Press releases

Edina Fire Department hires new paramedic/firefighter from paid-on-call staff

Edina, Minn., July 29, 2010 – Brandon Winkel, a Richfield native, began work as a paramedic/firefighter on the Edina Fire Department’s C-Shift on July 19. He was previously a member of the Department’s paid-on-call (POC) volunteer staff.

In addition to being a POC volunteer, Winkel was employed with the City of Richfield Public Works Department as a seasonal park maintenance employee before joining the Edina Fire Department full time. He received his firefighting certification at Hennepin Technical College and his paramedic certification at Ridgewater College through the Hennepin County Medical Center in the spring.

“I grew up in Richfield, and a lot of my friends had dads who were firefighters,” said Winkel. “I’ve always been interested in this as a career. It’s a great way to help the community.”

Edina Fire Chief Marty Scheerer says that the Department likes to hire members of its POC staff to full-time positions when possible, as it helps them attract and retain high quality volunteers.

“We were able to see and evaluate [Winkel] on the job, rather than relying solely on interviews and testing,” said Scheerer. “We know he has a good work history, and fits well in the Department.”

Winkel began with the Edina Fire Department as a POC volunteer in December 2005.

For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire or call the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0330.