Keith Kiesow, Fire Chief for the Town of Menasha, has been named the recipient of Fox Valley Technical College’s 2012 Outstanding Alumni Award.

Kiesow graduated from Fox Valley Technical College in 1977 with a technical diploma in Auto Mechanics.
This led to an FVTC apprenticeship in Electrical-Instrument in 1983, and an over 20-year career as an Electrical-Instrument Technician at Wisconsin Tissue Mills. While working at Wisconsin Tissue, Keith became involved with the Town of Menasha Fire Department as a firefighter. During this time, he also continued his education at FVTC, completing his Associate Degree in Fire Protection in 1995. This degree provided him the opportunity to move up through the ranks and into his current position as Fire Chief for the Town of Menasha. Keith continued his education by completing the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland.

Today, Keith shares his education and experience with current FVTC students by serving as an Adjunct Instructor in the Fire Protection program. He also serves on the FVTC Fire Protection Advisory Committee and volunteers as a Fire Science mock interviewer. Keith serves as Secretary Treasurer of the Winnebago County Fire Chiefs Association, Vice Chairman of the Winnebago Area Firefighters Association, and has served on committees to write curriculum for State Firefighter Certifications.

In addition to his duties as Fire Chief, Keith serves as President of the Island View Retriever Club, and is on the Field Committee of Manitowoc Retriever Club. He also personally and professionally supports many local non-profit organizations.

The annual award recognizes an FVTC graduate who has demonstrated the value of technical education through career advancement, community service, continued personal and educational growth, and support of the technical college system.