DSPS distributes more than $38 million to Wisconsin fire departments

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) distributed payments totaling $38,181,592 to Wisconsin fire departments as part of the Wisconsin 2% Fire Dues Program for a nearly 6% increase over 2025 distribution.

“These funds are more than a financial investment. They are a commitment to the safety and well-being of every Wisconsinite,” said DSPS secretary Dan Hereth. “Every dollar distributed through the Fire Dues program is an investment in safer communities, better equipped firefighters and stronger emergency response capabilities. DSPS is proud to play a role in these efforts.”

The 2% Fire Dues Program dates back to the late 1970s, requiring insurers conducting fire insurance business in Wisconsin to pay the state 2% of all premiums they have collected for insurance loss by fire.

Additionally, the state also contributes 2% of the premiums from the insurance of public property — other than state property — that are paid to the local government property insurance fund.

The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance collects these funds, and the DSPS distributes them to qualifying municipalities every year.

A municipality must have a local fire department that performs the following actions to meet the criteria for receiving funds:

Keep required records of fires
Have a designated fire chief
Provide continuous fire protection, inspections and education

Ensure at least four firefighters — not including the chief — have the ability reach a one-alarm fire on its own or under a mutual aid agreement

Provide facilities capable of receiving an alarm and dispatching firefighters and apparatus without delay

Additionally, the fire department must provide a training program prescribed by DSPS, which includes biannual training that prepares firefighters to safely perform their duties and monthly training consistent with established fire ground operating procedures
All qualifying municipalities are generally entitled to a proportionate share of the fire dues based on the equalized valuation of its real property improvements, or the state’s estimated fair market value. Each qualifying municipality is also entitled to receive an amount that is not less than the fire dues it received in 1979.

“The 2% Fire Dues Program remains a significant source of funding for the state’s professional, volunteer and hybrid fire departments,” a press release from the DSPS explained.

Locally, the following municipalities received funding this year:

Lawrence - $61,054.06
Ledgeview - $81,610.54
Allouez - $72,856.77
Ashwaubenon - $164,081.49
Bellevue - $98,082.10

Funds are used to purchase and replace protection equipment, perform fire inspection and public education, train firefighters and inspectors and to fund pension funds or other special funds for disabled or superannuated firefighters.

“Public safety is a top priority for our department and the Evers administration, and these dollars for local fire departments are critical to protecting Wisconsin communities,” Hereth said. “From volunteer departments to large urban agencies, the impact of the 2% Fire Dues Program reaches every corner of the state.”

To learn more about the Wisconsin 2% Fire Dues Program and the funding received by other area departments, visit dsps.wi.gov/pages/home.aspx.