Davenport Fire Chief Carlsten announces upcoming retirement
Davenport Fire Chief Mike Carlsten has formally announced his plan to retire from his position with the City of Davenport after 32 years of service, according to a news release.
Carlsten has led the Davenport Fire Department as chief since 2018, but his commitment to public service started when he first joined the department in 1993. He was assigned to Central Station for the majority of his career, first as a firefighter. He rose through the ranks to engineer, lieutenant, captain, district chief, and most recently, fire chief.
Carlsten has been recognized for his professionalism many times throughout his career. He received the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) in 2017 and 2020. He was also named the American Legion Firefighter of the Year in 2003.
Carlsten earned his master's in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose University in 2015 and is a certified public manager.
'It's been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Davenport,' said Carlsten. 'My fondest memories are of the dedicated men and women I've served with and the camaraderie we shared.'
The Davenport Fire Department is one of only 311 accredited agencies through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and the CPSE. The department's current Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating is a Class 2/2X, putting DFD in the top 5% of departments nationwide.
'I want to thank Chief Carlsten for his years of exceptional service to the people of Davenport,' said Doug Maxeiner, city administrator. 'We wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.'
Carlsten plans to remain with the City of Davenport until at least July 1, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition process. A formal search for the next fire chief will begin immediately.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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