St. Paul Fire Chief Announces Retirement Following Second Six-Year Term Extension

St. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks Announces Retirement, Citing Physical Limitations After Surgery

St. Paul, MN – November 30, 2025 – st. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks, recently re-appointed to a second six-year term this past summer, announced his retirement effective December 30th. The decision comes after 40 years of service to the city, including 31 years as a firefighter, and follows shoulder-replacement surgery.

Inks, 56, explained that his decision isn’t politically motivated, despite the recent election of a new mayor, Kaohly Her. Instead, he stated his belief that a fire chief should be physically capable of performing all duties expected of a firefighter. He injured his shoulder years ago while battling a major fire as a captain and persistent ongoing training required for his firefighter license posed a risk of further injury.

“I ask them to put their life on the line and to do extraordinary things,” Inks said. “… As a leader, I don’t think I should be expecting them to do something I can’t do.”

Inks rose through the ranks of the St. Paul Fire Department, serving as assistant chief and interim chief before being formally appointed by Mayor Melvin Carter in 2019. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and noted the pride he felt becoming a St. Paul firefighter, a feeling that “never faded.”

Mayor-elect Her has already reached out to Inks, visiting him at home with a meal for his family, and her team is working with the Carter administration to determine next steps for the department.

Despite retiring from the fire department, Inks will remain involved in fire service.He has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board, overseeing

What impact might the new Fire Chief’s approach to long-term strategic planning have on securing future budget allocations for the SPFD, considering potential economic factors affecting city funds?

A Legacy of Service: chief Steve Kochan’s Departure

St. paul Fire Chief Steve Kochan has announced his retirement, effective early 2026, following the completion of a second six-year term extension. This marks the end of a distinguished career spanning over three decades dedicated to fire service and public safety in the city of St. Paul. The announcement, made on November 30, 2025, comes as a significant moment for the St. Paul Fire Department (SPFD) and the community it serves.His tenure has been marked by modernization efforts, a focus on firefighter wellbeing, and proactive community engagement.

Chief Kochan’s Tenure: Key Accomplishments & Initiatives

Kochan’s leadership has overseen considerable changes within the SPFD. Here’s a breakdown of key areas of impact:

* Modernization of Equipment: Significant investments were made in updating the department’s fleet, including fire engines, ladder trucks, and specialized rescue vehicles. This modernization improved response times and enhanced the department’s capabilities in handling diverse emergencies.

* Enhanced Training Programs: Under kochan’s direction, the SPFD expanded its training programs, focusing on advanced firefighting techniques, technical rescue, and emergency medical services. This commitment to continuous professional advancement ensured a highly skilled and prepared fire service team.

* Focus on Firefighter Wellness: Recognizing the physical and mental demands of the job, Chief Kochan championed initiatives to support firefighter wellbeing. these included improved access to mental health resources, fitness programs, and peer support networks. This proactive approach addressed critical issues like PTSD and burnout within the department.

* community Risk Reduction: The SPFD, under Kochan, increased its focus on community risk reduction programs, including fire prevention education, smoke detector distribution, and home safety visits. These efforts aimed to proactively reduce the incidence of fires and improve overall community safety.

* Technological Advancements: Implementation of new technologies, such as mobile data terminals in fire apparatus and improved dispatch systems, streamlined operations and improved situational awareness during emergencies.

The Impact of Term Extensions & Leadership Stability

The two six-year term extensions granted to Chief Kochan provided a period of unprecedented leadership stability for the SPFD. This extended tenure allowed for:

* Long-Term Strategic Planning: The ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans, rather then focusing on short-term fixes, was a key benefit. This resulted in more sustainable improvements to the department’s operations and capabilities.

* Consistent Leadership: Consistent leadership fostered a strong sense of unity and purpose within the department, improving morale and teamwork.

* Triumphant Implementation of Initiatives: Long-term projects, such as equipment upgrades and training program expansions, were successfully completed due to the continuity of leadership.

* Building Community Trust: A stable leadership presence helped build stronger relationships with community stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration.

What happens Next: The Search for a Successor

The City of St. Paul will now begin the process of searching for a new Fire Chief. The selection process is expected to involve:

1. Internal Assessment: Evaluating potential candidates within the SPFD’s leadership ranks.
2. National search: Expanding the search nationally to attract qualified candidates from other fire departments.
3. Community Input: Seeking input from community members and stakeholders regarding the qualities and experience they desire in a new Fire Chief.
4. Selection & Appointment: The City council will ultimately be responsible for selecting and appointing the new Fire Chief.

The transition period will be crucial to ensure a smooth handover of leadership and maintain the momentum of the positive changes implemented under Chief Kochan. The new chief will face challenges including ongoing budget constraints, evolving emergency response needs, and the continued importance of firefighter wellbeing.

Understanding “ST” and “ST” Stocks (Contextual Relevance – Financial News & City Budgets)

While seemingly unrelated,understanding financial terminology like “ST” and “ST” stocks can be relevant to city budgets and potential funding for public services like the Fire Department. These designations indicate companies facing financial distress, possibly impacting investments held by city pension funds.

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