Gary Lorenz will be sworn in as Chief of the Fargo Fire Department during this evening’s City Commission meeting. His swearing-in will be the first item on the regular agenda of the meeting, which begins at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 21, in the Commission Chambers of City Hall, 225 4th St. N. As the Commission’s liaison to the Fire Department, Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack will administer the oath of office to Lorenz.
“During Fargo’s nationwide search for a new Fire Chief, Gary Lorenz rose to the top of a talented pool of candidates. He has the experience and skills to ensure the continued success of our high-performing Fire Department. I look forward to working with him,” stated Deputy Mayor Kolpack.
Lorenz brings more than 30 years of fire service experience to the Fire Chief position. He previously spent 28 years with the Fargo Fire Department, where he attained the rank of Assistant Chief. Lorenz most recently served as Chief of the Grand Forks (N.D.) Fire Department, a position he had held since 2018. Lorenz has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Fargo Fire Department. Their daily courage and dedication to this community are a true inspiration,” Lorenz stated. “I want to acknowledge Chief Steven Dirksen who did so much for the public safety of Fargo and this region. He established a high standard of excellence within the department that I will strive to maintain and advance.”
Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney remarked: “I’m confident that Fargo residents will benefit from Gary Lorenz’s steadfast commitment to community safety and resilience. His proven leadership, collaborative approach and strategic planning will strengthen the Fargo Fire Department and its coordination with public safety agencies across the metro area.”