Ignite The Spirit-Milwaukee

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.

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!