Wauwatosa, West Allis fire department merger; common councils approve
Tosa, West Allis fire departments to merge
The Wauwatosa and West Allis common councils approved the creation of a joint fire department.
WAUWATOSA, Wis. - It’s a tale of two fire departments.
Fire department merger
What we know:
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Wauwatosa and West Allis Common Councils voted and approved the creation of a joint fire department, marking a major transition for both cities. The two neighboring fire departments with more than a century of history are now preparing to become one.
The councils voted 12-2.
The new department will be named Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue. Operations are anticipated to begin sometime in 2027.
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There are many next steps before a joint fire department can officially begin. One step includes the Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue applying for funding through the State Innovation Fund, which offers a significant opportunity for the merged department.
West Allis, Wauwatosa consider fire department merger in meeting
West Allis and Wauwatosa leaders are reviewing a plan to merge their fire departments, aiming to save money and improve efficiency through a four-phase proposal.
Officials say the merger would make the new department eligible to receive payments of more than $4.24 million annually, totaling more than $21 million over five years.
City leaders say a study conducted last summer helped push the process forward.
Officials weigh in
What they're saying:
Fire Chief Barbara Kadrich of the Wauwatosa Fire Department acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision.
"In our history, we've been established for over 125 years, same in West Allis, so to lose that identity, that was a big hurdle for the internal membership," said Kadrich. "But I think now, like looking at the possibilities, I feel if there was one organization I want to have to join with, it's going with our brothers and sisters over in West Allis."
"That company did the study on both cities and both fire departments and then that study came out late last summer, and it was pretty favorable to move ahead," said Kadrich.
She said the study highlighted opportunities to address budgeting concerns, staffing shortages and response times.
"Calls keep going up and we keep shrinking our internal fire department and taking rigs out of service, so it's just been hard," Kadrich said. "And when you have employees keep doing it, knowing that they're working harder and harder and harder each and every year, now we're like, we could kinda help relieve some of that crunch."
In a phone interview, West Allis Fire Chief Jason Schaak said he is optimistic about what’s ahead.
"We are all looking to the future to say let's get this done and shortly thereafter, we can figure out how we can improve both cities," said Schaak.
While the study indicated a joint department could increase taxes, both chiefs say a tax increase is an option but is not at the forefront of why they are making this change. Instead, they say the goal is to reduce redundancies, save money, bring in additional funding and improve response times for the community.
"So the funding for the organization is still gonna be coming from each city," Kadrich said. "The innovation grant is just additional money that each city would not be eligible for if they didn't merge their fire department."
"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," said West Allis Mayor Dan Devine.
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"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."
Study of potential benefits
The backstory:
The 40-page report was presented in September 2025 during the first public meeting in West Allis, where leaders and residents reviewed the findings. The study concluded that merging is "optimal" for both communities.
The study estimates a combined department would save about $7 million over five years. A joint department could increase taxes, though officials have not said by how much.
The departments already assist each other on calls, and officials say combining dispatch centers and leadership teams would help maintain service levels.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by fire and city officials with the City of West Allis and City of Wauwatosa.