MILWAUKEE – The U.S. Secret Service and Milwaukee Fire Department hosted an informational security event for local fire and emergency medical services departments on April 2 in preparation for the 2024 Republican National Convention.
The fire and EMS departments invited to participate have jurisdiction over the areas where convention delegates are expected to stay, and the goal of this event was to ensure that these agencies have a thorough understanding of how they fit into the operational security plan for the convention.
The event featured a series of briefings and discussions on the operational security plan for the RNC, including how to respond to emergencies at delegate hotels, multi-agency coordination during an incident, and handling medical concerns that can arise during major events.
“The U.S. Secret Service is incredibly appreciative of the support our local fire and EMS partners are providing for the security of the Republican National Convention,” said U.S. Secret Service RNC Coordinator Audrey Gibson-Cicchino. “These joint planning events are an essential part of ensuring that every supporting agency knows how to work together and effectively execute the operational security plan.”
Preparation for national special security events like the RNC is a team effort. The expertise of each participating law enforcement, public safety, and military agency is critical to the success of the operational security plan.
The Secret Service, Milwaukee Fire Department, and our partners, plan, train, and work together for months leading up to the convention. This includes everything from security briefings to tabletop exercises.
“We are proud to be hosting the 2024 Republican National Convention in the City of Milwaukee,” said Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Aaron Lipski. “In partnership with the United States Secret Service and numerous other local, state, and federal resources, we take our responsibility to provide exceptional fire suppression, emergency medical, technical, hazardous materials, rescue and other humanitarian services very seriously. As leaders in interagency and interdepartmental collaboration, Wisconsin’s fire service is uniquely positioned to meet and exceed our mission.”
In addition to the Secret Service and Milwaukee Fire Department, participating agencies included the Milwaukee Public Health Department, the FBI, numerous local fire departments, and emergency management personnel from seven counties.
The security plan for the 2024 Republican National Convention, including the official security perimeter, is still in development. Once that plan is finalized, information regarding traffic, parking, and other public impacts will be shared with the public.
Event Highlights
Chief Aaron Lipski, Milwaukee Fire Department, speaks at the April 2 RNC security event for local fire and EMS chiefs. Credit: Dawn Haase, Milwaukee Fire Department.
U.S. Secret Service RNC Coordinator Audrey Gibson-Cicchino speaks at the April 2 RNC security event for local fire and EMS chiefs. Credit: Dawn Haase, Milwaukee Fire Department
Attendees listen to speakers at the April 2 RNC security event for local fire and EMS departments. Credit: Dawn Haase, Milwaukee Fire Department
EMS Chief Christopher Garrison from Sun Prairie Emergency Medical Services and Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Salzman of the Sheboygan Fire Department shake hands at the April 2 RNC security event for local fire and EMS departments. Credit: Dawn Haase, Milwaukee Fire Department