SBMFD Fire Chief Dan Retka
It is my distinct honor to serve the role as Fire Chief here at the Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department. I get the privilege every day to work beside and lead the hard-working men and woman of this well- respected firefighting institution.
My journey in the fire service began over 20 years ago when I moved to the city of Spring Lake Park. I had applied and I was accepted as a volunteer firefighter assigned to the night shift at Station 1. During my time as a volunteer firefighter, it was instilled upon me through past leaders and mentorship on how to be a good firefighter and a lead by example kind of man. It was during those formative years I knew that I had found a home here at SBM.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that I was part of something bigger and I had found an extraordinary new second home. Between the great men and woman who were steadfast on serving the community and the many opportunities where I was able to contribute myself and make a difference, this was the place that I wanted to spend the rest of my career in the fire service.
The SBM Fire Department has long been a pioneer and trendsetter in the fire service, not only regionally but on the national stage as well. Whether we are referring to our groundbreaking prevention efforts or our highly trained emergency responders who make up the ranks on the suppression side, the selfless volunteers that make up our Fire Corps, or the future of SBM firefighters, our Fire Explorers, we are all here to serve you.
It is my focus and vision to ensure that the fire department continues to provide a safe and effective service to all our residents, as well as those visiting our area, or simply passing through our diverse coverage district.
As we move forward into the future, we will continue to be a steadfast leader in the community and fire service. We will be a prevention focused department with an eye toward improving and enhancing our current systems to ensure service reliability in a safe and sustainable way.
We are here because of you, and we are here for you.