LA CROSSE, Wis. — On Friday, the City of La Crosse Police and Fire Commission (PFC) announced they had selected Jeffrey Schott as the City Of La Crosse’s new fire chief.

In a press release, the PFC said they’re “confident that Jeff’s experience and dedication to fire prevention and protection will be a tremendous asset to the La Crosse Fire Department and the City of La Crosse.”

Schott was chosen out of four finalists. He's served with the La Crosse Fire Department for almost 22 years, starting as a firefighter in 2000.

Currently, Schott's serving as the interim assistant fire chief-fire rescue operations with the City of La Crosse, a role he’s had since April 2022. He’ll graduate from that role to become the new fire chief on Aug. 19.

But his career began well before the La Crosse Fire Department.

Schott started his firefighting journey at the University of Wisconsin — Eau Claire, where he majored in criminal justice. Later, he attended Louis Garland Fire Academy in San Angelo, Texas and graduated with honors.

For the eight years following, he served as a staff sergeant and firefighter for the Minnesota Air National Guard. He also became a volunteer firefighter/EMT for the Washburn Wisconsin Fire and Ambulance Departments.

Over the years, Schott has also worked as an EMS trainer, lieutenant, captain, a hazmat team leader and battalion chief.

Before Schott’s appointed to his new role as fire chief, the PFC will meet at city hall on Aug. 17 to confirm the choice.