Green Bay Metro Fire Begins Search for New Chief

Assistant chiefs to serve as interim leaders during 4-6 month selection process

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department is launching a nationwide search for a new fire chief after Chief Matthew Knott recently stepped down. In the interim, Assistant Chiefs Ray Fuiten and Eric Jeltema have been appointed as co-chiefs to lead the department.

Why it matters

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department is a critical public safety organization serving the city of Green Bay and surrounding communities. Finding the right new leader is important to maintain the department's reputation and high level of service.

The details

The search process is expected to take 4-6 months, according to the City of Green Bay. Officials say they expect a large pool of candidates from both inside and outside the organization given the department's strong reputation. Assistant Chief of Operations Ray Fuiten and Assistant Chief of Training, EMS, and Support Services Eric Jeltema will serve as interim co-chiefs during the transition.

  • Chief Matthew Knott recently stepped down from his role.
  • The search process is expected to take 4-6 months.

The players

Green Bay Metro Fire Department

The fire department serving the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin and surrounding communities.

Ray Fuiten

Assistant Chief of Operations for the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, appointed as interim co-chief.

Eric Jeltema

Assistant Chief of Training, EMS, and Support Services for the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, appointed as interim co-chief.

Eric Genrich

Mayor of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Rod Goldhahn

President of the Green Bay Professional Firefighters Association (PFC).

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am confident the citizens of Green Bay, Allouez, and Bellevue will be well served by Chiefs Fuiten and Jeltema.”

— Eric Genrich, Mayor of Green Bay (nbc26.com)

“Given the demonstrated results of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, and its reputation as a leader in Fire and EMS services, we expect a large group of candidates from both inside and outside of the organization.”

— Rod Goldhahn, President of the Green Bay Professional Firefighters Association (PFC) (nbc26.com)

What’s next

The search process is expected to take 4-6 months to select the new fire chief.

The takeaway

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department is taking proactive steps to find the right new leader to maintain its strong reputation and high level of service to the community.