Milwaukee's fire department requested almost $30M for new vehicles over 2 years; the city gave it $2M

By: Duaa Israr

Posted: Oct 21, 2025 7:08 PM CST | Updated: Oct 23, 2025 5:04 PM CST

NOW: Milwaukee’s fire department requested almost $30M for new vehicles over 2 years; the city gave it $2M

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --The Milwaukee Fire Department is pleading the city for more dollars for its aging vehicles.

At City Hall, Fire Chief Aaron Lipski testified there are numerous vehicles in their fleet that are well over 15 years old, rusted, and need to be replaced.

“I wish I had better news,” said Lipski. “I’ve been beating this drum for years.”

The National Fire Protection Association says trucks and engines on the frontline should not be more than 15 years old. In Milwaukee, 20 of their 43 engines in total are over 15 years old.

“We’re also expecting city employees, Milwaukee firefighters and paramedics to drive around in these things. Their safety should be first and foremost,” said Lipski. “The fleet is in horrible shape and we’re past the point of no return on this.”

Since 2020, the Milwaukee Fire Department says it has consistently requested funding for new vehicles but has received less than half the asking amount.

In 2024, the department received additional funding from special grants from when the Republican National Convention visited the city.

“We ask and then we get what we get, and we do our best to make it work,” said Lipski.

This year, the department has asked for almost $30 million over the next two years to replace its equipment. The budget allotted for the department less than 10% of that at $2 million.

Lipski says that’s enough money to fund one engine or parts of one ladder truck.

“One available ladder truck in our reserve fleet. Right now,” said Lipski.

Even if the department receives funding, Lipski says because of production issues, the department likely won’t see the vehicles for at least two years.

“I’ve heard every reason why the supply chain and why the production isn’t happening the same way it used to pre-Covid, and I don't run that industry, but we need that industry,” said Lipski.

Lipski says if this problem continues, people can expect longer response times from the fire department.