Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB187

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/15/25
• Refer: 4/15/25

Caption

Training completion awards for volunteer firefighters. (FE)

Impact

The bill expands the existing length-of-service award program administered by the Department of Administration by allowing for grants to volunteer fire departments and fire companies for training completion awards. It mandates that a municipality must implement a matching grants program through an ordinance in order to be eligible for the state grants. This will enable volunteer fire departments to reward their firefighters for their training efforts, thereby potentially increasing volunteer retention rates and recruitment as well as promoting a more capable emergency service workforce across the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill 187 aims to enhance the compensation framework for volunteer firefighters in Wisconsin by providing completion service awards for those who complete a specified amount of training. Specifically, the bill introduces a training completion award of $500 for firefighters who successfully complete 60 hours of training. This is intended to encourage ongoing training and development among volunteer firefighters, improving their preparedness and effectiveness in serving their communities. The bill emphasizes the importance of training in enhancing the skills of those who serve in emergency response roles.

Contention

While the bill is designed to strengthen volunteer firefighting services, there are contentions surrounding its implementation, including concerns over the financial burdens that municipalities might face in covering the matching funds required for the state grants. Additionally, there might be discussions on the effectiveness of such training incentives and whether they will sufficiently address the challenges of staffing and operational readiness in volunteer fire departments. The necessity of stringent oversight to ensure that funds are used appropriately and do not result in financial mismanagement is also an aspect that requires consideration.