Tosa Fire Chief Jim Case will retire on Jan. 16, the city announced this week in a news release, an anticipated change of department leadership at a time when the department is working with counterparts in West Allis on a merger of the two cities' fire departments this year.
Tosa Assistant Fire Chief Barbara Kadrich will take over as interim chief after Case steps down.
Case had previously made known that he was preparing to retire, though he first wanted to help the city navigate the initial discussions and negotiations with West Allis over the proposed fire merger.
“Serving this community for the last 25 years has been the most rewarding experience of my life,” Case in the city's news release. “I believe we have the best group of firefighters and department personnel that will be found anywhere. Very few people get an opportunity to work with a group like this, and it has been a privilege and honor to have been part of this team."
City leaders continue to finalize plans to consolidate fire and EMS operations in Tosa and West Allis into one department, based on an initial set of terms that were endorsed by the Wauwatosa Common Council in December. Under the current timeline, a final vote on the merger could come as soon as February.
"I recognize the timing of my retirement isn’t ideal with the potential merger with the West Allis Fire Department in the works. I’ve had early 2026 set as a retirement goal long before the merger talks began, and I owe it to my family to follow through with that commitment," Case said.
"Quite honestly, the merger makes me want to stay longer and be part of this new chapter, but I’ve had a great run, and it is time to pass the reins to our future leadership.”
