Fire Department Announces 2025 Leadership Appointments

The City Council appointed Fire Department leadership at their June 10 meeting based on recommendations from Fire Chief Tim Fiedler.

Assistant Fire Chief Joe Haller standing in front of fire truck for annual pictures.
Assistant Fire Chief Joe Haller

Assistant Fire Chief | Joe Haller

Certifications

  • Fighter I &II – Core firefighting certifications
  • Haz-Mat Technician
  • First Responder
  • Confined Space Rescue 
  • Technical Rescue
  • Fire Officer
  • Fire Investigator
  • Fire Instructor

Organizations Belong to

  • Member of the Wright County Fire Investigation team
  • Member of the Wright County Special Response Unit

Awards

  • Award of Recognition from the I 94 West Chamber of Commerce

 

 

District Fire Chief Dustin Kottke standing in front of a fire truck for his annual department picture.
District Fire Chief Dustin Kottke

District Fire Chief | Dustin Kottke

Certifications

  • Fighter I &II – Core firefighting certifications
  • Haz-Mat Technician
  • Emergency Responder
  • Confined Space Rescue 
  • High-angle Rescue
  • Fire Officer
  • Fire Instructor

Positions Held and Organizations Belong to

  • St. Michael Fire Department Training Officer
  • Former member of the Wright County Special Response Unit (Seven years on the team)

Awards

  • Award of Recognition from the I 94 West Chamber of Commerce

 

 

 

Fire Captain Mikal Knotek standing in front of fire truck for his annual department photo.
Fire Captain Mikal Knotek

Fire Captain | Mikal Knotek

Certifications

  • Firefighter I & II
  • Hazmat
  • Fire Apparatus Operator

Organizations Belongs to

  • SMFD Relief Association Secretary
  • Member of the OSA Working Advisory Group
"I like helping those that are in the greatest need at the worst of times, and to have the opportunity to serve with those that have the greatest of skill and heart in our community."
Fire Lieutenant Tyler Zahler standing in front of a fire truck for his annual department photo.
Fire Lieutenant Tyler Zahler

Fire Lieutenant | Tyler Zahler

Certifications
  • Fighter I &II – Core firefighting certifications
  • Haz-Mat Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • High- and Low-angle Rope Rescue
  • Fire Apparatus Operator
  • Blue Card Command
  • Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting
  • Active Shooter & Hostile Event Response
  • Swift & Static Water Rescue
  • Aerial Operations
Positions Held and Organizations Belong to
  • Promoted to Lieutenant in 2025
  • Career Firefighter for St. Cloud Fire Department
  • Relief Association President for St. Michael Fire Department
"The thing I like most about being a firefighter for SMFD is the opportunity to serve the community that I grew up in. I am proud and humbled to give back to the town that has given me so many opportunities over the years. We have great camaraderie within our department and a membership that strives to provide the best service to our citizens."