Dec. 19--Milwaukee Fire Engine 6 rolled out of its east side station on Brady St. for the last time Monday morning.
Current and retired firefighters and neighbors came out shortly before 8 a.m. to bid farewell to the beloved firehouse and honor those who occupied it, keeping the neighborhood safe for generations.
"There were tears all around today," said Deb Langkau, a nearby resident. "You really got to see the brotherhood."
The station is one of six closing this month, a decision made in a tight city budget cycle. It is expected to be used in the future as the Fire Department's Community Relations and Education Office.
Of the six stations, arguably none was more tied to its neighborhood than Station 6, 1693 N. Franklin Place, on the corner of Brady St.
Firefighters often sat outside on the porch between calls, chatting with residents and revelers on Brady St. They were fixtures at community events, participating in chili cook-offs and corn roasts.
People walking on Brady St. around dinner time could peer in the kitchen windows and see firefighters making a meal together.
"This was a neighborhood firehouse," Langkau said. "I think the loss of this is going to be felt pretty quickly."
Neighbors fought to keep the station open after its planned closure became public in September when Mayor Tom Barrett presented his budget, which was later approved by the Common Council.
After the engine left the station for the last time Monday, those assembled moved next door to Hosed on Brady to share memories.
In an interview this fall, the tavern's owner, Donna Olson, said the firefighters were family and created a "bonded community."
The other stations closing are at 100 W. Virginia St.; 1313 W. Reservoir Ave.; 300 S. 84th St.; 424 N. 30th St.; and 2400 S. 8th St.
The Virginia St. station will be used for construction and maintenance, while the Reservoir location will serve as the department's wellness center, officials have said.
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