Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue Announces Appointment of Tim Sendelbach as Fire Chief
Appointment supports merger implementation and regional emergency response efforts
Tim Sendelbach. Photo courtesy of the City of West Allis.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 14, 2026 — WEST ALLIS, WI — Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue today announced the appointment of Tim Sendelbach as Fire Chief. Sendelbach, a longtime fire service leader, will oversee the organization during a period of organizational integration and regional service expansion following the merger of the Wauwatosa and West Allis Fire Departments.
Chief Sendelbach brings extensive experience in executive leadership, incident management, and fire service operations. His career spans more than forty years in multiple states and includes service as a chief officer, work within regional fire protection districts, and experience in private-sector leadership roles. He has managed large operational budgets, directed complex organizations, overseen significant grant-funded initiatives, and supported community risk reduction efforts.
His national involvement includes:
- Serving as past president of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors
- Holding Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer credentials from the Center for Public Safety Excellence
- Presenting at national fire service events
- Contributing to the City of Charleston Post Incident Assessment Team following the Sofa Super Store Fire
- Serving in editorial and conference leadership roles within the fire service
The appointment coincides with ongoing implementation of the Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue merger, which is intended to improve operational coordination, enhance financial sustainability, and support consistent emergency response across participating communities.
“Chief Sendelbach’s appointment reflects the level of leadership Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue aims to establish during the merger process,” said Aletha Champine, MMFR Commission President. “His experience in firefighter safety, organizational performance, and operational management will assist the organization in developing a coordinated regional model.”
Throughout his career, Sendelbach has emphasized collaborative labor-management practices, transparent communication, and standardized operational procedures. These priorities will guide Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue as it continues aligning personnel, policies, systems, and resources under a unified structure.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue at this point in its development,” said Chief Sendelbach. “The merger allows the partner departments to combine capabilities and further support frontline personnel while establishing consistent, accountable, and safety-focused emergency services.”
Under Sendelbach’s leadership, Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue will continue developing an integrated operational platform intended to improve service consistency, expand capability, and support long-term value for member communities. The merger structure also allows for potential future participation by additional departments, supporting broader regional coordination and shared resources.
With fire and emergency services facing increasing operational complexity, cost pressures, and evolving community needs, Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue aims to establish a model grounded in professionalism, fiscal responsibility, and continuous improvement. Sendelbach’s background and national involvement provide additional experience and perspective in support of these goals.
About Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue
Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue is a regional fire-rescue organization formed through the merger of the Wauwatosa and West Allis Fire Departments and operates within a shared services agreement that includes 14 departments across Milwaukee County. The organization is intended to strengthen emergency response, improve operational coordination, and provide sustainable public safety services for participating communities. Through collaborative structures and shared resources, Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue aims to establish a regional model for future fire and emergency services delivery.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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