Proudly serving Waukesha since 1934
Waukesha Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 407, has proudly served the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin since our charter was established on June 25, 1934, with 18 original members. At that time, firefighters earned $125 per month, responded to 255 calls annually, and worked under a two-platoon system with 84-hour weeks and 24-hour shifts — all while serving a city of just 18,000 residents.
Today, we are a modern, professional fire service operating on three shifts with a 56-hour workweek, responding to over 9,400 calls annually for a city nearing 70,000 in population. Our starting wages have grown to $52,446 per year, reflecting the ongoing fight for fair compensation and safe working conditions that has always been central to Local 407’s mission.
Over the decades, our members have been instrumental in advancing fire and emergency services in Waukesha:
1960 - 1966
The city's first ambulances
In 1960, the city’s first ambulances were introduced (initially operated by police and transitioned to the fire department in 1966).
1972 - 1975
our first emts and paramedics
Our first EMTs were trained in 1972, followed by our first paramedics in 1975, known as the “Alpha 10.”
1951 - 1968
improvements in work hours
Work hours improved significantly: from 72 hours/week in 1951, to 63 in 1967, to 60 and ultimately 56 in 1968.
1958 - present
hosting major firefighter conventions
We’ve hosted major conventions, including the Wisconsin State Association of Firefighters in 1958 and the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin in 1992.
1981 - 2009
continuing expansion
Our physical presence has expanded too — with three new fire stations built in 1981, and our fifth firehouse added in 2009.
Beyond the fireground, Local 407 is deeply committed to community service. We’ve raised thousands for causes like the Muscular Dystrophy Association and supported veterans through initiatives like “Soles for Souls.”
We are proud of our rich legacy and even prouder of the direction we’re headed. As we continue to grow and serve, our dedication remains unchanged: protecting our members, our profession, and the Waukesha community we proudly call home.
