (Fire Apparatus Bay – Building S, Room S-230)
• Communication Challenge: Demonstrating effective communication during a stressful situation. (Fire Apparatus Bay – Building S, Room S-230)

The First Responder Face-Off is made possible thanks to a variety of corporate sponsors.

For more information, please visit www.wctc.edu/face-off  .