Brookfield Appoints New Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief

BROOKFIELD, WI — Brian Gerner was sworn in as the city's assistant fire chief on Monday, filling the position left vacant by David Mason, who was appointed the city's fire chief on June 3.

Mason replaced former fire chief Charlie Myers, who retired this month. The city Police and Fire Commission appointed both men into office.

Both Mason and Gerner are Brookfield Fire Department veterans, having served the city for over 20 years.

Gerner has served at the fire department for 27 years. He worked as a deputy chief under Mason for 10 years. He said that working as a firefighter paramedic and a lieutenant helped prepare him for the promotion to assistant chief.

There won't be any major changes to the fire department outside of purchasing new equipment and keeping up with fire service standards, Gerner told Patch.

Mason has worked for the department for 26 years, acting as assistant chief for nine years. Mason also has a degree in nursing from the Milwaukee County Medical Complex School of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in emergency management from Southern Illinois University. Mason didn't immediately respond to a voicemail left from Patch.

The department will have to appoint a new deputy chief as Mason and Gerner move upward, Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto said.

"I think we're well positioned with this leadership team going forward," Ponto said. "I'm really pleased we were able to promote from within the department. It's good for morale and continuity of service to have people that are experienced in our fire department."