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Richfield confirms Janelle Brooks as fire chief, effective June 12
Summary
Janelle Brooks, a 20-year firefighter with 14 years in Richfield and four years as assistant chief, was confirmed unanimously as the city’s fire chief and fire services director, succeeding Mike Dobish upon his retirement.
RICHFIELD, Minn. — The Richfield City Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Janelle Brooks as the city’s fire chief and fire services director, effective June 12, 2025.
Councilmember Christiansen introduced the appointment after a recruitment process that produced nine applicants, two of whom met minimum qualifications. The hiring steps included a preferred qualifications review, a scored panel interview that featured Edina’s fire chief and Richfield’s police chief among panelists, a leadership assessment by Martin McAllister and an interview with the city manager.
City staff and the civil service commission recommended Brooks after she finished first on the ranked list. The city’s presentation noted Brooks has 20 years of experience in the fire service, has held every position during her 14 years with the Richfield Fire Department and served the past four years as assistant chief. Staff said Brooks demonstrated experience, leadership and a commitment to investing in personnel.
Councilmembers offered brief remarks in support of the appointment. “She really did impress in every step of the recruiting process,” staff said during the presentation. The council voted to confirm the appointment by unanimous voice vote.
The appointment follows the announced retirement of Fire Chief Mike Dobish on June 12, and city officials said they expect a smooth transition given Brooks’ experience within the department. No compensation or contract details were discussed at the confirmation meeting; personnel and contract matters will follow standard administrative procedures.
