The Last Alarm

The Last Alarm is a bronze sculpture displayed outside Milwaukee Fire Department headquarters that depicts fire boots, jacket, gloves, and helmet neatly stacked on a black granite pedestal. The work was created by artist Robert Daus in 1996 and bears the department's insignia on the helmet.

The memorial was created in 1996 by sculptor Robert Daus and commemorates 143 Milwaukee firefighters who lost their lives in service starting from 1860. The names of all those who died are engraved into the structure, marking a significant period of sacrifice in the department's history.

The sculpture displays a firefighter's personal gear and serves as a gathering place where the community comes together to honor those who died in service. Walking past it, you notice how the simple arrangement of equipment makes the sacrifice feel immediate and real.

The memorial stands at the intersection of 7th and Wells Streets in a brick plaza with plenty of room to pause and reflect. The location is straightforward to reach and offers a calm setting for visitors.

The arrangement of empty boots facing forward with folded equipment mirrors the traditional way firefighter gear is displayed during funeral ceremonies. This solemn arrangement transforms the memorial into a place where visitors can feel the weight of what the uniform represents.