Clinton Fire Protection District Newsletter- November 2025

Happy Thanksgiving!
We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving surrounded by good food and even better people. With the days getting shorter and the temperatures getting colder, winter is knocking at the door. This month at CFPD we managed to get a little training in (WHAT?), a little beasting (WHAT?), and a little feasting (WHAT?). And that’s the bottom line… because Stone Cold said so.

Olsen and Reetz Promoted

Our Captain and Lieutenant selection process has officially concluded for 2025. We would like to thank all members who applied and showed interest in these leadership roles. Stepping up takes guts, effort, and commitment to this department. With that said, we are excited to introduce our newly promoted leadership: Captain Erik Olsen and Lieutenant Bill Reetz.

Captain Olsen brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Erik has devoted 15 years to Fire and EMS, serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic with Paratech Ambulance, Edgerton Fire, and currently with both Fontana and CFD. A few months ago, Olsen was also promoted to Lieutenant at Fontana.

Erik is a firm believer in continuing education and regularly travels to attend high-level training such as RIT Under Fire and VES: Inside and Outside the Box. Outside the fire service, Erik enjoys hunting, fishing, and the occasional Battle of the Badges MMA fight (so just stay on his good side and everything should be fine).

We are excited about the leadership, experience, and drive he brings to the department.

Congratulations, Captain Erik Olsen!

If there were a job description for “do-everything human,” Bill Reetz would be the gold standard. EMT, Firefighter, Tender Operator, MPO, Mechanic… if it involves wheels, wires, or waking the dead from an engine block, Bill can probably handle it.

Reetz began his fire service career as an Explorer with CFD while still in high school. After a short break, he returned home to the district a few years ago and once again became a staple of the department. He is also the proud owner of Big Red Motorworks in Clinton, where he somehow convinces broken engines to live another day.

Outside of work, Bill enjoys spending time with his wife, two kids, and his dog Fred, who—by all accounts—runs the house.

Leadership comes naturally to those who already lead through their actions.
Congratulations, Lieutenant Bill Reetz!

De La Torre Off Probation

Firefighter/EMT Michelle De La Torre successfully completed her probation this month. Michelle joined CFD earlier this year after taking a class with FF/EMT Dinger Arnold (our regrets to her for that life decision). After hearing how the department operated, she decided to give CFD a shot… and thankfully for us, she stuck around. A Beloit native, Michelle currently holds EMT, Fire I and II certifications and will be completing her MPO in the coming weeks. When she’s not being abused at the firehouse, you’ll find her working as an ER Tech at Beloit Memorial Hospital or hanging out with her tiny-but-ferocious wiener dogs, Cuco and Simba.

Michelle hopes to eventually be hired on a full-time department and continue building her career in the fire service.

Congratulations, Firefighter/EMT Michelle De La Torre!

November Training

Wrap Training

A special training for the month was given by our partners at the Rock County Sheriff's Office with a demonstration of "The wrap". The Wrap is used to restrain folks who aren't exactly with the holiday cheer. We had the opportunity to put some of our hooligans into it. It works. It works really well.  One will be purchased to keep Dinger in check. 

EMS Training: Metabolic Disorders

This month the EMS side focused on metabolic emergencies. Members reviewed common presentations such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic emergencies, and seizure-related metabolic causes. Training emphasized early recognition, patient assessment, and proper treatment pathways to improve patient outcomes in high-risk calls. These conditions may be silent killers, but knowledge and good patient care make them manageable.

Fire Training: MAYDAYS & Firefighter Rescue

The fire side of training focused on MAYDAYS and firefighter rescue, specifically the role and responsibilities of Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT).

During the first drill night, members were oriented to the RIT bag, including air management and emergency bottle swaps. Another station focused on victim packaging and firefighter movement techniques. This session served as the “crawl” phase of our Crawl, Walk, Run training philosophy.

On the second night, members advanced into the “walk” phase. Crews were placed into simulated MAYDAY scenarios where they had to locate a downed firefighter, assess the issue, correct the problem, and perform removal under stress. It quickly became clear how chaotic and physically demanding a real MAYDAY can be—and why training for it matters.

Nobody ever wants to call a MAYDAY.
But we train as lives depend on it, because they do.

Winter Safety Reminder

As colder weather sets in, please drive cautiously and practice safe heating and fire habits at home. We understand it’s cold outside, but burning your house down is not a valid heating strategy.

Stay warm. Stay smart. Stay safe.

We wish everyone a great month with their friends and families. We’ll see you again at the end of the year.