City of St. Paul to Appoint Fire Chief Butch Inks to Second Six-Year Term 

Mayor Melvin Carter announced the reappointment of Barton “Butch” Inks as St. Paul Fire Chief, who recently celebrated his 40th year serving the City of St. Paul. Chief Inks continues the department’s legacy as a national leader in emergency response, workforce development, and community engagement. 

“Chief Inks’ leadership and deep commitment to our city has strengthened our Community-First Public Safety vision, reaffirming that effective emergency response begins with trust,” said Mayor Carter. “He’s helped shape a department that’s not only ready in crisis, but also connected to our residents and neighborhoods every day. I’m proud to reappoint Chief Inks and continue building the future of public safety together.” 

Chief Inks was first hired by the City in 1985 as a teenager through a city youth employment program, eventually becoming a firefighter in 1994. Before his appointment as Fire Chief in November 2019, he held several key leadership roles and helped redefine the department’s commitment to public safety and community service. 

Throughout his tenure, Chief Inks has led the department through historic growth and transformation, while advancing critical public safety initiatives that improve response times, promote equity, modernize fire and EMS services citywide, and support the city’s Community-First Public Safety framework. 

His second six-year term will commence on November 13, 2025, following the completion of his first term.