Newsletter

Welcome to the CFPD Newsletter Page! Be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates on all things happening at CFPD. This is where our monthly CFPD Newsletter will be posted at the end of each month, keeping you informed about the latest news and developments.

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Clinton Fire Protection District Newsletter- April 2026 

Clinton Fire Protection District Newsletter – April 2026

A helicopter is flying against a backdrop of blue sky and clouds, viewed from below.
A Blackhawk Helicopter carrying Governor Tony Evers  flies overhead. 

April Showers
“April showers” might be the biggest understatement of 2026 so far. Everything is wet, the sun appears to have resigned, and we are all ready for May.  Nature remains committed to chaos. Summer is coming, folks. 

Governor Evers Visits Rock County

A group of individuals, including a soldier, approaches a military helicopter on a clear day, with golf carts visible nearby.
Governor Tony Evers touches down in Rock County

On April 21st, Tony Evers visited Rock County to meet with residents affected by the recent storms. The National Guard aircraft carrying Governor Evers landed at Cecilia’s Golf Course.

CFPD assisted by establishing a landing zone and remaining on standby during the visit. We were honored to be asked to support the operation and play a small role in an important visit to the community. Government events do love cones, radios, and standing around professionally.

Clinton Fire Protection District Fire Academy Plans

Clinton Fire Academy emblem with axes, star of life, and the motto "Train Like Lives Depend On It—Because They Do."

CFPD’s Fire Academy will take place on Saturday, May 16th, and Sunday, May 17th. Like last year, the academy will focus on Firemanship 101.

Our recruits will build proficiency in search and rescue, fire suppression, hose advancement, Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations, and more. Training will follow a crawl, walk, run progression.

Recruits will first be shown the end goal by instructors and introduced to the fundamentals. From there, they will complete repeated hands-on drills to build confidence and consistency. Finally, realistic scenarios will allow them to apply those skills under pressure, because apparently we enjoy stress as a hobby.

Sunday will serve as our live fire day, where recruits will experience real fire and smoke conditions in a controlled environment.

It is shaping up to be another outstanding academy. Thank you to all recruits and instructors who continue to dedicate their time and effort to raising the standard.

 

Trainings

A firefighter assesses the scene of a house fire, with damage visible and debris scattered around, including bikes and hoses.

April 13th
We held a debriefing on the High Street fire. We talked through the tactics we used, what went well on scene, and what we can improve on next time. These reviews are important so we can keep learning and keep getting better after every call.

April 20th
This training focused on EMS trauma case studies. We went over patient assessment, treatment priorities, and making decisions during high stress calls. Working through these scenarios helps our members stay sharp and be ready when real calls come in and things get messy, which they usually do.

April 27th
We trained on first-in tactics, ladders, and basic search principles with Captain Olsen. Members reviewed the responsibilities of the first arriving crew, practiced ladder placement, and worked on search techniques. Good fundamentals win calls, even if they’re not flashy enough for the internet.

 

 

Live Fire Training with Fontana Fire

Four firefighters pose in front of a burning house, with flames and smoke rising, indicating an active fire scene.
L to R: FF/EMT Michelle De La Torre, FF Matt Heath, Lt. Jordan Gustafson and  FF/EMT  Nathan DuCharme

CFPD was fortunate to receive an invitation from Fontana Fire to participate in their live burn training. Representing CFPD were Lt. Gustafson, FF/EMT Nathan DuCharme, FF/EMT Michelle De La Torre, and FF Matt Heath. Our members observed fire growth, practiced hose advancement, and performed fire suppression operations. The training concluded with the final burn of the structure.

Be sure to check out the photos below.

Firefighters in gear observe flames erupting from a window of a white building, indicating an active fire situation.
A firefighter stands outside a house with a spray-painted "A" on the wall, equipment nearby, suggesting a fire scene.
Firefighters in gear are gathered outdoors, some resting and others talking, with emergency vehicles in the background.
Four firefighters stand in front of a smoke-filled building with flames visible inside. They're equipped and ready for action.
Firefighters in gear interact near a tree, with fire trucks and equipment visible in the background on a grassy area.
Firefighters respond to an incident at a house with water cascading from the roof, creating a dramatic scene.
Firefighters are working near a white house, using hoses and equipment, possibly responding to a fire or emergency situation.
Firefighters in gear responding to a house fire, with smoke visible and multiple team members working together.
Firefighters in gear observe flames erupting from a window of a white building, indicating an active fire situation.
A firefighter stands outside a house with a spray-painted "A" on the wall, equipment nearby, suggesting a fire scene.
Firefighters in gear are gathered outdoors, some resting and others talking, with emergency vehicles in the background.
Four firefighters stand in front of a smoke-filled building with flames visible inside. They're equipped and ready for action.
Firefighters in gear interact near a tree, with fire trucks and equipment visible in the background on a grassy area.
Firefighters respond to an incident at a house with water cascading from the roof, creating a dramatic scene.
Firefighters are working near a white house, using hoses and equipment, possibly responding to a fire or emergency situation.
Firefighters in gear responding to a house fire, with smoke visible and multiple team members working together.

 

Karstetter Off Probation

A young man holds a firefighter helmet in front of a fire truck, labeled "Clinton Fire District" and "Rescue."
FF  Jeff Karstetter

Jeff Karstetter has successfully completed his probationary period.

A Clinton native, Jeff currently holds his Firefighter I certification. When he is not at the firehouse, he is attending school to become a full-time plumber. So if you have a leaky pipe or a clogged toilet, Jeff may soon be your guy. Humanity’s endless ability to break plumbing remains unmatched.

Congratulations, Jeff.

Conclusion

April was another productive month for CFPD, marked by continued training, operational growth, and valuable opportunities to build on the momentum from March. The department remains committed to readiness, professionalism, and serving the community.

 

 

 

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