Ignite The Spirit-Milwaukee

06/06/2026

If you've been here a while, you know that Kristin Ciganek-Schroeder was a huge catalyst for Ignite The Spirit MKE's birth.
Kristin was a mother, wife, and a sister. She was a Fire Lieutenant for The Milwaukee Fire Department. She was filled with grit. She battled Colon Cancer bravely for five years until she was called home in 2017. Kristin's illness was attributed to the carcinogens that firefighters are exposed to in the line of duty.

We are honored to offer a scholarship in her name to support women pursuing careers in the fire service. This year, we hope to award two $1,000 scholarships to women who are either starting school in the fall or currently working toward a degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or a related field.

All that is needed to apply is a short essay detailing your career goals and your involvement and volunteerism in your community, along with two letters of recommendation.

More information, including applications, may be obtained on our website.

Applications are due July 1st.

Tag your firefighter or future firefighter below!




WCTC Fire & EMS Milwaukee Junior Fire Institute Milwaukee Area Technical College - EMS Program Milwaukee Area Technical College Gateway Technical College Fire Program Milwaukee Fire Department Sandy Ciganek

05/26/2026

Sharing in support of a local firefighter.

This is a Go Fund Me for Quinn Adamek who is a 23-year-old fulltime Fi… Andrew Handeland needs your support for Help Quinn Heal: Our Community’s Hero Needs Us

05/25/2026

Amid the celebrations, we remember that freedom has always come at a cost. Memorial Day is a time to pause, reflect and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Today, we stand in gratitude for every hero who never made it home and for every family who carries their legacy forward.

We will never forget.

05/23/2026

The Milwaukee Fire Department Boat Team is proud to announce the recommissioning of the Fireboat Trident following an 18-month renovation and modernization project. We invite you to attend the official recommissioning & christening ceremony tomorrow at 11am in the Discovery World Rotary Amphitheater.

Stick around for on-water maneuvering and firefighting demonstration showcasing the vessel's upgraded capabilities and our children's mock fire simulation for a fun hands-on experience.

Thank you to Discovery World and State Shore Park who have been tremendous partners throughout the process. We appreciate their continued support of the Milwaukee Fire Department Boat Team!

FIREBOAT TRIDENT RECOMMISSIONING & CHRISTENING CEREMONY
📆Sunday, May 24, 2026
⏰11 AM
🏢Discovery World (Rotary Amphitheater)
📍500 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee Wisconsin, 53202

05/17/2026

Bella Lipski, daughter of Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, graduated from UWM with a degree in occupational science and technology, aiming to address mental health challenges faced by firefighters.

05/17/2026

Congratulations, Chief Lipski!

05/04/2026

Light the Hoan lit up red last night to support Wisconsin fallen firefighters.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge lit up red to honor fallen firefighters on Sunday evening. MORE BELOW⬇️

02/02/2026

🔥👨‍🚒 Firehouse Chefs & Bakers — We Need YOU! 🧁🔥

It’s time for the 2nd Annual Smoke & Sizzle Firehouse Chef Competition at WCTC — and we’re looking for more firefighters who can bring the heat outside the firehouse kitchen.

We’re taking over WCTC’s state-of-the-art culinary kitchens and baking labs for a night of food, fun, and friendly competition.

👩‍🍳 This year’s lineup:
🔥 6 Chefs (smoking, grilling, cooking up the main event)
🧁 4 Bakers (because every great meal deserves a sweet finish)

Chefs can bring 2–3 sous chefs — aka your crew — to help prep and cook. Yes, this absolutely counts as team bonding.

📅 When: February 20 | 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Where: WCTC Culinary Kitchens & Classic Room
800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI

🏆 Why compete?
• Bragging rights (the most important prize)
• Celebrity judges tasting your creations
• Support a great cause — proceeds benefit the WCTC Next Gen First Responder Fund

Top honors will be awarded for Top Chef and Top Baker — and yes, we fully expect some serious kitchen swagger.

👨‍🍳 Firehouse chefs & bakers — claim your spot!
Scan the QR code or sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4EA9A828A2F85-60385282-smoke

If you’ve ever said, “I make the best ___ at the station,” this is your moment. Don’t let another department take the title 😎🔥

02/01/2026

Supporting Meng’s Family Through Profound Loss With the family's permission, this is the official support page for Meng Kue. Meng was a dedicated and resilient employee of Bell Ambulance since November 2020. Eager to start his career, Meng quickly excelled and was advancing in his role within ...