Completion of Georgia Smoke Diver Program Recognition Copyrighted
April 6, 2026
City of Dubuque PRESENTATIONS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Completion of Georgia Smoke Diver Program Recognition
SUMMARY: Fire Chief Amy Scheller and Bureau Chief of Training Martin
Fitzpatrick will recognize Fire Equipment Operator Chris
Kluesner's achievement in successfully completing the
Georgia Smoke Diver Program.
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo Completion of Georgia Smoke Diver Program
2. DFD-Georgia Smoke Divers Program Recognition
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Dubuque
THE CITY OF �
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Completion of Georgia Smoke Diver Program
DATE: March 31, 2026
Fire Chief Amy Scheller and Bureau Chief of Training Martin Fitzpatrick are recognizing
Fire Equipment Operator Chris Kluesner's outstanding achievement in successfully
completing the highly demanding Georgia Smoke Diver Program.
This accomplishment reflects exceptional dedication, resilience, and commitment to the
fire service profession and brings great distinction to both the Dubuque Fire Department
and the community we serve.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Amy Scheller, Fire Chief
Martin Fitzpatrick, Bureau Chief of Training
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Dubuque
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TO: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Amy Scheller, Fire Chief
Martin FitzPatrick, Bureau Chief of Training
SUBJECT: Completion of Georgia Smoke Diver Program
DATE: March 23, 2026
INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to formally recognize Fire Equipment Operator
(FEO) Chris Kluesner for his outstanding achievement in successfully completing the
highly demanding Georgia Smoke Diver Program. This accomplishment reflects
exceptional dedication, resilience, and commitment to the fire service profession and
brings great distinction to both the Dubuque Fire Department and the community we
serve.
DISCUSSION:
The Georgia Smoke Diver Program is widely regarded as one of the most physically
and mentally demanding training programs in the fire service. Established to enhance
firefighter survivability and operational effectiveness in extreme fireground conditions,
the program pushes participants well beyond conventional training limits.
Spanning multiple days of continuous, high-intensity scenarios, candidates are
subjected to rigorous evolutions designed to simulate real-world, worst-case fireground
environments. These include:
• Prolonged interior firefighting operations in zero-visibility conditions
• Complex search and rescue scenarios requiring advanced problem-solving under
stress
• Heavy physical exertion while operating in full protective gear and self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• Limited rest and recovery periods, testing endurance, mental toughness, and
decision-making capacity
• Team-based evolutions that demand trust, communication, and accountability
under extreme fatigue
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The program is intentionally structured to identify and develop firefighters who can
perForm effectively when conditions are at their most dangerous and unpredictable.
Attrition rates are significant, and successful completion is considered a rare and
distinguished accomplishment within the fire service.
FEO Kluesner's ability to persevere through this environment speaks to his exceptional
physical fitness, mental resilience, technical proficiency, and unwavering commitment to
excellence. His performance not only reflects personal achievement but also
demonstrates the caliber of training and professionalism within the Dubuque Fire
Department.
FEO Kluesner's graduation from the Georgia Smoke Diver Program represents more
than an individual milestone, it enhances the operational readiness and capability of our
entire organization. The knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities gained through this
experience will be shared with fellow members, strengthening our collective ability to
respond safely and effectively to high-risk incidents.
His accomplishment serves as an inspiration to others within the department and
reinforces our organizational commitment to continuous improvement, advanced
training, and firefighter safety.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City recognize Fire Equipment Operator Chris Kluesner for
this significant professional achievement. His dedication to advancing his skills and
representing the Dubuque Fire Department at the highest level exemplifies the values of
professionalism, responsibility, and excellence.
Please join me in congratulating FEO Kluesner on this outstanding accomplishment.
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