Lee Douglas has built a career as a firefighter and emergency service worker, joining the Chippewa Falls Fire Department a year after graduating from high school. He’s been promoted through the ranks, and now he’s eager for his biggest challenge yet — being the department’s fire chief. “I’m excited. We’ve got a lot of good things going on in our department,” he said. “In my career, there was always more that I wanted to do. I’m excited for the challenges in front of me.” Douglas, 48, became chief on July 23, replacing Chief Mike Hepfler, who retired after more than 30 years with the department. Mayor Greg Hoffman said he’s confident that Douglas is ready for the role.