Eagan swears in three firefighters, promotes two captains and names deputy chief of operations

The Eagan City Council recognized multiple promotions and new hires during its June 3 meeting, swearing in three new firefighters, pinning badges for two promoted captains and administering the oath for the city’s new deputy chief of operations.

Fire Chief Hugo Searle led the ceremonies and described the swearing-in as a “joyous occasion,” noting the significance of the oath and the badge-pinning tradition. “These are some really significant events, in, the lives of these firefighters and their families,” Chief Searle said during the ceremony.

The three new firefighters sworn in were Drew Schmidt, Kenisha (Kenisha/Kenisha spelling in transcript) Johnson and Matt Moore. Chief Searle explained that each firefighter’s badge includes a unique firefighter number that will be retired when they leave the department. Family members participated in the badge-pinning: Kenisha Johnson was pinned by her partner Kayla; Drew Schmidt was pinned by his wife Ashley; and Matt Moore was pinned by his wife Sarah with assistance from their children.

The council also swore in two promoted captains — Mike Winters (15 years on the department) and Drew (last name not specified in the ceremony transcript) — both of whom were pinned by family members. The meeting record notes Mike Winters oversees several department duties and has three children; the other promoted captain is in charge of the department’s water-rescue operations.

Finally, Holly Mulholland took the oath of office as deputy chief of operations. Mulholland, a 16-year department veteran who rose through the ranks from firefighter to deputy chief, was pinned by Kelly Giesler.

Following the oath, the council and the mayor thanked the firefighters and their families for their service and invited attendees to a reception at Station 2.