Contact: Mark E. Brady, Public Information Officer, PIOMarkBrady@gmail.com
The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) has selected Milwaukee Fire Department Captain Joseph Flick as the recipient of the Chief James G. Yvorra Scholarship for Fire and Emergency Service Responders for the second consecutive year.
Flick completed a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency response management from the University of Wisconsin in May 2025 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in fire and emergency administration and management.
“Captain Flick exemplifies leadership through service and continues to make a meaningful difference in the fire service,” said Michael Hildebrand, president of YLD. “That commitment reflects the very spirit of the Yvorra Foundation.”
In 2018, Flick founded Ignite the Spirit–Milwaukee, a 100% volunteer nonprofit dedicated to supporting Milwaukee firefighters and their families during times of emotional, physical and financial hardship. Since its inception, the organization has assisted hundreds of fire service families across southeastern Wisconsin, providing support ranging from weekly meal deliveries to funeral expenses.
In 2020, Ignite the Spirit–Milwaukee established the Kristin Ciganek-Schroeder Memorial Scholarship, which supports women pursuing careers in the fire service. Five scholarships have now been awarded, and all previous recipients are currently employed full time with Wisconsin fire departments.
Flick also launched the All-Hands Initiative in 2019 to address firefighter mental and behavioral health needs. What began as a program to assist firefighters entering inpatient treatment has evolved into a long-term therapeutic resource. Since May 2024, the initiative has provided 170 fully funded therapy sessions for 25 Milwaukee firefighters, totaling nearly $31,000 in services through a partnership with First Responder Psychological Services.
As a fire captain, Flick oversees the operations and readiness of Engine 36 and Paramedic Ambulance 2 in the department’s First Battalion. His responsibilities include supervising officers and crews, ensuring policy compliance, and fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism and inclusion. He regularly serves as incident commander at fires, medical emergencies, technical rescues and hazardous materials incidents.
Flick is also a co-developer and instructor for the department’s Company Officer Cornerstone Program, lead instructor for Fire Officer I State Certification, and a member of the department’s Training Committee. In addition, he serves as one of three coordinators for the 2026 Metro Fire Chiefs Conference, to be hosted in Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Fire Department, under the leadership of Fire Chief Aaron D. Lipski, protects approximately 95 square miles and a population of about 595,000, responding to more than 80,000 calls annually. The department operates with roughly 750 sworn personnel and provides a wide range of emergency response, prevention and community health services. Three members of the department were selected this year to receive YLD scholarships, a first for the foundation.
Each year, YLD recognizes emerging and developing leaders in fire, EMS, hazmat, emergency management and homeland security. In 2025, YLD awarded 10 scholarships totaling $52,000.
The application period for YLD scholarships runs from Aug. 1 through Oct. 30. More information is available at YLD.org.