Chili Cook-Off for Milwaukee firefighter 'life-saving' training

Specifically, Saturday's cook-off raised money for Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training for local firefighters. RIT members are trained to respond quickly to rescue firefighters who are trapped, lost or injured on the job.

"That training that we've received comes from Champaign, Illinois at the Illinois Fire Service Institute," MFD Chief Aaron Lipski said. "This sort of training is extremely time- and labor- and cost-intensive."

In April, Milwaukee Firefighter Ryan McMenamin needed to be rescued while responding to a house fire on the city's south side. He suffered burns to 23% of his body.

"The crews that were on scene were super fast, and did great work," McMenamin said Saturday. "They were able to get ladders up, they were able to break the window out, and help assist me down the ladder.

"It truly is a life-changing, life-saving training."

McMenamin recovered at the hospital for 27 days and had three surgeries for skin graphs before being released. He continues to recover and has been helping at the MFD Training Academy. He hopes to return to his firehouse soon.