Business as usual on Labor Day for Milwaukee Fire Dept.



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- For the Milwaukee Fire Department on Labor Day Monday, September 2nd, it was business as usual, as many spent Labor Day with a day off work.

Firefighters are willing to put their lives on the line for us every day, and holidays are no different.

"Regardless of the day of the year, people still have emergencies and they still need our help. So we`re ready for service no matter when people need us," Milwaukee Fire Lt. Schuyler Belott said.

That doesn't mean Milwaukee firefighters can't have fun -- as the fire house for many, is a home away from home.

"It's another family. We're here a third of the year, so if you don't like the guys, it's going to be a rough day. We get along really well," Milwaukee Firefighter Jeremy Starr said.

Although Monday was Labor Day, the guys didn't get a break from their regular chores.

"Make sure all of the equipment is in line because obviously we don`t want to go out and not be prepared for whatever might happen -- and then from there we`re big on training, especially in this house," Starr said.

That's because an emergency can happen at any time.

"Whether it`s a fire, if it`s a heart attack, or grandma is having an issue and we`re trying to take care of the situation, we`re there to also comfort the family and do what we can to try and bring their day back to normal," Lt. Belott said.

Whether it's day or night, the weekend or a holiday, the Milwaukee Fire Department is there to answer the call to keep us safe.

The Milwaukee Fire Department offers a Cadet Program that prepares young people who are interested in getting into a fire service.

A recruiting event for 17 to 19 year olds is planned for Saturday, September 28th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Harley-Davidson Museum.