Crime & Safety
Fire Chief Stemmer Officially Retires from SLP
Stemmer retired from his position as fire chief on May 31. He first joined the SLP Fire Department back in 1976.
After 37 years of protecting the community of St. Louis Park, Fire Chief Luke Stemmer officially retired on May 31.
Stemmer, who first started his career with the SLP Fire Department on Aug. 16, 1976, has served as the department's chief for more than a decade. He said he'll be leaving the department in a good place, recognized among its peers as a leader in modern fire service.
"I have had the rare opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of being a career firefighter for what I believe is one of the best cities, as a member of a truly great department," Stemmer said. "It's true when they say 'When you love what you do you never work a day in your life.'"
One last call went out over the radio Friday night, with a special announcement recognizing Stemmer's contributions to St. Louis Park:
"This is the last call for Fire Chief Luke Stemmer," the dispatcher said. "After 37 years of making St. Louis Park a safer community, it is time to turn in your helmet, boots and yellow coat to spend more time riding your bike, traveling and cruising on the pontoon boat. No more worries about coffee and the white shirts, as you only have to wear shorts and t-shirts. Chief, thank you for all your wisdom and everything you've done for St. Louis Park. Badge number F005 is officially retired. Thank you, Chief, and happy retirement."
Full audio of Stemmer's retirement announcement is available via our friends at Police Clips.
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