Committee forming to search for Saint Paul's next Fire Chief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

August 26, 2026 

City Council to establish a Qualifications and Examining committee to assist in the search for Saint Paul’s next Fire Chief.  

Saint Paul, MN- August 26, 2026- Under the leadership of Council Vice President Nelsie Yang, the City Council has established and appointed a committee of subject matter experts and community leaders to assist in the selection process of the next Chief for the Saint Paul Fire Department as required by City Charter.  Councilmember HwaJeong Kim and Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson have been significant partners ensuring a smooth collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and Human Resources.   

The selection committee is made up of community and city stakeholders with experience to help identify the candidates that demonstrate leadership, experience, and a commitment to the residents of Saint Paul. 

Baier, Carla - Saint Paul Fire Foundation Board Member, Saint Paul Resident  

Burnett, Aaron – Regions Hospital Medical Director for Saint Paul Fire  

Corcoran, Jennifer – Deputy Chief of Community Engagement in Saint Paul Police Department 

Cunningham, John – Assistant Commissioner of Minnesota Department of Public Safety  

Davis, Malik – Vice President of Firefighters United of Saint Paul, Saint Paul Resident  

Hang, Justin – EMT, RN, Saint Paul Resident Hanlin, Peter – Fire Chief of St. Louis Park  

Hogan, Mike – Retired Assistant Chief Saint Paul Fire Department  

Hohertz, Stacy – Retired Saint Paul Fire Deputy Chief Lall, Anushka – Saint Paul Resident  

Lor, Dao - United Hmong Family Inc., Saint Paul Saint Paul Resident  

Nelson, Rebecca – Board Member of Elders Lodge, Board Chair of Payne-Phalen Community Council, Saint Paul Resident  

Thornberg, Kyle - President of Saint Paul Firefighters Local 21  

Tyner, Bryan - Retired Minneapolis Fire Chief  

Vasquez, Jacob - Latino Economic Development Center, Saint Paul Resident 

Council Vice President Nelsie Yang, Ward 6:  

“This slate has stellar representation of Saint Paul residents, community leaders, and professionals in emergency services. I have full confidence in their leadership, experience, and ability. I am grateful for their willingness to fulfill the important duties of the work ahead. Our city is in great hands!” 

Councilmember Hwa Jeong Kim, Ward 5: 

“The next Fire Chief will inherit one of Minnesota’s busiest and most complex all-hazards fire and EMS systems. Meeting the challenges of rising demand, fiscal pressure, workforce transition, and evolving community needs will require innovation and strong leadership. This slate brings together the perspectives necessary to thoughtfully evaluate each candidate’s ability to lead the department forward. My deepest gratitude to Council Vice President Yang for leading the process.”  

Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson, Ward 7: 

“Selecting our next Fire Chief is an important responsibility, and I am proud of the work my colleagues and I have done to support a committee that reflects the depth and diversity of Saint Paul. This committee brings together residents, community members, youth, and professionals with experience in firefighting, emergency medical services, public safety and fire department leadership. That range of perspectives will be critical in identifying the best and most qualified person to lead our Fire Department and serve our city.” 

Council President Rebecca Noecker, Ward 2 

“We have an incredible Fire Department and a strong tradition of dedicated leadership and service to our community. As we welcome a new chief, this is an opportunity to build on that foundation, bring fresh perspectives to the challenges ahead, and hear directly from the firefighters, city employees, and residents who know this department best. We owe it to Saint Paul to conduct a transparent, thoughtful search and find a leader who can help shape the department’s future.” 

The committee process will be guided by the City’s Human Resources department to interview and recommend five candidates to Mayor Kaohly Her. Mayor Her will then propose one candidate to the City Council for final approval and appointment.  

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ABOUT THE SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL: The Saint Paul City Council is the city’s legislative body, setting policy through ordinances and resolutions, adopting budgets, and providing direct constituent services across the city’s wards. Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/department/city-council.   

ABOUT SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES: Saint Paul Fire and Emergency Services protects the people of Saint Paul with public education, fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services. We partner with the community to mitigate risks, and respond to all calls for service with skill, dedication, and compassion. Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/departments/fire-emergency-medical-services