DSPS distributes more than $38 million to Wisconsin fire departments

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) last week announced that it distributed payments to fire departments across the state as part of the Wisconsin 2% Fire Dues Program.

In a release, DSPS said a total of $38,181,592 was allocated, representing a nearly six percent increase over the 2025 distribution.

“These funds are more than a financial investment,” said DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth. “They are a commitment to the safety and well-being of every Wisconsinite. 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.”

DSPS said the 2% Fire Dues program “remains a significant source of funding for the state’s professional, volunteer and hybrid fire departments.”

“They use the funds to buy and replace equipment, develop fire prevention programming, train crews and more,” DSPS stated.

The Fire Dues Program requires insurers to pay the state 2% of premiums collected for insurance against loss from fire. The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance collects the dues, and DSPS distributes the dues to cities, towns and villages across the state according to a prescribed formula.

“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.”

View a detailed accounting of the 2026 distribution on the DSPS website.

About DSPS

DSPS issues more than 240 unique licenses, administers dozens of boards and councils that regulate professions, enforces state building codes and maintains the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which is a key tool in the multi-faceted public health campaign to stem excessive opioid prescribing.

A fee-based agency, DSPS is self-sustaining and receives no general fund tax dollars for its day-to-day operations.

With two offices and roughly 250 employees, DSPS collaborates with constituents and stakeholders across a wide range of industries to promote safety and advance the economy.