Green Bay Begins Nationwide Search for Next Fire Chief

Assistant Chiefs Fuiten and Jeltema to serve as interim co-Chiefs during 4-6 month selection process.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Green Bay Mayor's Office announced that current Fire Chief Matthew Knott is stepping down after three years in the role. The Green Bay Police and Fire Commission has appointed Assistant Chiefs Ray Fuiten and Eric Jeltema to serve as interim co-Chiefs while the city conducts a nationwide search for Knott's replacement, a process expected to take 4-6 months.

Why it matters

The fire chief is a critical public safety leadership role in Green Bay, overseeing the city's fire department and emergency response capabilities. The transition will impact the department's operations and the community's fire and emergency services during the search period.

The details

Chief Matthew Knott announced he was stepping away from the position after three years leading the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. The Green Bay Police and Fire Commission has appointed Assistant Chief of Operations Ray Fuiten and Assistant Chief of Training, EMS, and Support Services Eric Jeltema to serve as interim co-Chiefs during the search for Knott's replacement.

  • On February 6, 2026, Chief Matthew Knott announced he was stepping down from his position.
  • The 4-6 month process to select a new fire chief is expected to begin immediately.

The players

Matthew Knott

The outgoing Green Bay Metro Fire Chief who is stepping down after three years in the role.

Ray Fuiten

The Assistant Chief of Operations who will serve as an interim co-Chief during the search for a new fire chief.

Eric Jeltema

The Assistant Chief of Training, EMS, and Support Services who will serve as an interim co-Chief during the search for a new fire chief.

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What’s next

The Green Bay Police and Fire Commission will begin the nationwide search process to select the city's next permanent fire chief, a process expected to take 4-6 months.

The takeaway

The transition in Green Bay's fire department leadership will be closely watched as the city seeks to find the right candidate to lead the department and maintain critical public safety services for the community.