The Eau Claire Police and Fire Commission is pleased to announce, after conducting a nationwide search, that Mr. Christian M. Bell has been appointed to the position of Fire Chief for the City of Eau Claire. Mr. Bell started his firefighting career as a volunteer in 1995 and joined the Eau Claire Fire Department in 1997 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He has successfully risen through the ranks of the Department and is currently the Deputy Chief of Operations, a position he has held since 2013. Dennis Pope, President of the Eau Claire Police and Fire Commission, stated “I’m very pleased with the result of our recruitment process. During his tenure with the Department, Chris has demonstrated solid leadership in a variety of positions and enjoys the respect and support of the Department. The Commission is happy he accepted the position, and looks forward to working with him.” Mr. Bell holds a Juris Doctorate degree in Law from Hamline University, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire Consortium, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota – Crookston, and an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Business Management from Rochester Community College. Mr. Bell is a certified commercial pilot/flight instructor and is an active member of the community with involvement as a volunteer with Eau Claire County Meals on Wheels, Eau Claire Youth Hockey Board member, and Wills for Heroes. Mr. Bell is 44 years old and lives in Eau Claire with his wife, Patti. They have three children, Rebecca, Griffin and Hayden. He will be paid an annual salary of $98,027. Mr. Bell will succeed Lyle Koerner to be the 21st Chief for the Department. Chief Koerner is retiring August 19, 2016, after serving five years as Chief.