(SBA) - The Mayor and City Council of Sergeant Bluff made a historic decision to create a full-time paid Fire Chief position to manage its Volunteer Fire Rescue Department. As the community has grown over the last two decades, the volunteer numbers, training requirements, equipment, and call volumes have all increased to a point where a full-time position is needed. The Council provided additional funds in the FY 2025-26 Fire Department budget to provide for this new position.
The City is proud to announce that its first ever full-time Fire Chief will be Anthony Gaul, effective July 1, 2025. Chief Gaul is the current volunteer Chief, as elected by the membership. He has served as Chief for the last 16 years and has been a member of the Department since 1991.
Chief Gaul comes with a wealth of knowledge and numerous working relationships with regional and statewide municipal departments, the State of Iowa Fire Marshall office, National Volunteer Fire Council, and National Fire Academy. Chief Gaul also serves with the Woodbury County Sheriff Reserves and has many years of experience with other volunteer organizations. Under his current leadership the Sergeant Bluff Fire Rescue has attained an ISO 2 insurance rating which is rare among volunteer departments both in the State of Iowa and in the nation. Chief Gaul holds numerous certifications and licenses in Firefighting, EMS, Hazmat, and Incident Management.
In addition to his extensive volunteer experience and credentials in both Fire Rescue and public safety, Chief Gaul holds a master’s degree in educational administration. He was a Sioux City West Middle School science teacher for twenty-three years and is finishing his seventh year with the Sioux City Career Academy where he has taught Fire Science and EMS classes, and most recently attained the designation of Multi-Occupational Coordinator. Additionally, Chief Gaul has implemented and maintained the Sergeant Bluff Fire Rescue High School program which has been instrumental in providing opportunities for high school students to serve and grow in the area of Fire and EMS. Chief Gaul’s commitment to educating and mentoring is of great benefit to the City and the volunteer department.
Sergeant Bluff looks forward to welcoming Chief Gaul and supporting him in his mission to serve and protect the residents and property owners of our City and Woodbury Township.
