Title
Approving the reappointment of Barton (Butch) Inks as the Chief of the Fire Department.
Body
WHEREAS, Fire Chief (Butch) Barton Inks was appointed to the position of Chief for the Saint Paul Fire Department on November 13, 2019, and Mayor Melvin Carter intends to retain him as Chief of the Saint Paul Fire Department for an additional six-year term; and
WHEREAS, on November 13, 2019, the Saint Paul City Council consented to the appointment by a unanimous vote of 7-0 and Chief Inks has officially served as the Fire Chief since this date; and
WHEREAS, Chief Inks has served the Saint Paul community for over 40 years, with over 30 years providing emergency medical service, fire suppression, and emergency response, and 26 years as a member of the United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, under Chief Inks’ leadership, the Saint Paul Fire Department operates at an authorized strength of 525 personnel and is more innovative, responsive, and community-focused than ever before; and
WHEREAS, Chief Inks launched the CARES team, an alternative response model rooted in compassion and connection; and
WHEREAS, Chief Inks has been a tireless advocate for firefighter health and wellness, supporting research and implementation of cardiac screening, saunas for recovery, and strategic station design; and
WHEREAS, under Chief Inks’ leadership, the Saint Paul Fire Department built a new Fire Station 7, housing the first electric fire engine in Minnesota supporting a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Fire Department has a long tradition of providing reliable service to our residents, and Chief Inks has proven he has the integrity and dedication to lead this organization by continuing work in the areas of equity, resilience, and innovation with a focus on sound fiscal management; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has re-appointed Barton (Butch) Inks to the position of Chief of the Saint Paul Fire Department, and the consent of the City Council is required for the appointment;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul, pursuant to Section 12.12.4 of the City Charter, hereby approves the reappointment of Barton (Butch) Inks as Chief of the Saint Paul Fire Department for a second six-year term commencing on November 13, 2025.