As the Saint Paul Fire Department enters a period of transition, Assistant Chief Greg Duren will be assuming the mantle of Interim Fire Chief, a decision announced today by outgoing Mayor Melvin Carter. Duren's tenure begins as the city awaits the inauguration of Mayor-Elect Her, and the latter's subsequent appointment of a permanent Fire Chief. "Interim Chief Duren leads with a people-first mindset, prioritizing both the residents of Saint Paul and the members of this department," Carter noted in a press statement.
Duren's extensive track record covers over three decades with the department, beginning his service in July 1994. His resume boasts roles across the spectrum, from firefighter to captain, and eventually rising through the ranks to deputy chief and assistant chief of EMS. Spring of 2024 marked his appointment as Deputy Fire Chief, where he managed the “A” Shift in tandem with overseeing daily operations and strategic planning efforts.
His latest position before this interim appointment was as Assistant Fire Chief of EMS, a role he has served in since August, contributing to the operational support for Minnesota's most heavily utilized fire-based EMS system. The breadth of his experience offers him a profound understanding of the department's operations at every conceivable level.
Interim Chief Duren steps into the role following the departure of Fire Chief Butch Inks, who concluded his service today. "Interim Chief Duren began his career with the Saint Paul Fire Department more than three decades ago and has proudly served in nearly every role within the department," said Inks, expressing his confidence in Duren's capabilities to maintain the department's legacy of strong service. The City of Saint Paul has indicated that a formal process to select Inks's permanent successor will commence in the coming months.
As Duren takes up this new responsibility, the city looks toward a future where his leadership will be tested and, potentially, his vision for the department could influence the fabric of Saint Paul's emergency response services. For more information on Duren's appointment, visit the city's official website here.
