Back the Blue & Red: A Plan for a Safer Wisconsin

Since 2019, at least 14 Wisconsin law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty, including Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder, who was ambushed in 2025. At least 1 firefighter, Mitchell Lundgaard (Appleton), was killed after being shot in the chest by someone his department had just revived from a drug overdose. We must send a clear message: those who target our first responders will face the ultimate price.

• The Proposal: Sentence criminals convicted of acts leading to the death of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder to an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole.

It is currently a felony to dox a Wisconsin judicial officer, yet that same protection does not extend to the men and women on the front lines. No officer should have to pay annually to keep their personal information blocked on the internet.

• The Proposal: Make doxxing first responders a felony and restrict data brokers from transferring or selling their personal information.

Assigning first responders equipment or service vehicles that are beyond their reasonable lifespan endangers both our public servants and the general public.

• The Proposal: Create a public safety grant program where the state matches up to 50% of the cost to replace or fully refurbish equipment that is beyond its life expectancy.

Between 2017 and 2021, more Wisconsin law enforcement officers died by suicide than were killed in the line of duty. Between 2017 and 2020, at least 6 Wisconsin firefighters died by suicide. This is a crisis that requires immediate resources.

• The Proposal: Create a matching grant program to expand access to mental healthcare, including peer-to-peer networks, telehealth, stress management training, and service dogs.

The average Wisconsin home is currently selling for $350,000, making homeownership unaffordable for many who serve our communities. Homeownership is strongly correlated with higher job retention and stability.

• The Proposal: Expand Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) products to include downpayment and interest rate reduction support for first responders.

Some departments are operating for years without a contract; Milwaukee Police Department officers recently went nearly three years without one. Our protectors deserve the stability of a finalized agreement.

• The Proposal: Require that contracts be concluded no later than six months after the expiration of the prior contract.