December 26, 2025 at 5:55 a.m.
Rhinelander fire chief to resign
On Monday, Dec. 22, Rhinelander fire chief Brian Tonnancour tendered his letter of resignation to the city administrator, mayor, members of the Rhinelander city council as well as the city’s Police and Fire Commission. His resignation will be effective as of Jan. 16, 2026.
“Serving as Fire Chief has been a tremendous honor and privilege,” Tonnancour wrote in his resignation letter to the Police and Fire Commission, a copy of which was obtained by the River News. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Commission, City leadership, and the dedicated men and women of the Rhinelander Fire Department in service to our community. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by the department.”
Tonnancour is expected to join the Chippewa Falls fire department in January.
Tonnancour said he was committed to ensuring a smooth and professional transition of leadership. He added he would be available as necessary to maintain continuity of operations and uphold the high standards expected by the community of the department.
“We appreciate all of the efforts he put in for the department and the city,” Rhinelander city administrator Patrick Reagan told the River News. “We wish him well in his next adventure.”
Tonnancour has served as fire chief since 2021, taking over after Terry Williams retired in January of that year followed by the retirement of his assistant chief, Tom Waydick that June. Prior to coming to Rhinelander, Tonnancour was assistant chief of operations with the Milwaukee County Fire Department.
Adam “AJ” Johnson was promoted to RFD assistant chief in January following to unexpected passing of former assistant chief Dan Bauer in November 2024.
Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].
TONNANCOUR LETTER OF RESIGNATION
Rhinelander Fire Department chief Brian Tonnancour submitted his letter of resignation Monday, Dec. 22. A copy of the letter, posted below, was obtained by the River News:
Subject: Resignation – Fire Chief, City of Rhinelander
Date: 22 December 2025
To: City of Rhinelander Police and Fire Commission
Dear Members of the City of Rhinelander Police and Fire Commission,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Fire Chief for the City of Rhinelander, effective January 16, 2026.
Serving as Fire Chief has been a tremendous honor and privilege. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Commission, City leadership, and the dedicated men and women of the Rhinelander Fire Department in service to our community. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and of the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by the department.
I am committed to ensuring an orderly transition and will work closely with the Commission and City administration to support continuity of leadership prior to my departure.
Thank you for your support, collaboration, and trust throughout my tenure. I wish the Commission, the department, and the City of Rhinelander continued success in the years ahead.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Tonnancour
Fire Chief
City of Rhinelander
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