In an homage to its storied past, the Milwaukee Fire Department is celebrating 150 years of unwavering commitment to safeguarding its community. The fire department kicked off the year with announcements to share pivotal moments and tales that have been seared into its long history. According to a social media post by the Milwaukee Fire Department, the anniversary involves a retrospective glance at key incidents that have shaped their service.
Historically significant events were detailed, such as the implementation of the current Milwaukee Fire Department patch on May 28, 1960. The post also remembers an encounter that same day with the Milwaukee Clipper and a dense fog. On another anniversary, May 28, 1975, the department battled a 3rd alarm fire that raged through an apartment building at 734-54 N. 22nd Street. These stories serve to remind the public not just to look at the fire department as an emergency service, but to also fully appreciate the breadth of challenges they have and continue to face.
One such harrowing reminder is the collapse of Ladder 2 at County Stadium on May 28, 1978. This incident occurred during preparations for a presentation, in the lead-up to the annual Fire & Police baseball game. Such occurrences underscore the risks associated with the lifesaving work firefighters engage in routinely.
The department credited the Milwaukee Fire Historical Society & Fire Museum for furnishing the photograph and the listing of historic moments.
