WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau’s Police and Fire Commission has selected Jeremy Kopp as the city’s next Fire Chief.
The announcement came Thursday morning in a Facebook post.
We are excited to announce that this morning the Wausau Police & Fire Commission appointed Jeremy Kopp as the next Fire…
Posted by Wausau Fire Department on Thursday, August 31, 2023
Kopp has been with the department since the early 2000s and has served as Deputy Chief since 2021. He will take over for Bob Barteck, who is retiring in December.
“My top priority is, and will continue to be, the health and safety of our firefighters,” said Kopp in a press release. “I plan to work with the Mayor, City Council, Police and Fire Commission, and Firefighters’ IAFF Local 415 Union to do everything possible to make sure all of our personnel go home safely to their families, and live a long & healthy life.”
Police and Fire Commission Chair William Harris praised Kopp’s work ethic and community values, saying he has shown the ability to build relationships with other departments and local non-profits “Kopp is a community-minded, principled leader who will continue to ensure our community’s safety and the Wausau Fire Department’s future success in his new role as Wausau Fire Chief,” said Harris.
An official swearing-in ceremony for Kopp will be held this winter.
RELATED: Barnes Named New Wausau PD Chief
This marks the second high-profile hire by the Police and Fire Commission this week. On Tuesday it was announced that Deputy Police Chief Matt Barnes would take over as the new Chief of that department when Ben Bliven resigns to take a job in the private sector. Barnes’ first day in the new role will be Friday.
