MFD ribbon cutting ceremonies, station reopened, med unit added

MFD expanding service, Stations 17 & 36

On Monday, Jan. 8, Milwaukee celebrated the adding of emergency medical services to a northside fire station, and the reopening of another one on the city's south side.

MILWAUKEE - On Monday, Jan. 8, the City of Milwaukee celebrated the addition of emergency medical services to a fire station on the city's north side, and the reopening of another on the city's south side.

It's a tale of one city, two fire houses, a growing need for services, increased strain on firefighters and paramedics, and a lack of money to fund it.

But more money means services are being added, or station reopened completely.

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MFD ribbon cutting ceremonies Monday

The Milwaukee Fire Department will conduct ribbon-cutting ceremonies Monday, Jan. 8 commemorating the commissioning of Paramedic Unit (MED) 2 at Fire Station 36, and the reopening of Fire Station 17, recommissioning Engine Company 17.

There's a decent amount of noise around Station 17 near 13th and Layton.

"There's so much traffic here, the airport, Layton Avenue is busy. The freeway," said Dennis Malkowski, who lives across the street from Station 17. But the sirens, he says, "That don't bother us."

And over the past three years, they've been silent. The station was shuttered because of budget cuts until today (Monday, Jan. 8).

That's when the city cut the ribbon on not only the recommissioning of Station 17, but the addition of a new med unit on the city's north side at station 36.

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"We know that Milwaukee has seen a steady increase in fire suppression and medical services over the past 15 years," said Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski. "If we take better care of our firefighters, and our paramedics, our firefighters and paramedics will take better care of you."

"It really was a team effort, a bipartisan effort to pass Wisconsin Act 12," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

It's sending more shared revenue and new city sales tax dollars into city coffers, especially in areas that need it most.

"Today, instead of talking about cuts, we’re talking about investment in public safety," said Milwaukee Alderman Scott Spiker.

"I’m just excited that this is coming back to the neighborhood, back to this area. It’s so needed," said Milwaukee Alderwoman Andrea Pratt.

As for Dennis Malkowski and the station he grew up wit across the street, he says it's good to see it open again.

City leaders hope the additional money will mean restoring or adding more services in the future.