After 36 years of service, Steve Hergenreter will retire at the end of February.

“Fort Dodge Fire has been a big part of my life for decades,” said Hergenreter, who started with the department in 1989. “Finding someone who can continue the tradition of Fort Dodge Fire Rescue has been top of mind for me for the past few years.”

The process for choosing a new candidate — whether internal or external — for chief is unlike a typical job application as the role is a civil service position.

“The hiring process differs significantly from what most people are familiar with,” said Amanda Holmes, communications manager for the city of Fort Dodge. “The city’s Civil Service Commission has approved a timeline and recruiting officially began Oct. 29. Candidates have 5.5 weeks to submit their applications, resumes, cover letters and responses to seven interrogatories.”

According to Holmes, the Civil Service Commission and management team will score these responses around Dec. 9 and identify eligible candidates. These candidates will then be certified by the Commission and approved by the City Council.

“Once added to the City Council agenda, the final candidates will be publicly announced,” said Holmes.

These candidates will then participate in oral interviews and assessments with three panels including a management panel of city department heads, a panel of Fort Dodge firefighters, and a community panel of local leaders and stakeholders. A community open house is also expected to happen in early 2025 which will allow residents to meet the final candidates.

“Feedback from these panels will assist the city manager in making the final decision,” said Holmes.

“A conditional offer will be extended to the candidate within a few days, and if an external candidate is selected, they will undergo a pre-employment process before a formal announcement is made,” said Holmes. “If an internal candidate is selected, an announcement will be made as soon as the candidates have been notified.”

According to Holmes, a new fire chief is anticipated to be appointed at the Feb. 24, 2025, City Council meeting.

As applications for the chief role begin coming in, Hergenreter anticipates current members of the department applying for the position.

“We have strong leadership here,” said Hergenreter. “Staff who know the city government, who have good relationships in the community, and who are fully capable of taking Fort Dodge Fire Rescue and continuing to lead it into a bigger and better future.”

“Chief Hergenreter’s leadership, commitment and expertise have left a lasting mark on Fort Dodge Fire Rescue, the city of Fort Dodge, and those we serve,” said City Manager David Fierke. “As we begin the search for our next fire chief, we look forward to finding a leader who will continue his vision of excellence.”

“We have an amazing tradition with Fort Dodge Fire Rescue,” added Hergenreter. “Since 1854 we’ve been focused on our community and continually getting better. Seeing that continue has been a top priority for me and we have a good succession plan in place. We want Fort Dodge Fire Rescue to continue to be the best of the best.”