Mitch Groessl Memorial Scholarship & Incentive Program

This scholarship covers coursework and expenditures for community members wishing to pursue a license in EMT Basic Training or to be a RN Rescue Squad Service.

About Mitch Groessl

Mitch Groessl served 39 years with Algoma’s Rescue Squad before dying of pancreatic cancer in 2022. During his time with the rescue squad, Mitch logged almost 5500 hours of service, was an adjunct instructor for NWTC assisting with EMT classes and practical exams, and was instrumental in advancing the scope of practice for the city’s EMS volunteers. Mitch mentored new recruits and served as a role model for his sons, each of whom currently serve with Algoma Fire and Rescue.

The Mitch Groessl Memorial Scholarship and Incentive Program is a program aimed at increasing the EMS workforce in Algoma. Two components of the program are established:

A scholarship stipend for individuals seeking to serve on the Algoma Rescue Squad is established to remove barriers by providing a scholarship to incidental costs for completion of EMT Basic courses.
Licensed registered nurses who serve without the need of the coursework can receive a service stipend.

Scholarship Stipend for Completion of EMT Basic Course

According to the EMT Basic Agreement (3/26/2019), "According to the EMT Basic Agreement (3/26/2019), "The City of Algoma (Algoma Fire & Rescue Dept.) will pay a student's tuition for the EMT-Basic class. All immunizations required for said class not covered by student's insurance will be funded by the City of Algoma. All other expenses associated with the course (i.e., books, supplies, etc.) will be the responsibility of the student."

EMT Basic training consists of 180 hours of instruction through an approved provider (typically NWTC), and practical and written examinations. CPR instruction is embedded in the EMT Basic course. Costs of textbooks/supplies were noted at $400 and immunizations at $150 as of the 2019 policy.

For individuals who are of limited financial resources, the required expenditures present barriers to participation in this civic opportunity. Scholarship funding is meant to subsidize textbooks and mileage expenses during the EMT Basic course. (Per policy, reimbursement for 1/3 of the mileage costs will be reimbursed after six months service to the Rescue Squad).

Licensed Registered Nurse Stipend

Licensed registered nurses can perform duties on the Algoma Rescue Squad after orientation by Rescue Squad personnel. R.N.’s are not required to complete the EMT Basic course of study and can practice up to the Service’s level of care.

Award Process

Scholarship Stipend for Completion of EMT Basic Course

Eligibility for the scholarship is contingent upon eligibility for certification under DHS 110.06 (1).
Individuals wishing to complete the EMT Basic course request sponsorship of the City of Algoma by contacting the Rescue Squad Director or Captain.
Once training agreement is signed and NWTC course registration is ascertained, a check for $500 will be disbursed to the applicant.
Upon completion of the course and when authorized by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS), an additional $500 will be issued. DSPS issues certification upon successful completion of the written and practical examinations.

Registered Nurse Service Stipend

Eligibility for the service stipend requires the RN complete Service on-boarding and receive authorization to function fully within the Service’s level of care.
Perform six months of service to the Algoma Rescue Squad at a minimum of 40 hours per month.
In addition to on-call service, attendance at monthly meetings is expected.
Upon completion of the six-month period, a check for $500 will be issued to the individual.

How to Apply

To apply, contact Rory Groessl, family representative, at rory.groessl@gmail.com.

Legal Fine Print

DHS 110.06 Application for initial license or certificate; initial training requirements.
(1) Eligibility. To apply for an initial license as an emergency medical services practitioner or certificate as an emergency medical
responder, the applicant shall meet all of the following requirements:
(a) The individual is 18 years of age or older.
(b) The individual is capable of performing the actions authorized by the department in the Wisconsin scope of practice for the practice level for which the applicant applies.
(c) The individual has successfully completed training in the applicable Wisconsin curriculum within the 24 months immediately preceding submission of the application to the department for an initial license or certificate.
(d) The individual has current registration with the NREMT at or above the practice level for which the application is made. If the individual does not hold certification with the NREMT, he or she must complete a cognitive and psychomotor assessment exam through the NREMT

which must be authorized by the department.
(e) The individual provides documentation of successful completion of a CPR course within the last two years at the healthcare professional level by a CPR organization specified under s. DHS

110.17 (1). If the application is for licensure at the paramedic level,
the applicant provides documentation of successful completion of coursework provided by an organization specified under s. DHS
110.17 (1) in all of the following:
1. Advanced cardiac life support.
2. Pediatric advanced life support, pediatric education for pre-hospital professionals at the advanced life support level, or an equivalent course approved by the department.
(f) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, Stats., the individual does not have an arrest or conviction record that is substantially related to performing the duties of an emergency medical responder or emergency medical services practitioner, as determined by the department. An individual with a conviction record may apply to the department for a pre-determination on their eligibility for certification or licensure by completing an application for pre-determination which includes providing the date of conviction and the nature and circumstances of the crime and submitting it to the department. The individual shall submit the application for the pre-determination fee specified under s. DHS 110.16 (1) (g) with the application. If the department denies the application, the department will notify the applicant of the reason for the denial and any appeal rights.
2 Should Algoma Rescue modify reimbursement or add an Emergency First Responder (EMR) option, adjustment of scholarship to include EMR participation will occur if additional costs are incurred by the participants. (EMR training is only 16 hours, CPR certification, and completion of EMR examination).