Ignite The Spirit-Milwaukee

10/09/2026

09/29/2026

It’s National Coffee Day! In the firehouse, our day starts with ensuring that our firefighters, apparatus, and equipment are operationally ready.

Immediately following is the exchange of information and occupational ‘wisdom’ over a cup of coffee.

We are grateful for our relationship with Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. and their support of Milwaukee Fire Department associated nonprofits to include Milwaukee Fire Honor Guard, INC., Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association, and Milwaukee Junior Fire Institute.

The MFD 150th blend is available in cafes and a portion of every bag goes towards supporting your firefighters.

09/18/2026

We are proud to announce the return of one of our Milwaukee Fire Department Community Work Shirts!

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the same shirts and hoodies worn by Milwaukee firefighters as we recognize and celebrate the Hispanic community and culture that are such an important part of Milwaukee.

Order yours now at the link below and celebrate with us!

09/11/2026

On September 11, 2001, 343 FDNY members made the ultimate sacrifice. But for many first responders, the sacrifice did not end that day.

In the years since, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police officers, and countless others who worked at Ground Zero became sick from the toxic environment they were exposed to. Many have since lost their lives. Thousands more continue to live with 9/11-related illnesses.

Today, we remember those who never made it home.
We remember those who came home and later became sick.
And we remember the families who have carried that loss for 25 years.

We will .

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July from Ignite the Spirit-Milwaukee!

Whether you're celebrating at home or at the firehouse, we hope that you stay safe, have fun and are able to enjoy the best parts of this Independence Day!

06/15/2026

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

We heard you loud and clear! After a two-year hiatus, our Milwaukee Fire Department Pride and City Flag shirt has returned!

Order in comments!

06/11/2026

Ignite The Spirit-Milwaukee proudly celebrates the retirement of one of our founding board members, Matt Trepczyk, after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Milwaukee.

A member of the Milwaukee Fire Department's very first Cadet Class on September 5, 1995, Matt served Milwaukee fearlessly throughout his career, ultimately retiring as a Heavy Equipment Operator and Vehicle Operations Training Coordinator. He has helped shape generations of Milwaukee firefighters through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence.

As a founding board member of Ignite The Spirit – Milwaukee, Matt has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support his brothers and sisters in the fire service. His compassion, generosity, and steadfast dedication to firefighters and their families have helped define who we are as an organization.

Matt, thank you for your decades of service to others, your unwavering commitment to the fire service, and your continued support of Ignite The Spirit – Milwaukee and the firefighters and families we serve. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement.

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.