MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) is facing a significant funding shortfall for aging fire trucks and facilities under Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s proposed 2027 city budget, raising concerns among city leaders about the department’s ability to replace outdated equipment.
MFD requested nearly $61 million for equipment and facility improvements, but the mayor’s proposed budget includes just $3 million, leaving approximately $58 million in identified needs unfunded.
The proposal also includes no funding for new fire trucks.
Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski discussed the challenges of maintaining the department’s aging fleet on Wisconsin’s Afternoon News.
“We have a ton of vehicles that are already pushing up against 20 years. We have a ton that are at or beyond 15 years,” Lipski told WTMJ.
According to Lipski, national fire protection standards recommend that fire trucks remain in frontline service for approximately 15 years, with another five years possible as reserve vehicles.
Some of Milwaukee’s trucks are already approaching or exceeding those recommended service periods.
Replacing the equipment is also becoming increasingly difficult because of rising costs and lengthy manufacturing delays.
“We’re in some cases two, two and a half, three years out from the time we cut the contract to get that vehicle in our fleet,” said Lipski.
Alderman Peter Burgelis has criticized the proposed budget, saying it fails to adequately address the department’s equipment needs.
“Firefighters don’t get to skip an emergency because the equipment is worn out. Residents don’t get to postpone a house fire until the city catches up,” Burgelis said in a statement.
Despite those concerns, the proposed budget includes funding to reopen Fire Station 6 near Brady Street, which closed in 2018.
Lipski says reopening the station would improve emergency response times along Brady Street and in surrounding neighborhoods, including areas with high-rise residential buildings.
“It’s going to dramatically reduce response times along Brady Street. But also in all the neighborhoods there along Prospect Avenue and Farwell,” Lipski said.
However, Burgelis argues the station’s reopening does not eliminate the need for additional equipment investments.
The Common Council is continuing its review of the mayor’s proposed budget, with budget amendments scheduled for consideration on October 29.
The council is expected to vote on the final 2027 city budget November 6.
