For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: November 12, 2025
Sandry honored for statewide fire training leadership
Fennimore -
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s Lead Fire Service Instructor, Karl Sandry, was honored for his statewide leadership and lasting contributions to fire service education following the Wisconsin Technical College Board meeting on Nov. 5.
Ward Lyon, fire service education director for the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), presented Sandry with a plaque recognizing his exceptional work as committee chair for the NFPA 1010 Entry Level Firefighter, Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certification updates.
Lyon praised Sandry’s commitment, explaining that his leadership directly impacts every firefighter trained in Wisconsin. “This work literally affects life or death on the fire scene,” Lyon said. “If you’re a firefighter in Wisconsin, you’ve taken a course that Mr. Sandry helped update. These revisions ensure consistency and quality across every technical college in the state—so whether you’re a full-time firefighter in a city or a volunteer in a small town, you’re learning the same essential skills.”
The NFPA 1010 update includes a 60-hour entry-level course required for anyone entering a burning structure. Sandry led a committee of subject matter experts representing departments from across Wisconsin, ensuring all perspectives—from urban to rural—were considered.
“Karl emphasized that we needed to think about every firefighter in the state,” Lyon added. “He was thoughtful, patient, and incredibly dedicated to making sure the updates worked for everyone.”
A 39-year veteran of the fire service, Sandry began his career in DeSoto, Wisconsin, in 1986 and now serves as a firefighter in Barneveld, Wisconsin. He joined Southwest Tech in 2003, following several years as an instructor at Western Technical College.
At Southwest Tech, Sandry has built a reputation for mentoring instructors, coordinating training programs, and maintaining the college’s high instructional standards. He has chaired or served on multiple statewide curriculum committees, including developing and updating the Fire Instructor I and II courses and associated training modules.
Despite his many achievements, Sandry was quick to share credit. “I wasn’t expecting this,” he said. “It’s definitely a team effort. I’m fortunate to have great support here at Southwest Tech, which allows me to take time to work on statewide projects. I’ll continue that work—it’s important for all of us in the fire service.”
Southwest Tech Interim President, Caleb White, noted that Sandry’s recognition reflects both his professional excellence and his dedication to service. “Karl has been with the college for as long as I have,” said White. “He’s not just an instructor—he’s a firefighter himself. That real-world experience is what makes our technical college system so strong. We’re incredibly proud of Karl and grateful for the passion he brings to his work and his students.”
As Lyon put it, “The state of Wisconsin and the WTCS Fire Service Education and Training Team are very lucky to have Karl Sandry as part of our team.”
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |