Eagan Fire Chief Hugo Searle Announces Retirement After 34 Years in Fire Service
EAGAN, MINNESOTA — The City of Eagan has announced the retirement of Fire Chief Hugo Searle, who will conclude his service with the Eagan Fire Department following a distinguished 34-year career in the fire service.
Chief Searle has served nearly five years as Eagan’s fire chief, guiding the department through a period of growth and transformation since joining the City in August 2021. During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening Eagan’s full-time fire department model, improving emergency response times, and fostering a department culture centered on kindness, mentorship, and service.
“Serving as fire chief for the City of Eagan has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life,” Searle said in a statement. “This department is filled with dedicated, talented professionals who care deeply about one another and about this community. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the trust placed in me by the City Council, City leadership, and our residents. Eagan is in an excellent position for the future, and I look forward to watching the department continue to thrive.”
City leaders praised Chief Searle’s leadership and lasting impact on public safety in Eagan.
Mayor Mike Maguire described Searle as an exceptional leader whose influence will be felt long after his retirement. “Chief Searle has been an outstanding leader for Eagan,” Maguire said. “He left an indelible mark on the Eagan Fire Department and on me as mayor. His commitment to teamwork, continuous improvement, and community service has strengthened our Fire Department and enhanced public safety across the City.”
City Administrator Dianne Miller also recognized Searle’s leadership style and organizational impact. “Chief Searle led the Eagan Fire Department with a genuine care for both the firefighters he served alongside and the community they protect,” Miller said. “He prioritized supporting his staff, building strong relationships, and creating an environment where people could do their best work. His leadership has positioned the department well for long-term success.”
Before joining Eagan, Searle served 19 years with the Saint Louis Park Fire Department and 10 years with the Brooklyn Park Fire Department. Over the course of his career, he held roles including firefighter, trainer, union member, assistant chief, and mentor.
In addition to his fire service career, Searle is also a high-altitude mountain guide who has led teams around the world, including expeditions in the Himalayas and to the summit of Mount Everest. City officials say that experience helped shape his leadership philosophy, which emphasizes teamwork, preparation, and trust under pressure.
The City of Eagan will begin the recruitment process for its next fire chief in the coming weeks, with the position to be posted on the City’s website. Officials expect to have a new fire chief in place by early June 2026 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
City leaders and residents alike are encouraged to thank Chief Searle for his decades of service and dedication to public safety as he prepares to retire.
Written by: Will Wight
Photo Provided By: City of Eagan.
