Johnson named new Rhinelander fire chief

It’s official — Rhinelander again has a fire chief.

Adam “A.J.” Johnson, the city’s interim fire chief since the departure of Brian Tonnancour in January, was formally named the new fire chief at the April 1 meeting of the Rhinelander Police & Fire Commission.

The Rhinelander Police & Fire Commission beat the sleet last Thursday morning, April 2, to meet at Rhinelander City Hall.
(Photo by Ardith Carlton/River News)

Johnson, a 16-year veteran of the Rhinelander Fire Department, had previously served as assistant fire chief since January 2025. 

The announcement of Johnson’s newest role was made following an interview with him during a closed session at the meeting, held at Rhinelander City Hall.

Also during the closed session, the commission decided to post the position of assistant fire chief — both externally and internally — with applications due on or before May 15, and to elevate Jaret Boehm from the eligibility list to an offer of employment at entry level with the Rhinelander Fire Department.

Johnson reported the department responded to 180 calls in December, 178 in January, and 154 in February. The year promises to be a busy one for fire inspections too, with 807 planned.

“We also asked for the congressional federal spending with Senator (Tammy) Baldwin’s office for a new fire station. It’s really important,” he said, citing issues with structural integrity. “...The building’s a big thing, and I know it’s not just for us.”

“My budget for repairs is gone as well,” added Rhinelander Police Chief Josh Chiamulera. “lt seems like every month we’re dropping $1,000 at least for some random thing that went … we do a lot in-house, a lot more than we probably should.”

In Chiamulera’s report on the police department’s activities, among the highlights were 85 documented instances of self-initiated, positive community outreach by staff officers. 

“This is beyond your normal calls for service. This is when they have a few minutes of free time where they’re thinking of extra things to be doing and help out in the community,” he told the commission. 

“...I wanted to say that, because what you guys do is important. You guys are the ones that are selecting officers and promotions and promoting people, and I want you to know that you’re promoting the right people.”

The date of the commission’s next meeting has not yet been decided.

Ardith Carlton may be reached at [email protected].