Jim Finstad was officially sworn in during the January 5 City Council meeting, with Mayor Mark Ebeling administering the oath of office after the council approved the appointment.
Finstad has been with the department for 26 years and was elected by fellow firefighters to serve as the next chief. He has served as a captain for the past 14 years.
Assistant Chief Mike Keefe presented the recommendation to the City Council, which unanimously approved Finstad’s appointment.
Finstad succeeds longtime Fire Chief Doug Meyers, who recently retired after 50 years of service to the Clear Lake community.
