After months of research, discussions, and consideration the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) Board of Directors have selected the new Fire Chief position.
Using GovHR for a national search of possible candidates along with candidate assessments done by SKS Consulting and interview processes by all groups involved, the Board of Directors have selected Mr. Daniel Retka as the new Fire Chief. The decision was made after reviewing all the information provided by SBM staff, SBM volunteers, our three City Administrators and an outside Fire Chief’s panel.
Chief Retka has been with SBM Fire Department since September 2003 where he started as a Probationary Firefighter at Station One. Chief Retka has moved up the ranks and held all positions here at SBM starting with Firefighter, Fire Apparatus Operator, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Operations Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and now Fire Chief.
The Board of Directors wish to thank all those groups for their time, input, and consideration. It was invaluable to the Board when making this decision. The official swearing in date will be held Monday, December 19th at 6:30 PM at Fire Station 3 located at 11920 Ulysses St. NE., Blaine MN. 55434. Please join us in congratulating Chief Retka on his appointment to lead SBM today and into the future. We look forward to Chief Retka’s vision and plan on moving SBM forward.