After ushering in an era of shared services and more collaboration with suburban fire departments, retiring Milwaukee Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing sees consolidation as “the next logical step" for firefighting in the area.
Under his stewardship, nine Milwaukee County fire departments reached a shared services agreement pledging that the closest unit, regardless of municipal boundaries, will respond to emergency calls. It also means the departments work together on things such as developing the same operating procedures and training standards.
And all the other remaining suburban departments are expected to soon join that agreement, ensuring all Milwaukee County fire departments will be working hand in hand.
“Ten and a half years ago, we did not do that,” said Rohlfing, who announced his 10-year career with MFD will come to an end Oct. 30.