Milwaukee’s 2023 proposed budget calls for the elimination of two fire engines, among other cuts.
It’s the latest blow to the department, which has been facing cuts for a decade.
The Milwaukee Fire Department lost one firehouse in 2014, five more in 2017, and one in 2019, according to the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association. Add two more closures, the union says, and it all adds up to increasing response times and lower levels of safety, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.
“This proposal would put your communities fire and medical protections down (nine) firehouses in less than a 10-year window,” the statement says in part. “What that means for you the community, is the capabilities of the Department are truly diminished and the ability to help your loved ones are delayed tremendously from where we were 10 years ago.”
The union and Chief Aaron Lipski have been calling attention to the problems posed by the cuts. Lipski is visiting each of the city’s stations to meet with residents and let them know about the challenges the department faces.
