The Wisconsin EMS
Association Foundation
WEMSA Foundation Scholarship
The WEMSA Foundation Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that is available to Wisconsin residents who are intending to or currently attending an EMS Program through an approved Wisconsin training center. This scholarship is provided on an annual basis each academic year in collaboration with national, local, and community donors. Applicants will be required to submit the following information for consideration:
- Resume or CV
- Technical College Enrollment Information
- Letter of Recommendation
- Explanation of Need
- Personal Statement
Please send any application questions to Foundation@WisconsinEMS.com
Previous Awardees
Alexis Plaski, 2023
Victoria Obst, 2022
The Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) Foundation, a 501c3 charitable foundation, is currently seeking national, local, and community donors in an effort to provide academic scholarships to future EMS students in the amount of $1,000 per student scholarship to cover the cost of a program tuition, books, and related testing fees. The scholarships would be available to WI residents in an effort to improve recruitment for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in our communities. If you are interested in sponsoring a scholarship, please contact Foundation@WisconsinEMS.com
DONATE lIFE gRANT
In partnership with Donate Life Wisconsin, the WEMSA Foundation is launching "Rescue to Recovery," a pivotal initiative aimed at boosting organ donation awareness among EMS professionals and the wider community. This program seeks to bridge the knowledge gap in organ, tissue, and ligament donation through comprehensive educational resources, establishing statewide standardized protocols, and engaging community outreach efforts. By empowering our EMS professionals with the right tools and knowledge, we aim to enhance the organ donation process, making a meaningful impact on lives across Wisconsin.
PEDIATRIC EQUIPMENT
Thanks to generous donations from Cars Curing Kids, a Wisconsin based organization devoted to supporting improved health outcomes in the lives of children, the Wisconsin EMS Association Foundation has been providing free pediatric equipment to departments across the state for the past 2 years. By ensuring emergency responders have the specialized equipment needed for pediatric care, the Foundation highlights the ongoing needs of EMS departments and fosters a safer community for our youngest patients.
If your department is an active Service Member of WEMSA, and is interested in obtaining a pediatric bag, please contact WEMSA@wisconsinems.com to learn how to get yours today!
EMS Memorial Fund
In Wisconsin there has been no central location to honor those in our industry. Whether honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others, or honoring those continuing to provide these invaluable services within their communities, there was not a location to do so. This also meant there was no place for the public to recognize our line of duty deaths or those individuals whose daily actions have made our chosen vocation or avocation one of importance and endeared by the communities we serve.
Thankfully, that all changed in 2023 when the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial was officially reorganized and became the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial (WFEM). With a beautiful 7.5 acre park located along the West bank of the Wisconsin River within the city of Wisconsin Rapids, the park will now be a centrally located site within the State memorializing our industry and those that have given their lives while in the service of EMS. If you are interested in supporting the park, please reach out to Ron Naab to donate your time to this dedication to EMS.
The WEMSA Foundation serves as a primary funding source for this new EMS Memorial,
including the construction and upkeep of the park.
EMS Monument Project
In order to create a dedicated portion of the park towards the EMS Community and their efforts, the WEMSA Foundation intends on creating a new EMS Monument. The monument will stand over 11.5 feet tall, representing the Star of Life from an initial glance as well as from an aerial view. The EMS Monument will serve as a lasting symbol of appreciation and respect for their tireless efforts in keeping our communities safe and healthy.
The proposed project plan was created by a local architect creating a unique experience for those who visit the memorial, exemplifying EMS and memorializing those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The architect's vision for the memorial encompasses more than just a physical structure; it represents a tribute to the selfless dedication and bravery of emergency medical service providers.
Testimonials
Lynn Verhagen, Pickerel Fire & Rescue Squad
Victoria Obst, 2022-2023 WEMSA Foundation Scholarship Recipient
The WEMSA Foundation is now one of the few charitable emergency medical services organizations in Wisconsin fundraising to provide Education and EMS Equipment to local communities. With their commitment to the community in which they live and work, the dedicated WEMSA Foundation Board took the initiative to design and launch programs utilizing the funding support of the foundation. With a vision for the future, this team is working to expand the funding support available through the WEMSA Foundation in order to continually advance the level of care a business can provide.
Their efforts have resulted in innovative programs that have impacted all ages and levels of healthcare provided. They have reached out in to Wisconsin communities beyond urgent medical care to create services which educate the young and the elderly - taking a preventative approach to health.
Just as hospitals raise funds for advanced equipment and procedures, the WEMSA Foundation also wants to raise funds for state of the art equipment - to improve the patient care and support the four pillars of its mission; education, research, equipment and prevention.
The WEMSA Foundation is committed to actions that will ensure long term stability and growth for the organization. This includes developing a community based fundraising strategy to provide the financial requirements for programs and operations and the ongoing development and election of a community centered board of directors.
What We Do
Our Mission
Our values
Our Vision
The Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to education, research, equipment purchases and prevention programs in our communities.
Enhancing health and safety in our communities.
We treat all stakeholders with dignity and respect. We are ethical, accountable and transparent. We embrace diversity and innovation. We make a difference through collaboration. We are committed to sustainable programs.
Are you looking to make a meaningful contribution to the support and development of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Wisconsin? The Wisconsin EMS Association Foundation is actively seeking individuals to join our Foundation Board. This distinct opportunity is ideal for those passionate about funding educational opportunities, supporting grant projects, and advancing the EMS profession through strategic financial support and scholarships.
The Foundation Board operates with a focus on overseeing and facilitating initiatives that directly impact the quality and accessibility of EMS education and resources. As a board member, your role would be instrumental in shaping the direction of initiatives that directly impact the quality and accessibility of EMS education and resources. We are interested in candidates from diverse backgrounds who bring a mix of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table.
If you're motivated by the prospect of supporting the growth and excellence of EMS in Wisconsin, we encourage you to reach out. If you are interested, please email us with an introduction, your professional background, and why you're interested in contributing to the Foundation Board's efforts.
