WI Optometry Board

Deputy Secretary Garrett Named 250 Public Service Champion

Local Gov 250 and the National Academy of Public Administration announced that Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Deputy Secretary Jennifer Garrett has been selected as a 250 Public Service Champion. She is one of seven honorees from Wisconsin and the only state government employee to earn this honor. The award recognizes public servants who have had an exceptional impact on their communities as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board Earns 2026 Fred T. Mahaffey Award

The Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board (PEB) has received the 2026 Fred T. Mahaffey Award from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NAPB) Executive Committee. This is the PEB's first leadership award from the NABP. The award recognizes outstanding contribution to protection of public health through enforcement of state and federal pharmacy laws and advancement of NABP objectives.

Youth Volunteer Firefighter Training Grants Fifth Round Opening

Wisconsin DSPS announced the opening of applications for the fifth round of Youth Volunteer Firefighter Training Program grants on February 2, 2026. A total of $75,000 in funding is available with a maximum award of $25,000 per grant. The program helps fire departments address recruitment by exposing middle and high school students to fire service careers.

DSPS Leaders Recognized with Innovation and Community Service Awards

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services announced that two employees received awards at the 2026 Partners in Giving Recognition Ceremony. Division Administrator Melinda Boyle-Prior earned the Innovation Events Award and Program Assistant Supervisor Monique Spencer received the Doug Palm Community Service Award for their work on the agency's 2025 Partners in Giving fundraising campaign.

Wisconsin DSPS $80K Grant for Manufactured Home Repairs

Wisconsin DSPS announced $80,000 in funding through the Manufactured Housing Rehabilitation & Recycling (MHRR) Program. Non-profit organizations may apply for grants supporting environmentally sound disposal of abandoned manufactured homes and critical repairs to owner-occupied manufactured homes. Applications open March 30, 2026, with a submission deadline of April 13, 2026. Awards expected to be announced later in Spring 2026.