Marking a century and a half of steadfast service to the community, the Milwaukee Fire Department celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The department is honoring this milestone by sharing a yearlong retrospective of pivotal moments that have defined their rich legacy. As firefighters and officials look back, they pay tribute to the countless calls that have formed the backdrop of their storied history—a history deeply woven into Milwaukee's fabric.
In recent days, the department took to social media to highlight some of their consequential responses over the years. On September 20 from various years, the Milwaukee Fire Department battled significant blazes that tested their mettle and shaped their evolution. According to the Milwaukee Fire Department's Facebook post, these commemorated fires ranged from milling company infernos to manufacturing plant ordeals. Notably, a 3rd alarm fire occurred at the Berger-Crittenden Milling Co. on September 20, 1912, and decades later, on the same day in 1974, the Milwaukee Waste Paper Co. was stricken by another 3rd alarm disaster.
Alignment with the department's celebration, Milwaukee Fire Historical Society & Fire Museum collaborates closely, contributing both imagery and a compilation of historic incidents. This partnership underscores the dedication of preserving and chronicling the department's narrative. Through these reflections, newer generations can glean insights into the sacrifices and heroism of Milwaukee's firefighters over a span that exceeds lifetimes.
Highlighting recent history, the department recalled a fire from two years prior. On September 20, 2023, personnel were summoned to a 2nd alarm blaze at Gallos Metal Solutions Inc., located at 10536 W. Glenbrook Court. Valiantly extinguished by the firefighters, standing as a testament to their enduring commitment, that fire, along with others commemorated in their series, marked the ongoing rigor and resolve that Milwaukee's bravest show when the alarm sounds.
