MILWAUKEE COUNTY — The Common Councils of Wauwatosa and West Allis have both voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement to move forward with the creation of a joint fire department.
The new department will be called Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue. West Allis officials say the Wauwatosa Common Council voted 12‑2 in favor, while the West Allis Common Council voted 10‑0 in support.
City leaders say combining the two departments will create a stronger, more efficient fire and EMS service while reducing costs and maintaining service levels for residents.
“This merger is an exciting step forward for both West Allis and Wauwatosa,” said West Allis Mayor Dan Devine. “By joining forces, we’re creating a stronger, more efficient fire and EMS service that benefits every resident. This partnership means faster response times, better use of taxpayer dollars, and access to additional funding opportunities that will strengthen public safety for years to come.”
“For many years, through shared service agreements, our fire departments have worked closely together,” said Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride. “The merger is a logical step forward, and will preserve and strengthen the level of service we offer to residents of both communities.”
Watch: Costs, response times key for residents, leaders in Wauwatosa–West Allis fire merger
Wauwatosa Interim Fire Chief Barbara Kadrich told TMJ4 News the merger is about “financial stability…keeping our service levels where they are today…and creating opportunities for a future organization, whether it’s for our members or the community we serve.”
According to both West Allis and Wauwatosa officials, the merger is projected to save $1.3 million in the first year and about $7 million over the first five years. Savings will come from reducing administrative costs, such as having one fire chief instead of two, and sharing large equipment and reserve apparatus.
Wauwatosa officials say if the cities had continued operating separate departments, levy limits could have forced a $2 million budget reduction, potentially leading to service cuts and longer response times.
Both cities say there are no plans for layoffs, staffing reductions, or station closures at this time. All six existing fire stations — three in each city — will remain open. Officials do not anticipate response times will be affected by the merger.
Chief Kadrich emphasized, “We do not anticipate response times being affected by the merger. A joint fire department offers the best opportunity to sustain current levels of fire and EMS service for both cities.”
But not everyone is convinced. John Cecot, a West Allis resident who has relied on fire and EMS services in the past, told TMJ4 News, “Me, my mom, my girlfriend — the response time was really good. They’re pretty prompt on it.”
Cecot says he hopes that won’t change. “I’m gonna see what the response time is. And we just got to go with the flow.”
Wauwatosa officials say the merger will result in annual cost increases of about 2.38% for the first five years, which will have a negligible effect on property tax bills. In years six through ten, the increase is expected to be about $5 per year for the average homeowner.
Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue will be eligible to apply for the State Innovation Fund.
Under the program’s rules, each municipality could be eligible for an annual payment of over $4.25 million, totaling between $16 million and $21 million over five years, depending on funding availability.
Officials say the grant will not directly lower tax rates, because it is a one-time funding source, but the money could be used for capital projects, facility repairs, new equipment, and community programs without the need to borrow or raise taxes.
The new department is scheduled to launch in January 2027, but officials say some joint training and equipment sharing could begin later this year.
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