West Metro Lieutenant 11-Station 1

Theatre teacher by day, William brings a smile that you can’t take your eyes off of. With his experience since 2014, only waffle making is above in skill, with firefighting coming in second.

Firefighter-Station 2

Dedric has served at West Metro Fire since 2018. He works Full-Time at Maplewood Fire and loves serving his community here in New Hope and Crystal. Huge Timberwolves fan even though his jump shot is broke.

Firefighter-Station 3

Ryan comes from a background of physical fitness and gym ownership, allowing him to smoothly carry out the tasks of a firefighter from day 1. Ryan’s favorite part of being on West Metro is the ability to drive firetrucks that go WEEEEE WOOOOO! Ryan has been serving since 2018.

Firefighter-Station 3

With a fearless attitude and open personality, Steph serves the community at a high level. She plays as THE hockey goalie and is a part of the inspections team for West Metro Fire, meaning she is all about prevention and stopping bad things from happening. Steph has served since 2021.

Firefighter-Station 3

Olivia works Full-Time for the city of Saint Paul. Dedicated and full of energy has allowed for her to serve the cities of New Hope and Crystal. Oliva also dual responds to Station 2 meaning if there is a fire call, you can count on Olivia to be there. She has been with West Metro since 2021.

Firefighter-Station 2

Being a Packer fan, Elisha is already an asset to West Metro Fire. Working for the Department of Human Services by day, she has set her self up to always help those in need. Elisha has been with West Metro Fire since 2018.

Firefighter-Station 1

Sam has been with West Metro Fire since 2022. Dealing with commercial real estate by day and serving the community at night, Sam always has a learning attitude. Sam is also part of the most elite club at West Metro Fire: Stache Squad.

Battalion Chief 6

Jon has been with West Metro Fire since 1990. You wouldn’t believe it with his smile as he doesn’t look a day over 35, but it is true. One of the most personable people you will ever meet, Jon serves New Hope and Crystal like family.

Most Elite Group at West Metro Fire. The mustaches don’t have to be real to join, just have to be willing to take a photo with the group with a moustache. This group prides itself on waking up every morning and maintaining the stache. Submit an application and join the Stache Squad today!

West Metro Captain 7

10 years for Captain 7. Dennis is always the first one to help any firefighter train more to serve the community at a high level. As a commercial construction manager, he has very little time, and he decides to give that time to the people of New Hope and Crystal. Started in 2016.

Station 1

Tim has served the communities of New Hope and Crystal since 1992 and has done it being a firefighter all the way up to battalion chief. As one of the more seasoned firefighters, his knowledge and experience bring tremendous value to our department. Retired in December 2025.

Firefighter-Station 2

Most people would say Joe’s heart and care for other is the biggest piece of who he is. Others would say it is his phone. Either way, you can always count of Joe to serve the community at the highest level. His determination to train and to want only the best for him and his peers is what makes him the ace of Station 2. Serving since 2021.

Fire Dummy-Station 2

No words can describe how much Rescue Randy means to this department. Always sacrificing his body for the betterment of our training. Never talks back even when criticized and always puts a scare into firefighters hearts when left in the fire vehicle. Voted best hair years 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

West Metro Lieutenant 3-Station 3

Andy has been serving with West Metro Fire since 2016. His passion for mechanics is why he is the perfect man for the job when it comes to handling logistics. Whether you need your brakes done or your entire transmission replaced, he is your guy. If you ever want to donate your car, Andy will take it in a jiffy.

Firefighter-Station 2

Since 2021, Ben serves as one of our dual responders here at West Metro Fire. His ability to put in more work when it comes to responding calls gives us, the fire department, more flexibility to serve the community at a higher level. The only secret I have on Ben is that he likes to jump into dumpsters…if you need proof, send an inquiry to jsoto@westmetrofire.com 😉

West Metro Captain 2-Station 1

Bryan has been with West Metro since 2021 and is the Captain of IT. Fraud analyst by day, keeper of peace by night. Bryan enjoys the group interaction the fire service provides as well as being able to drive the big trucks with the loud sirens. Bryan thanks everyone and then some for the support in order to become a firefighter. If you need help with any IT, including printers, this is your guy.

Firefighter-Station 1

Alyssa has been working with West Metro since 2022. With her HR background, she brings a great perspective on how to keep our department improving when it comes to personnel. Advantageous and creative are two words commonly used to describe her.

