St. Paul mayor nominates new fire chief to lead department

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her nominated Assistant Chief of Operations Jeremiah Melquist to serve as the city s next fire chief on Friday. If confirmed as the next leader, Melquist would succeed former Fire Chief Butch Inks, who retired at the end of 2025 after more than 30 years with the department, according to the city. Melquist has spent more than 26 years with the St. Paul Fire Department. He currently serves as assistant chief of operations and oversees emergency response activities across the city. Since Inks retirement, Interim Fire Chief Greg Duren led the department while city officials searched for a permanent replacement. Melquist s nomination followed a months-long search. A city-appointed committee formed in August to help evaluate candidates and gather community feedback. The mayor s choice still requires city council confirmation before the next chief can officially take over the department. The post St. Paul mayor nominates new fire chief to lead depar