Fire and Police Commission Testing and Recruiting Committee Meeting – September 8, 2026

The Testing and Recruiting Committee of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission met on September 8, 2026, at 4:30 PM in City Hall Room 301-B. Commissioners present: La Nelle Ramey (Chair), Ramon Evans (Vice-Chair), and Miriam Horwitz. Commissioner Dana World-Patterson was excused. Executive Director Leon Todd also attended. The committee received updates on firefighter/cadet and police officer/aide recruitment and hiring efforts, including detailed demographic data and new initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• FPC212690: Resolution approving the July 7, 2026, meeting minutes. Motion by Commissioner Evans, second by Commissioner Horwitz. Voice vote carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present in person or online for public comment. The public comment portion was closed without testimony.

Discussion Items

• Firefighter and Fire Cadet Recruitment (FPC212691): Edwin Shocker (HR Rep for Fire) and Annika Kramer (HR Assistant) presented. Key points:

  • Fire cadet applications have grown year-over-year; the current recruitment cycle is tracking similarly to 2025 (353 viable applicants at peak).
  • Female representation in cadet classes has declined: from 7.69% in 2022 to 0% in the latest recruitment (all male). Female candidates experienced a disproportionate drop-off of about 80% at the written test stage versus ~50% for males.
  • The new Fire Express testing model (mobile-friendly, no scheduling) aims to increase participation from the current 23% to a target of 35%.
  • Partnerships with Women in Fire and targeted outreach to female athletes (e.g., rugby leagues) are underway. FPC recruiter Jocelyn Morales is contacting high school counselors weekly.
  • For the August 2026 firefighter class, the class was 96% male, 4% female. The department noted that family legacy hires (sons/daughters of current firefighters) can skew demographics.
  • Commissioner Evans suggested using media like Milwaukee Tonight and in-school cafeteria competitions for recruitment; staff will follow up.

• Police Officer and Police Aide Recruitment (FPC212692): Executive Director Lee Todd presented. Key points:

  • Applications for police officers increased from ~1,200 in 2024 to ~1,800 in 2025, and year-to-date 2026 has already reached 1,817 (about 50 per week).
  • Despite more applicants, new hire classes have remained in the 30–40 range (Class 1: 40, Class 2: 30, plus 5 laterals). The eligible list for the December 2026 class has 101 candidates, with 84 still in process; a class of 50+ is anticipated.
  • Average sworn strength (excluding recruits and grant-funded) has increased incrementally since Act 12 (2023): +10 FTEs in 2024, +1 in 2025.
  • Demographics: Class 2 (August 2026) had over 20% female; the eligible list for December has only 10% female – a concern.
  • New initiatives: a three-month recruitment cycle (closed Aug, reopens Oct), MKE Badge Bound events, a new express exam (June 2026), a bifurcated PRT, and a new vendor (NTN).
  • A new recruitment video was shown (available at joinmilwaukeepd.com).
  • Commissioner Evans suggested a focus group with applicants who did not complete testing, possibly incentivized with gift cards. Staff noted past surveys had low response but may revisit with the new online testing.
  • A potential public safety track at Pulaski High School, with MATC involvement, is in early discussion.

Key Outcomes

• The committee approved the July 7, 2026, meeting minutes.
• No formal action was taken on the recruitment communications; they were received as information.
• Staff will consider Commissioner Evans' suggestions for expanded media outreach, focus groups, and gift card incentives for testing feedback.
• The committee will continue to monitor recruitment and hiring metrics, with the next update expected at a future meeting.