Firefighter-Station 2

Lanoira has been with West Metro since 2021. She works as a Full-Time firefighter with Minneapolis and brings all her knowledge and experience to West Metro during her paid, on-call hours. If you ever talk football with her, your team better have Superbowl’s as she is a proud Cheesehead.

Firefighter-Station 2

Dean has been serving since 2021. He is an education assistant. His ability to teach allows our department to have someone who can carry out the plan and execute in efficient fashion. Dean takes home the award every year of asking the most questions. This means he is always learning and up to date on tactics and skills.

West Metro Captain 21-Station 2

Phil has been serving the community of New Hope and Crystal since 2014. Phil is one of the hardest workers we have on the department and is always the first one to speak up when a new plan is needed or when. Phil takes leadership to another level. You can ask him to do anything and he will find a way for you. Only downside is that he is a die-hard Vikings fan so he is used to being let down. 👀

Former West Metro Training Captain

Tara went out on top! She put in 10 wonderful years with West Metro and decided that is was time to let others fulfill the goals of the community. Selflessness and grit is what powered her through many calls and we appreciate her years of service.

Former Station 2 Firefighter

Firefighter Pat O’Malley has decided to retire from West Metro after 38.4 years of service; Pat started with Crystal Fire in 1986. Pat is the longest serving member EVER of the pre & post-merger fire departments; he is also the last person to ever have started here in the 1980’s!!!

West Metro Lieutenant 1-Station 1

Ian has been with West Metro since 2021 and is a full time inspector at Station 3. He is a great addition to the West Metro team for his ability to learn on the fly and his natural effort to connect with people. It is not easy being a firefighter, but yet every time you see Ian work, you can see that he enjoys serving and helping the community at all faucets that the job entails. There is no better feeling than working with people who want to be there and improve every day and that is what you get with Ian.

Firefighter-Station 1

Vance has been with West Metro for 25 years. He started in 2000. That's commitment. We have a decent number of firefighters in our department who are younger than 25 years—mind-blowing! Vance has served as an officer in his time with West Metro and currently serves at Station 1. People will tell you that Vance is one of the most, if not the most, knowledgeable firefighter they have met. Whether it's a basement fire or a car smashing into a house, Vance has always given calm and direct orders to other firefighters to accomplish the overall goal.

Station 1

After 10 years of service, Louis is retired from West Metro Fire due to his relocation to his new full-time job as a MN State Trooper. Over the years, Louis has always been open to growth and had a delightful personality around the station. Many of our firefighters are busy in life with family and their full-time jobs and even then, when Louis showed up, he always gave it 100% and was always willing to learn as if it were his first day.

West Metro Captain 31-Station 3

Mike has been with West Metro Fire since 2014. With all the work and sacrifice he has put in over the years, it's no surprise he has won Firefighter of the Year in the past and is always in the conversation. Mike has always helped with the mentorship program, West Suburban Academy, and after many years as a firefighter, he now serves as Captain 31.

Firefighter-Station 1

hris Brooks has been with West Metro Fire since 2001 and he currently serves at Station 1. Brooks has been one of the senior firefighters in the department for a while now and is always an open book to any questions our younger staff may have. He is always on board for using his time to serve the community, as he is not just a firefighter but also a Paramedic with Allina.

West Metro Assistant Chief of Logistics-Station 3

Grimes has been with West Metro Fire since 2014 when he joined us on the paid, on-call side of the fire department. Most of those years come from serving at Station 2 and serving as a lieutenant. It is no surprise that with his work ethic and knowledge of the fire service, Grimes earned the opportunity to serve the cities of New Hope and Crystal full-time.

Firefighter-Station 1

Matt has been with West Metro Fire since 2022 and is housed out of Station 1. He is a manager in healthcare IT project consulting during the day and serves the community by night as a firefighter. One of the common themes every time Matt talks about why he joined the fire service and why he loves to serve the people of New Hope and Crystal is helping people on their worst days. Knowing that he can make a true difference, whether it's an emergency or at a public education event, connecting with the community is the end goal.

Battalion Chief 5

Matt has been with West Metro Fire since 2008 and has had many roles over the years. He currently serves as Battalion Chief 5. Matt also spends his time with New Hope Public Works, meaning all he does is serve the community, either one fire or one utility job at a time. With years of experience, he shares his knowledge like a good spring rain. He is truly one of the few who can teach young firefighters how to be an old firefighter. Here is what one of his peers had to say about him.

