The De Pere Police and Fire Commission has selected Battalion Chief Brett Jansen to become De Pere’s new fire chief, effective June 9.
He will replace Chief Al Matzke, who retired in April after nearly 40 years of service in the City of De Pere. Jack Mlnarik, assistant fire chief, served as interim chief during the transition.
Jansen has a long-tenured history in public safety and a deep understanding of the De Pere community. Jansen has served De Pere Fire Rescue for nearly two decades, progressing from Firefighter/Paramedic (2006-2019) to Lieutenant Fire Officer (2019-2022), and currently as Battalion Chief (2022-present).
He was named Wisconsin State Firefighter of the Year in 2021 and has consistently demonstrated leadership in emergency response, fire prevention, data management, and training, among many other accomplishments and contributions. As Emergence Medical Services (EMS) Director, Jansen has overseen EMS operations and training standards, ensuring excellence in patient care and operational efficiency.
Jansen has also been an integral part of numerous teams and committees on behalf of De Pere Fire Rescue, including serving as Chair of the Northeast Wisconsin EMS Association, Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator, and Core Officer Representative for the Fox River Fire District.
