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Versailles mayor appoints Dustin Johns interim fire chief after Chief Brian Pearson’s death
Summary
At a Sept. 3 special meeting, Versailles Mayor Todd M. Dammeyer appointed Assistant Fire Chief Dustin Johns as Interim Fire Chief following the sudden death of Fire/EMS Chief Brian Pearson; the council approved the appointment and granted leave time to full‑time EMS staff for funeral services.
Mayor Todd M. Dammeyer appointed Assistant Fire Chief Dustin Johns as Interim Fire Chief at a special Versailles Village Council meeting on Sept. 3, 2025, after reporting the sudden death of Fire/EMS Chief Brian Pearson. The council voted to approve the appointment.
Dammeyer told the council that Johns has been with the Versailles fire department for more than 22 years and is ‘‘very knowledgeable of the fire operations’’ and a committed member of the department. Council member Ms. Shaffer moved to approve the mayor’s appointment; Mr. Griesdorn seconded and the motion carried with all members voting in favor.
The council also addressed continuity in emergency medical services. Mayor Dammeyer said Captain Buteau and Captain Horne are experienced and capable of managing the day‑to‑day needs of the EMS department until a permanent EMS chief is named, and that he and Village Administrator Francis will assist the captains in oversight. Because funeral arrangements were not yet known, the council separately approved allowing full‑time EMS employees leave to attend the upcoming services; Mr. Griesdorn moved the measure, Mrs. Dieringer seconded, and the vote was recorded as all yeas.
After the council’s approval, Mayor Dammeyer administered the Oath of Office to Dustin Johns as Interim Fire Chief. With no further business, Ms. Shaffer moved to adjourn; Mr. Steinbrunner seconded and the meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
City records accompanying the meeting minutes list Fiscal Officer Kathy Ording and Attorney Matt Pierron as present. The council did not specify a timeline for selecting a permanent fire or EMS chief.