Battalion Chief 7

Jason has been with West Metro Fire since 2010 and has worked his way up to the position he is in now, Battalion Chief 7. Many of his hours are with the training department to ensure our firefighters are learning and adapting to new tactics. Jason's full-time job is in Emergency Management, including experience in the Air Force, which has brought a unique perspective on large-scale incidents. This benefits West Metro Fire and the community because of the execution that is delivered whenever Jason is in command of a scene, as he brings calm to the chaos.

Firefighter-Station 3

Hayden has been with West Metro Fire since 2022. Hayden serves at Station 3. He is known for his dedication to bettering himself. As we all know, this line of work requires us to always be learning. Hayden prides himself on the physical side of being a firefighter and always represents the fire department at the gym. When we talk about less experienced firefighters, we always want them to ask lots of questions and take every opportunity when it presents itself. You always get that with Hayden. He gives himself every chance to become a better firefighter every day with the positive attitude he exemplifies.

Firefighter-Station 1

Serving since 2016, Tony's full-time job is working as a chief officer for a manufacturing technology company. Of course, during his other time, Tony has decided to serve the community as a firefighter. Tony is a joy to work with thanks to his ability to turn the switch from serious to goofy after every call. It keeps the station up and positive. Tony is also a great outside-the-box thinker. He offers input that adds value to critical scenes as well as training.

West Metro Fire Chief 1-Retired in July 2025

Chief Sarah Larson started her journey in 1996 with Golden Valley Fire and blessed her presence with West Metro in 2007.

A positive change occurred when she became West Metro's Chief 1 in 2013. Since then, she has implemented ideas that have allowed West Metro to reach for greatness, allowing the District to serve its people with the utmost ability. Her drive and work ethic have been major factors in why West Metro is where it is today. Countless hours on making sure her firefighters are taken care of, every detail of the board reports cross-checked, and most importantly, preserving the fire services provided to the community stay at the highest level.

You earn your success based on your service to others, not at the expense of others. That is why Chief Larson has and will always be respected by the fire community. All the Christmas parties, Open Houses, live burns, Summer BBQs, food drives, graduations, and many, many more. She was there. She was present. Chief Larson has always cared and everyone at West Metro has felt her kindness since day 1.

Thank you, Sarah. On behalf of all of West Metro, the cities of New Hope and Crystal, and every community member who has ever had an interaction with West Metro. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

"Heroes get remembered, but legends never die."

Best Doggo-Station 3

Charlie is Retired Chief Larson's dog, but over the years, it has definitely felt like the station dog. With millions and millions of kisses received and belly scratches given in return, Charlie has made the environment at the station feel special.

West Metro Captain 11-Station 1

Nazib has been with West Metro since 2014 and has proven in attendance and effort why he is Station 1’s Captain. In his spare time, he has dedicated making a difference in the community he lives in by serving on the fire department. Words most used to describe Nazib by his peers is: Honest, compassionate, trustworthy, passionate, committed, humble, and humorous. We believe that the last word to describe him is the most accurate. As we all know, in this line of work, once in a while and when appropriate, laughs and jokes are needed to power through the days. If that is one objective of Nazib, it is to make sure his people are well taken care of before himself.

West Metro Fire Marshal 1-Station 1

Jake has been with West Metro since 2013 and has held various leadership roles within that time frame. From Station Lieutenant to Captain to Full-Time Captain in the training division to being our Emergency Management Coordinator. One of his most important duties is being one of the backbones of our West Suburban Academy and live burn training provided to our firefighters. We are very thankful for Jake and are excited to see his creativity in his new Fire Marshal role. There are many words to describe Jake, but we are going to keep it simple and honor him by using his favorite quote.

“Good luck and stay hydrated.”

Firefighter-Station 2

Kyle has been with West Metro since 2022 and serves at our Station 2. Kyle works as a creative content and marketing strategist in his full-time job. Like most paid, on-call firefighters at West Metro, he never thought in a million lifetimes that he would be a firefighter. Well look at him now, crushing it and adding tremendous value to the community as one of our top performers. The one trait that impresses most people about Kyle is his outside-the-box way of thinking. There have been many times on an emergency call where the norm protocol might not work, but then Kyle thinks of a very creative solution to get the job done. That would make sense since this guy also designed his own board game. How cool is that?

