Gerard Washington is well aware of the issues that have plagued the Menomonee Falls Fire Department in the last year.
But the village's new fire chief said that when he cleans up those issues, the community will see a gem.
Since last June, concerns have been raised over fire vehicles being sidelined by repairs, a lack of staffing, leadership and communication issues, prompting the then-assistant chief to say the department was in "crisis."
"You don't know you have a gem until you dust it off," Washington said. "It is an amazing department. There is talent. I want to meet with the public so they understand what a gem it is."
Washington, who retired last year from the Milwaukee Fire Department after 28 years, was sworn in as Falls' new chief on June 15. He had been the village's interim chief after James Mollett retired at the end of March.