Eagan Fire Chief Hugo Searle will retire after a 34-year career in public safety, according to an announcement on the city’s website. Hugo Searle (City of Eagan) Searle has served nearly five years as fire chief for the city of Eagan, while the department underwent a period of growth, modernizatio n and cultural change, city officials said. Searle joined the city of Eagan in August 2021 after serving as assistant fire chief with the St. Louis Park Fire Department, where he worked for 19 years. Before that, he spent 10 years with the Brooklyn Park Fire Department. During his time in Eagan, officials say he was instrumental in strengthening the city’s full-time fire department model, improving emergency response times, and fostering a culture centered on kindness, mentorship and service. “Serving as fire chief for the City of Eagan has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life,” Searle said in the announcement. “This department is filled with dedicated, talented professionals who care deeply about one another and about this community.” Mayor Mike Maguire praised Searle. “Chief Searle has been an outstanding leader for Eagan,” Maguire said. “His commitment to teamwork, continuous improvement, and community service has strengthened our Fire Department and enhanced public safety across the city.” City Administrator Dianne Miller spoke about Searle’s people-first leadership style in the announcement. “He prioritized supporting his staff, building strong relationships, and creating an environment where people could do their best work,” Miller said. “His leadership has positioned the department well for long-term success.” The city of Eagan will begin recruiting its next fire chief in the coming weeks, with the position expected to be filled by early June to ensure a smooth leadership transition. The announcement on the city’s website did not give details about Searle’s retirement date. Related Articles St. Paul Hmong woman with manslaughter conviction makes it through immigration check-in Gov. Tim Walz says he expects further ICE drawdown this week White Bear Lake Police Chief Dale Hager will retire in May Shelter in place order lifted at University of St. Thomas following reports of armed man A Hmong child bride who killed her husband years ago dreads her next ICE check-in ...read more read less