Milwaukee to Join National Effort

For Immediate Release
September 2, 2005
Contact:  Paul Vornholt
Mayor's Office, 286-2200

Milwaukee to Join National Effort

Milwaukee Fire Department Deploying Personnel to Aid Victims of Hurricane

Mayor Tom Barrett and Fire Chief William Wentlandt announced today that they are coordinating a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deploy twenty Fire personnel to the affected regions of Hurricane Katrina.  FEMA is in the process of assembling up to 2000 volunteers around the country in this effort. 

Fire personnel submitted their applications after being briefed on the mission.  Twenty applicants will be selected and submitted to FEMA for approval.  Once approved it is expected that they will be deployed within 24-48 hours.

"We must do all we can to assist our brothers and sisters along the gulf coast.  I'm proud of the members of the Milwaukee Fire Department who stepped forward for this assignment.  This is going to be a tough time for the victims and I'm pleased we can make this important contribution to them," said Mayor Tom Barrett.

"The Fire Department is in a position to help without affecting our ability to serve Milwaukee. We are professionals and when you see the devastation and need that there is, our men and women want to help in anyway they can," said Chief Wentlandt.