The Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee is glowing red and white Wednesday evening, part of a five-night lighting tribute honoring the first responders who risk their safety working roadside crashes across Wisconsin. Wednesday's colors recognize Fire and EMS crews, the latest stop in a rotating schedule that runs through Friday as part of Crash Responder Safety Week.
The tribute schedule comes from a post by the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, which confirmed that Crash Responder Safety Week runs November 2 through 6, 2026, and that the Hoan Bridge would shine in different colors each evening to recognize and honor first responders. The lighting highlights safety around traffic incidents.
A Different Color Every Night
The week kicked off Monday with a yellow glow honoring towing and recovery workers, according to the sheriff's office post. Tuesday's lighting was part of the observance, and Wednesday's red-and-white display is dedicated to Fire and EMS personnel. The schedule continues Thursday with orange and green lighting for DOT and highway departments, and wraps up Friday with gold lighting honoring communications personnel.
A Safety Message for Drivers
The lighting display points to a broader safety message for drivers: move over or slow down around traffic incidents, as reported by WBAY.
The message centers on safety for first responders and the public around traffic incidents.
What the Week Is Meant to Accomplish
Beyond the nightly colors, organizers describe Crash Responder Safety Week as a chance to reinforce basic habits that protect both responders and the public. A description on Light the Hoan's event page calls the week an opportunity to promote the simple steps that everyone can take to keep first responders and the public safe around traffic incidents, according to Light the Hoan. With two more nights of lighting ahead — orange and green Thursday, gold on Friday — the Hoan Bridge will keep serving as a nightly, visible reminder of that message through the end of the week.
