The REACT Center

01/28/2026

Today we recognize the Leader of the Pack! 🐾

Michelle Metzner, our WI-TF1-K9 Manager and REACT K9 Instructor was recognized by National Association for Search and Rescue(NASAR) as a top instructor.

We are so incredibly proud of you and appreciate all the training and deployment response you have provided to help others in their time of need nationwide. Your years of service are so incredibly appreciated and we are so proud that you are part of our team.

If you would like to learn more about canine search and rescue training,email: [email protected]

NASAR continues to be grateful for the dedication and professionalism of every instructor who delivers our courses across the United States and internationally. Your commitment ensures that SAR responders receive high‑quality, mission‑ready education that strengthens the entire search and rescue community.

These individuals below are being recognized as the Top NASAR Instructors/Lead Evaluators of 2025, representing excellence in instruction, leadership, and service. Each of these instructors has received a formal letter of appreciation along with a SAR Academy branded Vallation jacket.

Congratulations to the 2025 Top 10 NASAR Instructors/Lead Evaluators:

Jan Hackett - Instructor of the year. Received a jacket and 2 Rocky Talky Mountain Radios in appreciation.

Michelle Metzner
Karen Paquette
Sarah Whaley
Jerry Whaley
Art Wolff
Margaret Johnson
Barrett McIntyre
Lona McVeay
Craig McVeay

01/16/2026

Thank you Deputy Chief McManus for your dedication to our great state and Wisconsin Task Force 1. 🎉🚒

01/12/2026

Congratulations to one of our very own!

FDLFR is pleased to announce the promotion of Lt. Shawn Kneeland to the position of Battalion Chief.

BC Kneeland is a 19 year decorated veteran of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue. He has been very active in our technical rescue team, WI Task Force, our Honor Guard and is also a ranking Officer in the Air National Guard.

Shawn brings a plethora of knowledge, experience and expertise to the position. BC Kneeland will be in charge of C Shift and we couldn’t be more excited for his leadership and the future.

01/07/2026

Open enrollment announcement! 📣

Pro Board Rope Rescue Awareness and Operations

https://www.trainingwisconsin.org/DeliveryDetails.aspx?classid=14c7f399-71dd-416a-b350-6222620e5bf7

12/29/2025

New course dates for Pro Board Fire Officer 3&4 🎉

These are rescheduled courses and priority registration will be given to previously approved students. Spots are limited.

Lodging reservations available through the base. Civilian and military fire company level officers are eligible to apply.

https://www.trainingwisconsin.org/

12/03/2025

Why do we provide emergency response training in all weather conditions at The REACT Center? 🥶🥶

-Emergencies happen year-round
-Weather conditions create unique challenges
-Training in a controlled weather environment improves safety and reduces injuries for future responses
-Builds resilience and mental strength with members
-Identifies efficiencies and deficiencies with tools and apparatus
-Training in real conditions enhances readiness


https://react.wi.gov/

11/13/2025

Wisconsin Task Force 1 Leader, Doug Vrechek and other task force members represented at the State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance conference in Orlando, FL this week. This opportunity allows each state to highlight recent deployments and training.

SUSAR is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the search and rescue capabilities of resources across the country, promote knowledge sharing and support the development of new resources and capabilities within communities for disaster search and rescue operations.

https://www.susar.og

11/05/2025

Big announcement! 📣 📣

Urban Search and Rescue-Medical Team Specialist

Spots will go quickly, so register today.

This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver advanced medical care in disaster environments, including confined space, collapsed structures, and other technical rescue scenarios. Instruction includes medical monitoring, triage, treatment, and victim extrication support, following FEMA and National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) System guidelines.

Registration: https://disastermedicalsolutions.com/

Registration questions: 6083165042

11/04/2025

What happens when special operations teams come together for the Structural Collapse Technical Rescuer course??🤔😎

Check out these amazing training photos 👇

Participating Agencies:

City of Milwaukee Fire Department Heavy Urban Rescue Team
Wisconsin Task Force 1
City of Des Moines Fire Department
Minnesota Task Force 2

https://react.wi.gov/

10/28/2025

Members from Dakota County Special Operations Team (DCSOT) joined us at REACT over the brisk weekend to conduct training and refresh their structural collapse rescue skills.

This team a multi-agency public-safety unit that involves law enforcement officers along with fire/EMS. DCSOT is also part of Minnesota Task Force 1.

10/22/2025

Great work team!