THE MILWAUKEE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Milwaukee Fire Department, also known as MFD, is the primary fire suppression, prevention, rescue and emergency medical service for the City of Milwaukee. The department's motto is "Courage, Integrity and Honor." The Milwaukee Fire Department consists of approximately 1000 firefighters, which many serve simultaneously as paramedics providing BLS (basic life support) and ALS (advance life support) services. MFD was ranked 3rd in the country for best medical emergency service by a USA Today study in 2003. The Milwaukee Fire Department is currently under the leadership of Fire Chief Douglas A. Holton. Holton is the first African-American fire chief in the City of Milwaukee's history. The assistant fire chief, Michael Jones, assists Fire Chief Holton and assumes full command of the Firefighting Division in his absence. The MFD was established January 1, 1875. The department consists of 36 Fire Stations, 37 Engines, 16 Trucks, 12 Paramedic Units, and one fire boat called The Trident.