Updated at 5:15 p.m. April 5
BROOKINGS – Fire Chief Darrell Hartmann has retired from the City of Brookings after 23 years of service, according to a press release from the City of Brookings.
Deputy Fire Chief Pete Bolzer will serve as interim fire chief, the release said.
The retirement announcement comes more than two weeks after Hartmann was arrested on suspicion of DUI. A Brookings Police Department officer stopped Hartmann on March 19 for a traffic violation. Roadside tests were administered, and Hartmann was arrested, Brookings Police Chief Dave Erickson told the Register last month.
Hartmann’s initial court appearance is set for April 26.
City Manager Paul Briseno said Hartmann submitted his retirement and resignation.
Briseno said he plans to reach out to the volunteer chiefs to discuss their insight for filling the position.
“The process will take time and will include a nationwide search,” Briseno said in an email to the Register Monday.
Hartmann started as the City of Brookings’ fire chief in November 1998, after serving as chief of the Pierre Fire Department for more than 12 years, according to Hartmann’s LinkedIn page.
“It has been my honor to serve the City of Brookings and the surrounding area since 1998,” Hartmann said in a statement to the Register. “We have some of the best firefighters that will continue to serve our community under interim Chief Pete Bolzer. I would like to thank all those that have served our community for all of (their) dedicated service.”
