Fire Chief - Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue

Fire Chief Position

The Chief is responsible for leading the integration of the former Wauwatosa and West Allis Fire Departments into a unified organization, Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue (MMFR), aligning operations, policies, and culture to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery across both communities.

The Fire Chief will provide overall visioning, leadership, direction, and general administrative oversight of the Fire Department, fire prevention, fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS).

The pay range for this position is $153,753 - $196,477 with the starting salary commensurate of experience and qualifications. Further increases are based on cost of living adjustments and performance step increases. This is complemented by an excellent benefits package, a robust wellness program, an on-site fitness center, a free workplace clinic, paid parental leave, generous paid holidays and vacation, a pension plan and the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals who have a passion for public service.

Relocation assistance is also available.

This position will be the first position of the department. While details of the merged department's benefits package are being finalized, the selected candidate will receive the City of Wauwatosa's comprehensive benefits. Upon finalization, the Fire Chief will transition to the MMFR benefits package.

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Develops and maintains a workforce competent in customer service, accountability, results orientation, and teamwork
• Under the authority of the MMFR Fire Commission, responsible for the oversight of appointing, supervising, training, disciplining, and evaluation of employees
• Ensures compliance with laws, labor agreements, standards, and organizational policies and procedures
• Participates in research, development, and negotiation of labor contract proposals
• Establishes cost control measures and monitors all fiscal operations of the Department to ensure financial well-being and sustainability
• Prepares and monitors annual budgets and justifies budget requests and amendments
• Develops and manages fees and charges
• Accesses federal and state funding sources
• Ensures efficient and economical use of departmental funds, personnel, equipment, facilities, and time
• Works with elected officials, department heads, staff, and other agencies to develop long-range plans, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction for meeting fire and emergency medical service needs. Monitors, reviews, and communicates the implementation phases of the department's strategic plans to ensure long‑range goals are met.
• Sets objectives of the Metro Milwaukee Fire Rescue.
• Works with local, county, state, and federal agencies to keep abreast of current trends and laws in the fire service, EMS, and communications for the regional improvement of these activities
• Serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Wauwatosa and West Allis (or their designee)
• Responsible for emergency operations involving multiple jurisdictions through utilization of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
• May assume command of large‑scale emergency events, if appropriate
• Oversees and coordinates planning, logistics, operations, finance, and information dissemination before/during/after planned events or emergencies to protect public health and safety
• Briefs elected officials on developments which might affect overall public safety
• Develops and coordinates City disaster preparedness and training
• Serves as a member of applicable county and state emergency management groups as needed
• Creates and manages inter‑agency agreements with local fire/EMS systems and community‑based business
• Provides department representation at committees and boards related to fire/EMS, development, and emergency management; serves as the spokesperson for the department to media sources
• Presents department‑related information to community groups,…