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Celebrating the public service career of Chief Barton "Butch" Inks and declaring December 30, 2025, as "Butch" Inks Day in Saint Paul.
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WHEREAS, Chief Barton “Butch” Inks has dedicated 40 years of service to the City of Saint Paul - starting out in a city youth employment program, advancing through the ranks of Parks & Recreation, and then joining the Saint Paul Fire Department in 1994, culminating in his appointment as Fire Chief in November 2019; and
WHEREAS, Chief Inks has combined his public service as Fire Chief with service to our country, having served 26 honorable years in the United States Air Force, bringing a lifetime of discipline, dedication, and commitment to his role; and
WHEREAS, under his leadership, the Saint Paul Fire Department has undergone historic transformation - strengthening readiness, expanding staffing, modernizing equipment, and building community trust - all aligned with our Community-First Public Safety Strategy; and
WHEREAS, Chief Inks has advanced numerous innovations in first responder health and wellness, including peer support to address mental health and stress, physical exams and cardiac screenings; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as chief, the Saint Paul Fire Department has expanded staffing to its highest levels in history, created new career and EMS pathways to attract the talents of our young people, and strengthened the future of fire and emergency services in Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, Chief Inks managed an unprecedented 56% increase in calls for service over the past decade, handling more than 60,000 calls annually, demonstrating strong leadership in a rapidly growing city; and
WHEREAS, Chief Inks built his leadership on one simple yet profound truth: behind every first responder is a human being, shaping a 21st century fire department culture that center well-being and humanity above all; and
WHEREAS, Chief Inks successfully balanced the demands of a high-stakes career with the love and support of his family, especially his wife, Erica, and their children, Kyle, Emily, Sophia, and Ella. Their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of his success, allowing him to dedicate himself fully to the fire service and the Saint Paul community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council hereby proclaims December 30th, 2025, as Chief Barton "Butch" Inks Day in the City of Saint Paul.