BREAKING NEWS: OWATONNA FIRE CHIEF TO LEAVE AFTER FIVE YEARS

Owatonna will be looking for a new leader of its fire department after Chief Ed Hoffman announced he is leaving next month.

Hoffman told the Times he is leaving for “personal reasons” and will not be staying in Owatonna. “It’s not what I planned,” he said, adding there are some circumstances that drove the decision.

He has been with the department since May 2021. His last day with the city will be March 2.

Hoffman leaves at a critical time as the city is looking for a new home to replace the century-old building currently housing the department. He has been at the forefront of public meetings educating the public about the need for a new station.

The chief said his departure should not impact the ongoing effort to build a new fire station. “It’s been a team effort,” he says. “It will continue to go forward smoothly.”

Assistant Fire Chief Jacob Dashiell will assume the chief responsibilities with support from City Administrator Jenna Tuma, in the interim, until the position is filled.

The city plans to begin the recruitment process after Hoffman leaves in March.