Fox Valley Technical College has named City of Oshkosh Fire Chief Tim Franz as its 2017 Alumni of the Year recipient.

Franz is a 1983 graduate of FVTC’s Fire Protection program and completer of its paramedic training as well. He has been with the Oshkosh Fire Department since 1985 and in 2000 earned the role as fire chief. Franz keeps close ties with the college by serving on the Fire Protection program’s advisory committee for the past 15 years and has taught in an adjunct instructional capacity at FVTC since 1990.

Routinely, Franz sends his newly-hired firefighters to FVTC’s state-of-the-art Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) for department-based customized training. He played an instrumental role in raising awareness about the value and necessity of the PSTC, the centerpiece project of the college’s successful 2012 public referendum.

The PSTC regularly welcomes law enforcement, fire protection practitioners, forensic scientists, and emergency medical professionals from around the world for integrative continuous education and training on 80 acres of state-of-the-art simulation facilities, high-tech props, and hands-on equipment.

“I cannot overstate how my life has been significantly impacted by receiving an education from Fox Valley Technical College,” notes Franz. “That experience opened the door for me to obtain a career that I wanted to be in since childhood while providing for my family and being able to give back to the community.”

After graduating from FVTC Franz went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Safety and Engineering from University of Cincinnati. He credits his FVTC associate degree in helping him matriculate advanced standing toward his four-year education. In addition, Franz earned Executive Fire Officer status from the National Fire Academy—the highest level of professional certification in firefighting in the United States.

Franz’s leadership in the community doesn’t stop at FVTC. He worked as one of the original members of a group to develop a pathway for FVTC Fire Protection graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and his service on several related local and state fire industry boards spans 14 years.

Joining Franz in receiving the award during FVTC’s April Board of Trustees meeting were his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Heidi. Tim and Jennifer also have two other daughters, Cassandra and Emily.