South Metro’s next fire chief is locked in. The South Metro Fire Department has selected Mike Nelson to succeed Chief Mark Juelfs, who plans to retire at the end of May. Nelson is slated to take over on May 30, 2026, wrapping up a weeks-long search by the district’s board of directors.
According to the department’s South Metro Fire Department, the March 18 board agenda included a Fire Chief Employment Agreement for Nelson, laying out a proposed contract for the incoming chief. The hire was first reported by the Pioneer Press, which noted that the board authorized Nelson’s contract and confirmed his May 30 start date.
Nelson most recently served as fire chief in Shakopee and previously worked for area departments in South St. Paul and West St. Paul, according to the City of Shakopee. City materials state he was hired as Shakopee’s chief in June 2024 and highlight a combination of leadership credentials and on-the-ground firefighting experience…