Clinton Fire Protection District- April 2025

Spring is Here!

Spring has officially arrived, bringing with it longer days, warmer weather, and new opportunities for growth and training. April was a productive month for our department, with focused efforts on both fireground tactics and EMS care. Our crews showed great energy and engagement throughout each session, building on skills that are critical to our mission. Here’s a look back at what we accomplished and a preview of what’s to come. 

Probies No More

In April, two of our Probationary Firefighters, Braxton "Bucket" Messel and Mark "Dinger" Arnold, completed their probationary packets and officially ended their probationary periods.

Both firefighters have worked hard over the last year, consistently showing dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to the job.

When he’s not at the firehouse, you can find Messel a few thousand feet above the earth—he’s currently in the process of earning his commercial pilot’s license. In addition to that, he’s also working toward his EMT certification. Bucket brings a great attitude and a strong desire to learn every time he walks through the door, and we’re proud to have him on our crew. Congratulations, FF Messel!

No one is more excited to see Dinger off probation than Dinger himself. He’s been chomping at the bit to complete his task book and get that yellow shield off his helmet. Arnold is also pursuing his EMT certification and actively seeking full-time opportunities in a career department. He brings a top-tier work ethic, a great sense of humor, and an insatiable drive to train. Good luck and congratulations, FF Arnold!

April Trainings

04/14/25 – Fire – Hoseline Training
The first training of the month focused on exploring different hoseloads. Each load pulls slightly differently and has its own pros and cons. Firefighters practiced deployment techniques, evaluated speed and efficiency, and discussed which loads best suit different types of incidents.

04/21/25 – EMS – Trauma
This month's EMS training centered on trauma care. Our EMTs reviewed the mechanisms of injury, types of trauma (blunt, penetrating, and burns), and the importance of rapid assessment and intervention. Hands-on scenarios helped reinforce best practices for treatment and patient packaging.

04/27/25 – Fire – First Due Engine Operations
The final training of April focused on first due engine operations with an emphasis on water supply and flow. Crews practiced forward lays from hydrants to establish a continuous water source. We worked on moving big water using both 2 ½” lines and the blitz gun, ensuring members are confident deploying and operating these high-flow options. The goal was to sharpen our initial attack strategy while preparing for fire scenarios requiring large volumes of water quickly and efficiently.

Looking Forward to May 

Warmer weather is on the way, and so is a full month of exciting training!
In May, we are looking forward to:

• A full month of Vehicle Extrication Training
• Stroke Emergencies EMS Training in collaboration with Beloit Memorial Hospital 
• Members completing their Fire and EMS classes!

April brought valuable hands-on experience and strong participation across both fire and EMS disciplines. From mastering hoseline techniques to tackling trauma care and advancing our first due operations, the team continues to show dedication to growth and readiness. As we head into May, we’re excited for warmer days and another month packed with meaningful training. Let’s keep the momentum going—stay motivated, stay prepared, and take pride in the work we do for our community.