Dietman named new Sturgeon Bay fire chief

The Sturgeon Bay Fire and Police Commission announced Friday it had chosen Assistant Fire Chief Tim Dietman to succeed retiring Fire Chief Tim Herlache in January.

Herlache, who has served as fire chief for 13 years, announced his retirement in July. Dietman, 46, started at the fire department in August 2000 and has served as the assistant fire chief for 3½ years. He is scheduled to take over the role of fire chief Jan. 4. According to the Commision's release, Dietman was "unanimously selected."

Becoming fire chief was Dietman's goal since making assistant chief.

He called the appointment "personally rewarding.”

Over the last few years he has participated in fire administration and command training. The courses lasted anywhere from a few days to several months.

“The chief and I worked pretty much hand-in-hand on budgeting items,” he said. During times when Herlache has been out of the office, Dietman handled the everyday happenings and administrative duties.

Still, such a move can be nerve-wracking.

“I’m nervous about it. It's still a big change, even though I’ve been doing a lot of it,” he said.

He is aiming for a seamless transition. There will be a posting for his position, as well as a full-time firefighter position next.

Contact Samantha Hernandez at svhernande@doorcountyadvocate.com, @svhernandez on Twitter or (920) 743-3321, Ext. 112.