Rosemount Council Appoints Schroeder to Replace Outgoing Fire Chief

It's official: Rosemount Fire Department Captain Richard Schroeder will replace outgoing Fire Chief Scott Aker as head of the city's fire department.

The Rosemount City Council voted on Tuesday night to appoint Schroeder as the new chief. The council also commended Aker, who served with the department for 31 years and as the city's fire chief for a quarter-century.

"Scott has seen both fire houses built,” Rosemount Mayor Bill Droste said during the council meeting. "Since Scott retired five years ago as a teacher, he’s been on 90 percent of fire calls."

Schroeder was selected as a finalist from a pool of four candidates, who were all interviewed in February by a six-person panel of Rosemount firefighters, city staff and regional public safety officials.

Schroeder’s appointment is effective immediately, according to a news release issued by the city. However,  Aker will continue to serve with the department through the end of the month. A farewell reception will be held at Rosemount City Hall, 2875 145th Street West, on April 26 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Schroeder, who has served in the Rosemount Fire Department for 15 years, also owns a private business with six employees. His management experience, multi-faceted public safety background and history with the Rosemount Fire Department were all factors for his selection as a finalist, according to Rosemount City Administrator Dwight Johnson.

Click here to read more about Schroeder's appointment and Aker's retirement.