HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchmitz RetirementContact: Dan Reisig, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 • dreisig@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fire Chief Tom Schmitz to Retire Feb. 19
Edina, Minn., Feb. 11, 2021 – After 25 years serving the City of Edina, Fire Chief Tom Schmitz is retiring from his position this month. Schmitz began as Fire Chief in February 2014,
capping a distinguished career in the fire service the cities of Eden Prairie and Edina.
“I am extremely appreciative to the City and those I’ve had the pleasure of working with, from my colleagues and coworkers within the Fire Department to those around the City and beyond,”
said Schmitz. “We have been able to accomplish some great things during my time as Chief, and I am proud of the way this department has grown and evolved. The relationships I have developed
with the community are what I will miss the most.”
Schmitz, a Bloomington, Minnesota, native, has enjoyed a lengthy career in fire and rescue, beginning as a U.S. Air Force medic from 1982 to 1986.
His first experience in Edina came in 1993, when he was hired as a paramedic/firefighter. Six years later, Schmitz was promoted to Battalion Chief, where he was tasked with overseeing
the Department’s training and safety programs and supervised paid-on-call firefighters. He also helped form the Special Operations Team and oversaw construction and operations of the
South Metro Public Safety Training Facility. Schmitz held that position until moving to Eden Prairie in 2011.
Prior to his second stint with the City of Edina, Schmitz served as the Assistant Fire Chief in Eden Prairie from 2011 to 2014. There, he returned to where his career began as a volunteer
firefighter in 1988, rising through the ranks to Lieutenant and Assistant Chief.
He will continue to teach while enjoying retirement.
“Tom Schmitz is almost always the smartest guy in the room, but he never shows off,” said City Manager Scott Neal. “He is an educator. He knows how people learn new skills and behaviors.
I think that Tom’s greatest impact on our Fire Department is that he makes everyone smarter. He helps people achieve a greater level of competency and professionalism in the Fire
Service.”
A national search is underway to replace Schmitz while Assistant Chief Jeff Siems will serve as the Department’s Acting Chief. Schmitz will be honored at a private ceremony prior to
his retirement at Edina Fire Station 1.
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