Firefighter-Station 2

He is a firefighter at Station 2 and has been with West Metro Fire since 2022. Even though Anthony joined us back in 2022, most people don't know that he actually served on another fire department before us. With the experience Anthony received from Melrose Fire Department, it gave him the courage and opportunity to serve the community on a larger and more fast-paced scale. From what we can tell these past 3 years, Melrose did a fine job training Anthony as he has become a top performer here at West Metro.

West Metro Chief 1-Station 3

Chief Kunde has been with West Metro since 2014, serving as the Assistant Chief of Logistics. His extensive background in contracting, owning a business, and as Assistant Chief at West Metro for 11 years fits perfectly for his new role. Ensuring that West Metro has always had tools, equipment, gear, stations, and most importantly, our fire engines in the best shape and in working order to best serve the community. Chief Kunde is a major reason why West Metro has a lean-mean functioning system that allows us to respond safely and quickly with accurate info on fire calls. His work with Hennepin County and many of our mutual-aid partners has made a huge difference in response times, creating a user-friendly system for our firefighters.

West Metro Lieutenant 31-Station 3

Luke has been with West Metro Fire since 2018. He started at Station 1, but due to life changes, he has become a fixed asset at Station 3 and has earned his rank as a station officer. Being the station lieutenant is not a simple task, but Lucas makes it look easy. His expertise is in Human Resources, which allows him to connect with people in a variety of ways. This is obvious and positive when Lucas is working at public education events. His dedication to Station 3 has been evident over the last year.

West Metro Assistant Chief of Training-Station 3

Chief Watson has been with West Metro Fire since 2006. He has had many roles within the department, but currently serves as the Chief of Training. When you are asking yourself, why is West Metro so efficient and sound when it comes to fire ground tactics and how do they get the job done in such a professional manner? The answer, Chief Sean Watson. Over the last 10 years or so, it has been a team effort with our training staff, training captains, and station captains to be where we are today with our department training. Chief Watson has been the centerpiece of the entire operation. Most fire departments wish they could have someone like Chief Watson leading their training department.

West Metro Lieutenant 21-Station 2

Spencer has been with West Metro since 2021. As we have said before, being a station lieutenant is no easy task. Spencer has done a great job of providing meaningful and physical station training. This is a direct reflection of how he trains when he is on the hot seat. Always the first one to volunteer to try something new and always the one helping others out when an objective is not understood. One very strong attribute of Spencer is his communication. Not too much and not too little, it is always just the right amount of info and in a very approachable manner. Our firefighters understand and appreciate the open line Spencer provides.

Firefighter-Station 3

He is a part of the class of 2024. Serving out of Station 3, Brendon has established himself as the “chill dude” as described by his peers. We have also been told that he has the worst jokes, but we won't hold it against him.

Firefighter-Station 2

Ryan works out of our station 2 and is part of the class of 2024. Ryan has been a great addition to West Metro Fire, thanks to his ability to learn quickly and his workhorse mentality. His participation in West Metro’s run club shows just a small part of his dedication to the fire service. His station officers appreciate his willingness to complete tasks around the station without having to be told.

Firefighter-Station 1

Since 2024, Mick works out of our Station 1. He is known for his “just do before anyone asks” attitude, which his station officers very much appreciate. His calm and reserved nature brings reliability and emotional steadiness to the fire service. He has shown consistent traits of support, sound judgment, and teamwork during critical incidents.

Firefighter-Station 2

Class of 2024, Pedro has excelled in his role as a firefighter and his passion and personality have gotten him to this point. We don’t believe there is anyone on this planet who smiles more than Pedro. Pedro is recognized by his classmates for his very extroverted personality. Always the first one to talk to everyone and always with an interesting story. In this line of work, we always need someone to light up the room after a rough call, someone to bring up morale. Pedro is exactly that firefighter.

Firefighter-Station 3

ason is a part of the class of 2024 and has quickly become one of the top performers at Station 3.

As we all know, stats don’t lie. Jason has not only committed himself to serving in emergencies, but has also volunteered for several of our community outreach events. To this day, the kids at Sonnesyn Elementary remind us of the time Jason got to slime the principal at their carnival. His peers describe him as a quiet leader. Never having to be asked, just does what needs to be done and then onto the next task. We asked Jason a couple of questions and this was his response to them: