Event: Council override secures $10M to modernize Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) fleet
Date of action: Tue, Nov 25, 2025 (Common Council vote)
Summary
- The Milwaukee Common Council overrode the mayor’s veto, restoring an $8M capital amendment on top of the $2M base, for a total of $10M to replace aging fire apparatus. Spectrum News 1
- Chief Aaron Lipski expects to purchase three pumpers and one–two aerial ladders; delivery times are ~3 years. Firehouse
- The action follows months of apparatus reliability issues—MFD has borrowed rigs from nearby cities, and a ladder truck’s front wheel recently failed out of service. Firehouse
Context
- MFD requested $30M to address the fleet; many units meet or exceed NFPA’s ~15-year frontline replacement guidance. Spectrum News 1
- Key sponsor Ald. Peter Burgelis framed the vote as preventing “tragedy” tied to outdated equipment and reaffirmed fleet reliability as core to public safety. Firehouse
What’s Funded (initial plan)
- Engines: 3
- Aerials: 1–2
- Lead time: Manufacturer backlogs could push deliveries up to ~36 months; departments should plan for spec finalization, build slots, and training/acceptance schedules. Firehouse
Why it Matters
- Operational readiness: The override closes an immediate risk gap while broader replacement cycles catch up. Spectrum News 1
- Safety & liability: Documented failures (e.g., ladder wheel incident) underscore maintenance and testing pressures on life-cycle-expired rigs. Firehouse
- Still short of need: MFD’s full requirement outstrips the $10M—expect additional replacements in future budgets. Spectrum News 1
Next Steps / Watch Items
- Procurement: Spec, bid/contract, and slot allocation with OEM; monitor price escalators and options lock-intimelines. (General best practice.)
- Future funding: Track FY26–27 budget cycles for continued apparatus replacement to align with NFPA life-cyclenorms. WPR
As of: Nov 27, 2025, 10:00 a.m. ET (update before distribution if new council/Mayor statements post)
Sources
- Firehouse: Council override; purchase plan; reliability incidents noted. Firehouse
- Spectrum News 1: Override vote restores the $8M amendment for a $10M total. Spectrum News 1
- WPR: NFPA 15-year frontline benchmark; broader fleet age context. WPR
About MES Life Safety
MES Life Safety supports first responders across the U.S. and Canada with life-saving equipment, uniforms/apparel, and customer support programs tailored to operational needs. Through our Total Customer Care (TCC) approach, we help agencies plan replacements, navigate funding, and maintain readiness with responsive service and post-sale support.
How we can help: life-cycle planning, grant/ funding guidance, spec assistance for gear & uniforms, and fast turnarounds on replacements.
For details, contact your MES representative or your regional TCC coordinator.