Rochester council slated to approve next fire chief
Oct. 16—ROCHESTER — A West Allis, Wisconsin, fire chief is being tapped to lead Rochester's Fire Department in 2025.
The Rochester City Council will be asked Monday to approve the appointment of Mason Pooler as the city's next fire chief, following the planned retirement of Chief Eric Kerska in January.
Kerska has led the fire department since 2018 and announced this year that he planned to retire.
A five-month hiring process reviewed 25 applications for the top Rochester Fire Department post, leading to final interviews of three top candidates and the recommendation to hire Pooler.
The hiring process reportedly involved local firefighters, who were provided opportunities to provide input through listening sessions and surveys.
In a report sent to the City Council members ahead of their meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in council chambers of the city-county Government Center, Pooler quoted referencing the importance of team support.
"Together, we have the unique opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient department," he stated. "By fostering collaboration, transparency, and innovation, we can overcome any challenges ahead. I am committed to leading with integrity and ensuring our firefighters and community can trust in our vision for a safer, brighter future."
The department has initiated an eight-step, multi-year plan designed to transform the department to improve response and service by meeting the needs of a growing community.
Earlier this month, Rochester's civil service commission approved Pooler's anticipated hire, leaving Monday's recommendation by City Administrator Alison Zelms as the final step before council approval. Zelms was part of the six-person interview panel through the selection process.
A report sent to the council ahead of Monday's meeting states Pooler has been a firefighter since 1998, starting his career in Germantown, Wisconsin, and serving in Merrill, Wisconsin, before joining the West Allis, Wisconsin, Fire Department in 2002.
At West Allis, he reportedly served in several units before eventually being named deputy chief of fire prevention and urban affairs. He was appointed as fire chief in 2017.
