With the retirement of Chief Dave Dreelan, the City Council affirmed Dan Johnson as the 7th chief of the Mendota Heights Fire Department. A 9-year veteran of the department, Dan served as a firefighter, squad captain and assistant training officer, before becoming training officer in July 2023.
“I grew up in Mendota Heights – in the same neighborhood as Chief Dreelan and former Chief Maczko – and many of my friends’ fathers were members of the Department,” said Dan. “I moved away for a time, but always knew that if I moved back to Mendota Heights, I would consider joining the Department myself. My wife and I ended up doing just that in July 2015, and by the end of August I had submitted my application.”
With a strong desire to give back to the community, Dan takes pride in rising through the ranks to become a leader in the department, where camaraderie and a sense of purpose fuel his passion for the fire service.
“It is fun and rewarding to be a member of the Fire Department,” he reflects. “But it also takes a tremendous amount of work and dedication. I am grateful to all members of the Department for the work they do and their commitment to doing the job with skill and efficiency.”
Congratulations, Chief Johnson – and thank you for your commitment to the Mendota Heights community!