The North Shore Fire/Rescue Department won the Intergovernmental Cooperation award from the Wisconsin Policy Forum as a part of its 2019 Salute to Local Government recognition program. The Salute includes awards categories that recognize governments and school districts for innovative problem-solving, effective use of technology, partnership, and cooperation, as well as individuals in the public sector for excellence and lifetime achievement.
The North Shore Fire/Rescue Department worked with the cities of Milwaukee, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Greenfield, St. Francis, and Oak Creek in improving Fire/EMS capabilities in the Milwaukee region. These communities implemented a "closest unit responds" approach that eliminates municipal borders and allows departments to cross borders several times per day to ensure use of the closest, most appropriate resources are utilized for emergencies. To learn more about the program, watch this 3-minute video.