Chief Nyle Zikmund has been with
the department since 1981.

Chief Nyle Zikmund joined the department as a volunteer in the fall of 1981. After completion of initial training he was assigned as a firefighter on the day shift at Station Three and night shift at Station Two. Rising through the ranks of Fire Motor Operator, Captain, District Chief, he was hired full time in 1994 as the Deputy Chief in charge of Training and Prevention. In May of 1995 he was selected from a field of 37 candidates to replace retiring Fire Chief Ron Fagerstrom who had led the department for the past 28 years, 24 of those in a full time capacity.

Chief Zikmund is a life-long resident of the City of Blaine. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin Stout, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science Technology from the University of Cincinnati, a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Hamline University, a Executive Fire Officer Degree from the National Fire Academy and is an Accredited Fire Officer through the National Accreditation Of Fire Officers.

Philosophically Chief Zikmund believes strongly in fire prevention as the most effective tool in saving lives and property from the devastating impact of fire. To that end the department boasts some of the most innovative and progressive programs in the state supported by the largest core of individuals dedicated to prevention programs.

Back to Administration

Training: -

• Continue improving/adding “in house” training props
• Continue improving/adding Joint Training Site props
• Ensure training for Drill strives for “Realistic and Relevant”
• Help identify and assist members with additional training needs
• Continue with development and implementation of Command Sim
• Integrate “Blue Card” system/training into the day-to-day response of SBM-FD

Prevention:

• Revise department canvassing drill by August 2010 to eliminate cold calling as much as possible
• Hire another volunteer FALSE by April
• Continue to incorporate technology into prevention activities through use of web.  Have at least one video complete by April 2010.
• Revise/adopt department policy on changing smoke alarm batteries for vaulted ceilings and communicate this to the public by July 2010
• Continue to incorporate interactive stations at Station 3.  Complete 3 more stations by April 2010.

Emergency Response:

• Integrate “Blue Card” system/training into the day-to-day response of SBM-FD

Administration:
Pre-Plans -

• Complete all churches by June 2010
• Complete all Big Box Stores by Dec 2010
• Update the master binders by Dec 2010
• Complete and or review all high hazard/ high target facilities by Dec 2010
• Complete All Day care facilities by Dec 2010.
• (This dose NOT include home day care, only centers)
• As time permits; review and complete all mini-storage facilities. This item may be moved into the 2011 goals.

Complete Command Sim and Drive Sim curriculums and start delivery on a regular basis to internal and external customers.

Complete/follow up action items specific to feedback on building a better fire department.

Chief Officers:

• Monthly meetings; Agenda with specified Action Items and timelines for completion
• Review of calls with “issues”
• Master Blue Card system

Investigation Division:

• Work to build a “Fire Investigation Report” in the investigation module of FDM. Upon completion Investigators will discontinue typing reports from scratch in Microsoft Word thus maximize report writing efficiency by using FDM to create investigation reports.
• Conduct an "in house" advanced training session for Fire Investigators and Fire Corp members involved with investigations. Include an examination of an actual house burn; coordinate with training division if house becomes available in our area.
• Continue Investigation Division meetings quarterly and integrate with a training topic
• All Fire Investigators work toward state certification.
• Dispose of all old evidence in the SBM evidence room in compliance with established statutes of limitations.