BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna picks new fire chief

Owatonna has chosen a new leader for its fire department after the previous chief suddenly left earlier this year.

On Monday, the city announced that Steve Baker of Maple Grove will take over the Owatonna Fire Department, replacing interim chief Jake Dashiell, who has been running the department since Ed Hoffman left. Baker began his duties on Monday.

Baker retired from fire service in November 2025 after serving as assistant fire chief for Plymouth and Golden Valley. He went on to found Ignite Leadership Solutions, LLC, where he provides leadership development and training programs for fire service organizations. While his business has continued to grow, Baker said he missed working directly in the fire service and began exploring opportunities to return.

The new chief said his focus will be supporting the firefighters who serve Owatonna.

Baker plans to relocate with his wife, Julie, to Owatonna on Nov. 1.