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Fire board reports busy 2025; council appoints Mark Bruns as fire chief
Summary
The Rowan Fire Board reported equipment upgrades and organizational work in 2025; the council approved the department budget and appointed councilmember Mark Bruns as fire chief, with Bruns abstaining from the appointment vote.
The Rowan Fire Board told the City Council on Feb. 2 that 2025 was a busy year, including purchase of upgraded apparatus and completion of a board constitution and bylaws. The council approved the department’s 2026 budget and, on the board’s recommendation, appointed Councilmember Mark Bruns as fire chief.
Mark Pluff, identified in the meeting as Fire Board President, said the board upgraded two trucks—costs described in the report were about $28,000 and $20,000—and outlined goals for 2026 such as upgrading turnout gear, radios and tools and acquiring FS2 fire-suppression packs. “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” Pluff said, adding that the department and board will “keep a standard of excellence” and that when called to a fire “WE GOT THIS!”
Councilmember Chad Ketchum moved to approve the fire department budget; Heather Baumgartner seconded the motion, which passed. Ketchum then moved to accept the board’s recommendation to appoint Mark Bruns as fire chief; the motion passed with Bruns abstaining from the vote.
