by Dennis Dalman
After serving for 33 years, Sartell Fire Department volunteer and former fire chief Jim Sattler has retired, effective April 11.
He was highly praised and thanked at the April 11 Sartell City Council meeting, which was attended by his family members and almost all of the 30 members of the fire department. Thirty-three red roses were presented to Sattler’s wife and daughters in recognition of how their 33 years of support allowed Jim to serve the city so well.
Sattler joined the department in 1988 and held virtually every job imaginable, including firefighter, assistant chief and fire chief. A year ago, the city decided to hire a full-time fire chief, and Peter Kedrowski, formerly of the St. Cloud Fire Department, was hired. At that time, Sattler became deputy fire chief. He had been volunteer fire chief for six years following the retirement of former chief Ken Heim.
In more than three decades with the fire department, Sattler was influential in all of its many growing pains and related changes: rapid population growth, the ongoing training of firefighters, the steady need for more equipment and the long-overdue construction of a spacious fire/police department building.
At the April 11 council meeting, Kedrowski presented Sattler with a large plaque with a firefighting axe attached to it.
He received a standing ovation and rousing applause.
Kedrowski praised him for his constant dedication, the wisdom he shared with others, his teamwork skills, leadership and an extraordinary “calmness in the midst of chaos.”
When the historic Verso Paper Mill in Sartell caught fire after an explosion in 2012, Kedrowski was at the scene when he was a member of the St. Cloud department, responding to the call via the cities’ mutual-aid agreement. Kedrowski said he observed first-hand Sattler’s calmness and expertise. Kedrowski talked with many in the department, and all of them mentioned Sattler’s legendary calmness, a form of grace under pressure.
“That (calmness) is something firefighters strive for,” Kedrowski said.
He also praised Sattler for helping with the transition when Kedrowski was hired.
“He (Sattler) is a mentor, a leader and a friend,” he said. “We hope we can face challenges as Jim did.”
All of the council members thanked Sattler, offering more praises.
“Awesome” said Mayor Ryan Fitzthum. “Congrats, Jim. Enjoy your retirement.”
At the close of the tribute, the firefighters in the council chambers saluted Sattler as he saluted them. And then all of the city staff members present, as well as Sartell Police Chief Jim Hughes, lined up to shake his hand.
Sattler has released statements thanking Sartell and its city staff for all the years of support. He plans to do work on the fire department’s planned “History Wall,” which will be an exhibit of photos and artifacts from the department’s 102-year history.
Jim Sattler just retired after serving 33 years on the Sartell Fire Department.
