03-06-2025
De Pere selects new Fire Chief to replace retiring Matzke, set to start June 9
DE PERE, Wis. (WFRV) – With the April retirement of Chief Al Matzke, who stepped down from his role after 40 years of service, the De Pere Police and Fire Commission has officially announced the next Fire Chief.
Battalion Chief Brett Jansen will become the new chief effective on June 9, officials announced on Monday evening.
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Jansen, a long-time member with De Pere Fire Rescue, will step into the role after Assistant Fire Chief Jack Mlnrik finishes his time as the interim chief.
Chief Jansen has served De Pere for nearly 20 years, starting as a firefighter/paramedic in 2006, until he became a Lieutenant in 2019. His current title of Battalion Chief was earned in 2022.
The 2021 Wisconsin State Firefighter of the Year, Jansen, is also the Emergency Medical Services Director, with years of experience.
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Mayor James Boyd released the following statement regarding the selection:
'Battalion Chief Jansen is an exceptional leader, and we're excited to see him step into the role of Fire Chief for our community. The City of De Pere has long taken pride in the strength of its public safety services and overall quality of life. We're confident that Chief Jansen will not only uphold these high standards but also lead the department forward with professionalism, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to fire and emergency response.'
De Pere Mayor James Boyd
City Manager Kim Flom added the following statement:
'We are excited to have Brett on board as the next Fire Chief. His commitment to the community and to the continued strength of the organization were evident through the recruitment process.'
City Manager Kim Flom
No additional details were provided.
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