HomeMy WebLinkAboutPorthanPromotion11-01-06
Contact: Marty Doll, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • Fax 952-826-0389 • Web www.CityofEdina.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Porthan promoted to Edina Fire Department Lieutenant
Edina, Minn., Jan. 6, 2011 – Edina Fire Department Paramedic/Firefighter Todd Porthan has been
promoted to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
Porthan joined the Edina Fire Department as a full-time paramedic/firefighter in 1997. He began his
career in fire and emergency medical services five years earlier as a volunteer firefighter in Little
Canada, Minn. Prior to coming to Edina, he worked as a paramedic/firefighter in Colorado for two
years.
Porthan is active in Edina’s Special Operations Team, Minnesota Task Force 1 and as a tactical
paramedic with the Southwest Police Consortium SWAT team. In his 13 years as part of the
Department, he has helped implement an employee wellness and fitness program, facilitated the
department’s involvement with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, taught numerous family and
public safety classes throughout the community and initiated the Department’s bimonthly
community newsletter, EFD Pulse.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenges and doing things I haven’t done before,” said Porthan of
his new role. “I have a strong sense of loyalty to this community, and I enjoy working here every
day. I am still working side-by-side with the best in the business.”
Porthan attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md., completing training and education
in areas from Advanced Life Support to Hazardous Materials. There, he also completed a four-
course series on Managing Company Tactical Operations. Porthan has completed Firefighter I and II
certification in both Minnesota and Colorado. In 2006, he graduated with honors from Hennepin
Technical College with an associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology. He received his paramedic
certification from Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn., in 1995.
As Lieutenant, Porthan will maintain a number of his current duties as a paramedic/firefighter, but
will also be tasked with driving, operating and maintaining the Department’s fire engines. Porthan
lives in Edina with his wife and two daughters.
For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire or call the Edina Fire Department at 952-
826-0330.
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