Stevens Point News: Shankland honors Stevens Point Fire Department Fire Chief Finn with ‘First Responder of the Year’

For The City Times
STEVENS POINT – On Oct. 27, Rep. Katrina Shankland (D- Stevens Point) announced that Stevens Point Fire Department Fire Chief Robert Finn is the 2021 “First Responder of the Year” for the 71st Assembly District. Chief Finn was honored alongside first responders from each State Assembly district at a Hometown Hero ceremony during the Assembly’s legislative session at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

“It is my pleasure to honor Chief Finn with this award and thank him for his many years of dedicated service,” said Rep. Katrina Shankland. “As he approaches his final months as fire chief of the Stevens Point Fire

Department before retiring, this is an opportune time for us to recognize his accomplishments. Chief Finn’s significant contributions to the Stevens Point Fire Department will make a long-term difference in our community, region, and state.

“He created the Stevens Point Fire Investigation Team, which works jointly with the Stevens Point Police Department, and he brought the first ever State Certified Fire Investigator course to Stevens Point. Working collaboratively with Mid-State Technical College and the Division of Criminal Investigation, Chief Finn helped establish the joint training grounds for fire investigation. His vision for strengthening our community and state through investing in public safety is truly exceptional. Throughout the years, I’ve also enjoyed working with him on statewide issues, including authoring and passing Wisconsin’s Community Paramedic law.

“Chief Finn has embraced creativity and collaboration in pursuit of his goals, and has been tireless in working towards them. The 2021 First Responder of the Year award is an opportunity to recognize his exceptional service over the course of his 15 years with the Stevens Point Fire Department and 45 total years of service in Fire and EMS. It was a pleasure to invite Chief Finn to the Capitol and thank him for his service.”

Chief Finn was nominated for this award by his department, specifically Assistant Chief (EMS Operations) Joe Gemza and Assistant Chief (Fire Operations) J.B. Moody. He has announced his plans to retire from his position as SPFD Fire Chief after forty-five years of fire and EMS service as of Jan.3, 2022.