Osseo To Weigh Hire of Full-Time Fire Chief
The city of Osseo is having discussions on the future of its fire department. One of the city’s pending key decisions: whether to hire a full-time fire chief.
Interim Osseo Fire Chief Mike Cogswell shared his thoughts with city council members during a work session July 29. He stated the importance of having a full-time chief.
“The growing responsibilities, the ever-growing numbers of firefighters and ongoing needs to keep the fire department moving forward with the demands and needs for updating equipment, training and our community service in fire prevention,” said Cogswell, reading a letter to the council.
Cogswell said an increase in daytime fire calls and medical calls also contributes to the need for a full-time fire chief.
Previous Fire Chief Mike Phenow resigned in September 2023 amid department unrest. Cogswell has been filling in ever since.
During Cogswell’s tenure, the number of volunteer firefighters has grown to 25 after having fallen to 15.
Support for Full-Time Chief
Osseo City Council members indicated support for moving forward with a full-time chief. It’s uncertain if Cogswell would get the job.
“I’m in favor of moving this ahead, we just have to come to a consensus in how we do that, how we select and all those different aspects as well,” said Osseo City Council Member Mark Schulz.
Osseo interim City Administrator Shane Mikkelson, also the city’s police chief, said the city has budgeted for a full-time fire chief this year and the money hasn’t been spent.
“I’m excited to move ahead with this, for sure,” said Schulz.
A decision is expected at a future Osseo City Council meeting, likely in August.
