Tim Butler, who has been the fire emergency management and communications chief since 2004, was named St. Paul, Minn.'s new fire chief. The city has been without a fire chief since Doug Holton left this summer to become Milwaukee's fire chief.

Butler told Minnesota Public Radio that he's honored to return to the department. Butler said he won't make everyone happy, but he hopes to mend the rift between union members and management in the department.

"I'll think before I act. I'll question before I decide. I'll seek the experienced counsel of union leaders and experts inside and outside our fire department," Butler said. "I'll lead with honesty, integrity and a vision for that bright future that we have in front of us."

New Chief in N.H.

Rick Todd became the newest chief of the Amherst (N.H.) Fire Department. He brings 28 years of experience to the job.

The Cabinet reports that Todd holds an associate's degree in fire science, certified level 3 firefighter, EMT, certified fire officer, fire instructor, hazardous material technician, and several federal certifications such as crew boss, engine boss, certified sawyer (timber sawing), helicopter crew member, portable fire pumps operator and instructor for the federal wildland firefighters level 1 and 2.