Meet Mitchell’s first female assistant fire chief

MITCHELL, S.D. (KELO) – The Mitchell Fire Department is promoting a new leader to its ranks.

However, Tiffany Boehmer is no stranger to the team.

“In 2016, when they had another opening and I was going to paramedic school. I applied, started January 1st of 2017, and I’ve been here since,” Boehmer said.

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And leadership is nothing new to her.

“Tiffany was on B shift, which is the shift that I oversee, and I have worked with her for about five, six years,” B Shift Battalion Chief Chad Cody said. “Tiffany has been the lieutenant on B shift for probably the last three years.”

But taking on the role as the department’s first Assistant Fire Chief is historic.

“This really wasn’t in my five-year plans when the whole new role came out,” Boehmer said. “It just happened really fast.”

Not only is Boehmer the first to hold the new title, she’s also the first female to hold such a high leadership role for the fire department. But her colleagues will tell you, it’s her work ethic that makes her even more impressive.

“She comes to work, works hard every day,” Cody said. “She’s got the schooling for the position.”

“It’s obviously a little male-dominated around here so it’s great to have another female down there. It’ll be great having her down there,” administrative coordinator Jacki Larson said.

Working in male-dominated fields hasn’t stopped Boehmer from seeking leadership opportunities, and she said she’s excited to continue to move the Mitchell Fire Department forward.

“It’s nothing really new to me. I think the biggest thing is like I’ve earned my role and whether I’m female or not, you know, it is what it is,” Boehmer said. “I want to do the best I can.”

Some of Boehmer’s new responsibilities include assisting with building inspections, investigating fires and scheduling fire station tours.