By Payton Tholstrup

The City of Concordia has announced that John Christensen will be their new Fire Chief.

On their Facebook page, the Concordia Fire Department said, “Christensen brings a strong work ethic and love for the community that will provide a solid foundation to lead the Concordia Fire/EMS Department.”

“We are pleased to bring John back to Concordia as Chief. He is a respected team member with a passion for doing great work in our community and for our community,” said Amy Lange, City Manager.

Christensen graduated from Concordia High School and received his Associate of Applied Science Paramedic Degree from Barton County Community College. He has worked for the Concordia Fire/EMS Department since 2006, in both reserve and full-time capacity, and has served as a paramedic for Republic County EMS since 2023.

Christensen owns and operates Lost Creek Building Services and has served as the head coach of the Concordia Hurricanes Swim Team since 2018.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be the Chief of the Concordia Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services. I look forward to working with all the hard-working and dedicated firefighters and emergency medical professionals who provide great care for our community every day,” said Christensen. “I am also very proud to be dedicating my career to the community that I grew up in and carrying on a tradition of excellent medical care and fire protection for our community for many years to come.”

He will begin his new role on November 19th and will be responsible for organizing, directing, and implementing fire prevention, suppression, and emergency medical services in the Concordia community as well as the designated service areas.