The City of Portage finalized the decision for the city’s next fire chief on Thursday after an “extensive selection process” with the Police and Fire Commission. The city and the commission announced Portage native Troy Haase will succeed current fire chief Clayton Simonson. Simonson announced earlier this year that he was retiring in January. Haase will join the Portage Fire Department with 30 years of experience in the fire service, 22 of which were with the Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue Department. He eventually rose to the rank of Divison Chief in Fon du Lac. He is currently vice president of the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association and has also served as a board member and chairperson of the State of Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Board. Haase is also a certified paramedic.