Plymouth City Manager Dave Callister and Public Safety Director/Police Chief Erik Fadden have announced the appointment of Andy Etzel to the position of Plymouth fire chief, effective Saturday, Jan. 17.

A 20-year veteran of the Plymouth Fire Department, Etzel most recently held the position of assistant fire chief, an appointment that began in December 2024, and was subsequently named interim fire chief in November 2025.

As Plymouth fire chief, Etzel will oversee Plymouth Fire Department operations and staff – comprised of a blend of full-time career firefighters, part-time/on-call firefighters, leadership staff and fire inspectors – which respond to an array of fire, emergency, traffic crash and medical calls.

Etzel noted that his vision is to lead a professional, city values-driven, and forward-looking department that delivers reliable emergency response through strong staffing, modern training and effective leadership.

“My priority will be continuing to create a culture of excellence where professionalism, pride, teamwork and positive attitudes are expected, modeled and reinforced at every level,” said Etzel. “Building a strong shared identity and mission will strengthen the department and allow us to better serve the community.”

Etzel grew up in Plymouth, graduated from Wayzata High School and has served the community as a member of the Plymouth Fire Department for the past 20 years. He was first hired as a paid-on-call firefighter in 2006 and was subsequently promoted to paid-on-call lieutenant in 2010, paid-on-call captain in 2013, battalion chief in 2016, assistant chief in 2024 and interim fire chief in 2025.

“Andy has a stellar track record of building strong relationships and trust, both within the fire department and the community,” said Callister. “Andy is humble and kind. He’s a great leader who will do an excellent job at the helm of the Plymouth Fire Department.