West Allis and Wauwatosa fire departments to potentially merge

CBS 58

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Two local fire departments serving tens of thousands of people could soon merge as one department.

The proposal for the West Allis and Wauwatosa fire departments to merge as one was discussed at the West Allis Common Council meeting Tuesday night.

Kail Decker, West Allis city attorney, says a new report shows the city’s fire department merging with Wauwatosa would save $1.3 million in the first year and $7 million after five years.

Decker says there would be no reduction of emergency services for either city or cuts for frontline workers, as there is a high call demand for both cities.

Interim West Allis Fire Chief Jason Schaak says with the current struggles the department is facing, this is the right move.

"We've been trying to do more with less,