Firefighter hurt after struggle with suspect inside fire station

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Milwaukee firefighter was hurt early Saturday, September 28th after getting into a struggle with a suspect who entered the living quarters of the Engine 16 fire station.

The suspect entered the fire station around 2:15 a.m. Saturday. A firefighter heard noises and discovered the suspect in the fire house. Officials say a struggle ensued and during that time the Captain sustained a minor injury.

"To be able to respond out of a dead sleep at a moment's notice while you're engaged in a different activity -- to shut that off and to immediately attend to whatever emergency is thrown your way," said Deputy Chief Aaron Lipski of the Milwaukee Fire Department. "That response was remarkable. It was immediate."

Other members of the fire station heard the struggle and came to assist in holding the suspect until police arrived.

The Captain was taken to the hospital while Milwaukee Police investigated the motive and method. The breach has fire officials reevaluating their own security.

"It's unusual for someone to gain entry into a closed and locked facility at 2 a.m.," said Lipski. "We're taking some additional measures -- reinstating and reinvigorating primary security measures, verifying doors are locked."

The firefighter who was injured during the incident is an experienced member of the fire department and has been there for a number of years. Authorities would not release details of his injury but said he will be okay.