The Town of Newton officially broke ground on a new 15,943 square foot Fire and EMS facility, marking a historic milestone in public safety infrastructure for the Manitowoc County community. The new facility will replace the town’s aging fire station: originally built in 1963 and last expanded in 1991, and is designed to meet modern firefighting, emergency medical, and community resilience needs for decades to come.
This project is the result of years of planning, needs assessments, and community dialogue. In April 2025, Newton residents affirmed their commitment to public safety by passing a referendum with 58% voter approval, a clear demonstration of local support and trust in the mission of the Newton Volunteer Fire Department and Newton First Responders.
A Rural Community with a Strong Civic Identity
Situated along the western shore of Lake Michigan, the Town of Newton spans approximately 35.5 square miles and is home to more than 2,200 residents. Known for its balance of agriculture, industry, and rural lifestyle, Newton features one of Manitowoc County’s highest rates of homeownership. The town’s residents take pride in their community, investing in long-term public assets that serve both current and future generations.
Project Background: Identifying the Need
A comprehensive facility evaluation in late 2023 / early 2024 revealed that the existing fire and EMS station faced several critical deficiencies, including:
- Lack of separation between gear and apparatus bays, posing contamination risks
- Inadequate space for modern equipment and vehicles
- Poorly ventilated spaces and no dedicated decontamination areas
- No compliant ADA restrooms or accessible entry
- Unsafe circulation routes for responding personnel
- Limited training, storage, and administrative capacity
In short, the existing building no longer met the expectations of a 21st-century emergency service department—or the growing needs of the community it protects.
A Facility Designed for the Future
The new Fire and EMS building will feature:
- Modern apparatus bays with adequate turning radius and vehicle separation
- Dedicated gear decontamination zones with compliant ventilation
- Training and meeting spaces to support volunteer recruitment and retention
- ADA-compliant restrooms and public access areas
- Energy-efficient systems and future-readiness for expansion
The Newton Volunteer Fire Department, established in 1947, and the Newton First Responders, founded in 1988, will both operate from this new facility. Together, they serve the Town of Newton and surrounding mutual aid districts with emergency coverage.
A Community Achievement
“This groundbreaking represents more than just construction, it’s a reflection of Newton’s values,” said Chairman Denise Thomas. “We’re building a facility that supports our volunteers and strengthens the safety for every person who calls this wonderful community home.”
The project team includes Architect and Construction Manager Keller, Inc., who has worked closely with town leaders, building committee, and emergency personnel throughout the planning process.
Project Timeline and Updates
Construction is now underway, with substantial completion targeted for Fall 2026. Community members can follow progress via updates posted on the Town of Newton website.
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Posted: Nov 4, 2025
Kingsley has opened a new fire and EMS building that’s been in the planning for 15 years.
The new station was made possible through donations and grants, including a major gift from longtime residents Francis W. and Annola M. Schweitzberger. KTIV reports the couple left their farm to the Kingsley Fire and Ambulance Service in their will, directing proceeds from its sale to benefit local emergency responders.
The department, made up of 51 volunteer firefighters and EMTs, had outgrown its old facility, where ambulance doors couldn’t even be fully opened inside the bays.
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Pundits advocate for prebid conferences (PBCs) in fire apparatus purchasing, primarily benefiting fire departments. Their effectiveness varies by purchaser and region, impacting bidder participation.
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Posted: Nov 4, 2025
The Finance and Personnel Committee for the city of Milwaukee (WI) on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, approved an amendment that would allow the Milwaukee Fire Department $8 million in new borrowing to replace aging fire apparatus and other vehicles, tmj4.com reported.
The department is confronting a critical safety issue as its fleet of fire apparatus ages past national safety recommendations.
On Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, one truck went out of service due to a mechanical issue, leaving the department with just eight trucks across the entire city.
A Milwaukee fire official said the city’s last reserve ladder truck broke down Oct. 27, 2025, while responding to an emergency, leaving the department short on equipment and needing to borrow from a neighboring department.
“Local 215 would first like to thank the Common Council for bringing an amendment forward into the budget to address the fire apparatus shortcomings we have with the Milwaukee Fire Department,” the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association said in a Facebook post.
“With that being said, today, Sunday, November 2, we had another front-line truck go out of service due to a mechanical issue. We only have eight trucks across the city of Milwaukee. Hopefully, the partnerships with our shared services will bail out the city of Milwaukee again by loaning us a crucial piece of fire apparatus. This would again put us at a full complement of trucks but 25% would be borrowed from our surrounding communities.
“Local 215 strongly encourages Mayor Cavalier Johnson to accept the amendments so we can provide all the resources across the city that are necessary to protect the citizens and keep its firefighters safe.”
With the amendment heading to the mayor’s desk, a spokesperson for his office said, “a reasonable accommodation is very likely to be reached” as the mayor balances “competing priorities and long-term impacts on city taxpayers,” according to the tmj4.com report.
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