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Fire and Police Commission unanimously recommends reappointing Chief Aaron Lipsky to four-year term
Summary
The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission voted unanimously April 16 to recommend that Fire Chief Aaron Lipsky be reappointed to a second four-year term starting May 17, 2026, at a base salary of $234,000 (total with incentives listed as $245,793.60). Public commenters and multiple commissioners praised Lipsky's community work and overdose-response initiatives.
The Fire and Police Commission voted unanimously April 16 to recommend reappointing Fire Chief Aaron Lipsky for a second four-year term, starting May 17, 2026, at a proposed base salary of $234,000. The commission noted additional residency and incentive pay that bring the cited annual total to $245,793.60.
The reappointment drew substantial public comment. Amanda De Leon told commissioners she supported Lipsky because he continued the city’s overdose-response work and implemented “hope kits,” which she said have been adopted elsewhere in the state. Chris Anderson of Bell Ambulance recounted a recent fatal crash involving an EMT and said Lipsky “took care of everything” during the aftermath, calling that response indicative of the department’s partnership with other emergency providers.
Commissioners also spoke in support. During deliberations Commissioner (speaker 10) moved the recommendation and the motion received seconding from Commissioner (speaker 14). Several commissioners noted community turnout at meetings and the breadth of written letters of support, citing organizations from the National Fire Sprinkler Association to health-care partners. Chair Commissioner Horowitz called the roll and announced the motion carried unanimously.
In brief remarks to commissioners, Lipsky thanked the board and staff and highlighted the department’s response to recent emergencies, the role of senior officers and the department’s training pipeline. He noted work to secure additional federal funding and said the promotion and retention of skilled personnel remain priorities.
The commission’s vote is a recommendation; the reappointment and salary adjustments are subject to the city’s formal appointment and compensation processes. The commission said members had conducted six-month evaluations and regular oversight of the chief’s performance prior to moving the recommendation.
