For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Police & Fire Commission has appointed Interim Fire Chief Todd Eckes as the city’s new fire chief.

Eckes has been with the department for 16 years, advancing to captain of operations in 2010, battalion chief in 2018, and deputy chief in 2019.

He was appointed interim fire chief in October 2021, upon the retirement of Chief Scott Young.

Eckes is certified as both an executive fire officer through the National Fire Academy and a chief fire officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Police & Fire Commission President Bruce King, said, “We had a strong slate of internal candidates, and it was a tough decision for the commissioners. This is a testament to the excellent fire department we have. We believe that Chief Eckes is the right person for this important position at this time. We look forward to continuing to work with him.”

“I am both humbled and proud to be selected as the next fire chief of the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department. (I am) humbled by the support of the department, city staff, and the Police & Fire Commission; and proud to serve alongside 35 members who walk through the doors of the department dedicated and committed to the citizens of this great community every day,” Eckes stated. “We have great focus as a team on the future, and the staff that is in place will take what is already a great fire department and make it even greater. As a department, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished if we do it together.”