We are pleased to report on the success of the very first annual Wisconsin Home Day event, held on August 20, 2008 at the Fox Valley Technical College, in Appleton, Wisconsin.
In attendance was Congressman Thomas Petri accompanied by Mrs. Debbie Gebhardt and Mr. Tyler Vorpagel. Mrs. Marlene Mielke attended representing Senator Herb Kohl, and we also had the honor of having Mr. Craig Mosier attend, representing Congressman Steve Kagen. Along with these distinguished guests were local fire chiefs Ed King (Neenah Township Volunteer Fire Department), Tim Bantes (Grand Chute Fire Department), Mike DeBruler (Grand Chute Fire Department) and Tim Franz (City of Oshkosh Fire Department), along with several representatives from the college, including president Dr. Susan May, and executive staff.
Our program kicked off with an outdoor exhibit of fire apparatus manufactured in the State of Wisconsin. Our exhibitors and co-sponsors of the event include: A&A Manufacturing, Class One/Hale, Custom Fire Apparatus, Duo-Safety Ladder Corp., Marion Body Works, Pierce Manufacturing, Oshkosh Corporation, Seats, Inc., UPF, and U.S. Tanker.
Once inside our conference venue, Dr. May welcomed our guests and partners in the event and introduced Mr. Jeremy Hansen, chair of the school’s fire protection technician program. Mr. Hansen discussed the training program the college offers and handed the microphone to Mr. Jeff Resch, past president of FAMA, who continued to emcee the event upon his introduction and spoke on the fact that one out of every two fire trucks in this country is over 15 years old, and the need of continued federal support of the Fire Act Grants. Mr. Resch then had the pleasure of introducing our guest speaker. Chief Timothy Franz addressed the audience with a very moving and strong message on the importance of federal support to each department, firefighter commitment and safety. After lunch, awards were presented to Congressman Petri, Mrs. Mielke and Mr. Mosier for the unwavering support their offices provide.
The feedback thus far on this event has been very positive. Each respondent complimented the venue, setting, program, catering and hospitality. This year’s event certainly set the tone for future Home Day planning, which in all certainty will become more popular and successful.
Please take a few moments to review the attached images from the celebration. We are extremely proud of the team from Fox Valley Tech and Pierce that spearheaded and planned this triumph.
