News releases

NEWS RELEASES

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS (PSAs)

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Milwaukee Fire Department & Children's Service Society of Wisconsin (CSSW) Team Up for Respite Event

On Saturday, May 31, 2008 the MFD and CSSW teamed up for the Society's monthly volunteer Respite Event, held at the Milwaukee Safety Academy. Approximately 13 MFD volunteers were onsite, including an engine company, paramedic unit and the Survive Alive mobile unit.

Over 125 volunteers and 75 children comprised of special needs kids and their siblings participated in this event. CSSW is a non-profit agency part of the Children's hospital and Health System. The society holds Respite Events at various locations throughout the city and has already hosted 12 this year. At the events, children with special needs and their siblings are matched with volunteers for a day filled with fun activities. The evens are created to give the parents/caregivers of these children a much-needed break, and an opportunity to escape the stress involved in caring for a special-needs child.

A child learns firhand how it feels to wear firefighting gear thanks to MFD firefighters, Nate Green and Doran Kemp. The two firefighters volunteered their time at the Volunteer Respite Event. Annually, the Children Service Society of Wisconsin teams up with MFD to host the event to each special-needs children and their siblings about fire safety.

Thirteen year old Seria Johnson leads a hand to MFD paramedic/firefighter Lt. Joshua Parish to operate a fire hose.

Mayor Barrett & Chief Holton Announce Critical Partnership to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Mayor Tom Barrett and Fire chief Doug Holton announced a public/private partnership today to combat carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the City of Milwaukee. At a news conference, Barrett and Holton introduced the Milwaukee Fire Department's Carbon Monoxide Meter Program.

The program seeks to leverage private donations to accomplish the goal of outfitting all 37 engine companies and 16 truck companies with single gas CO meters, at a total cost of about $45,000. Already four companies have provided funds to equip engines an trucks with the meters: the Wisconsin Energy foundation, Miller Brewing, Aldrich Chemical and RES Manufacturing. The funds will go toward the purchase of the $250 meters as well as the materials to install and calibrate the meters daily.

"I often talk about the strong partnerships needed to keep our city safe and strong and this program is a perfect example of that," said Mayor Tom Barrett. "I want to thank Wisconsin Energy Foundation for leading the effort with a tremendous involvement in the program and to Miller Brewing, Aldrich Chemical and RES Manufacturing for their partnership as well."

Chief Holton added, "In 2007, the Milwaukee Fire Department respnded to over 600 reports of carbon monoxide poisoning, a number that could double in 2008. Because carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and causes symptoms similar to those of the flu, it often goes undetected until higher levels cause seizures and sometimes cardiac failure. These meters will go a long way in helping us ensure the safety of residents and first responders."

2007

GRILLING SAFETY May 10, 2007

IMPROVING SAFETY May 6, 2007

FIREFIGHTER FOR A DAY April 4, 2007

MFD TO CARRY PET OXYGEN MASKS April 3, 2007

RED CROSS BRAVE HEARTS DINNER March 29th 2007

FIRE CHIEF CANDIDATES March 16, 2007 from the Fire and Police Commission

WATER SAFETY March 12, 2007

RIT TRAINING March 9, 2007

COOKING FIRE SAFETY March 5, 2007

NATIONAL FIRE FATALITIES February 21, 2007

PET MASKS February 7, 2007