Waukesha enhances security ahead of Christmas parade return
Increased law enforcement presence, a new parade route and motor vehicle barriers among safety measures for Sunday's parade.
Increased law enforcement presence, a new parade route and motor vehicle barriers among safety measures for Sunday's parade.
Increased law enforcement presence, a new parade route and motor vehicle barriers among safety measures for Sunday's parade.
On Sunday, the community in Waukesha will come together to celebrate the city's 59th annual Christmas parade and to remember the six people killed and dozens more injured when Darrell Brooks drove an SUV through last year's event.
"Based upon what we've heard so far, it's going to be record attendance. I think that the community is really ready to come out and support this," said Waukesha City Administrator, Kevin Lahner.
Ensuring safety and security at the parade is at the top of city leader's minds.
"We have the entire area secured very well. And that's one thing that we want people to know," Lahner said.
The parade route is different from last year's route. It starts at Cutler Park on Wisconsin Avenue and continues east along Main Street, then south on Barstow before ending again at the park.
Streets surrounding the parade route will be closed. After 3:15 p.m., no traffic will be able to enter or exit the parade perimeter until the conclusion of the parade.
"The biggest changes are going to be just the amount of security that we're going to have. Obviously, we have the mobile vehicle barriers that we've had since the summer. There's going to be a much bigger police presence with state and federal partners," Lahner said.
Lahner told WISN 12 News reporter Kendall Keys law enforcement will monitor the area with drones, cameras and an increased amount of personnel.
The measures are helping ease community members' concerns about returning to the parade.
"I feel if I go this year, I feel safer than obviously last year," said Luke Lecaptain, a Waukesha resident.
"I think it's going to be a new beginning. We have to be more vigilant of our surroundings now than we have. Who would thought a very happy environment of people waiting to see Santa could turn so tragic?" said Jacqueline Larson.
Larson said she has attended the parade since she was 5 years old.
Officials remind parade attendees to report any suspicious behavior they observe to officers along the route.
"Hopefully everyone will get to see Santa this year. They didn't last year. So I think once that parade is ending and Santa goes by them, there will be a lot of smiles," Larson said.
The parade is Sunday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m.
