Chad Hannum was sworn in Wednesday as Fort Madison’s new fire chief, taking over from Joey Herren, who led the department for 19 years. A lifelong resident and 1991 Fort Madison High School graduate, Hannum joined the department in 2003, returned in 2008 after a brief break, and was promoted to lieutenant in 2017.
City officials, firefighters, and family gathered at City Hall to mark the occasion. Hannum said his focus will be on protecting both the community and the firefighters under his command. He described leadership as a support role, with his job ensuring the team has what it needs to succeed. Hannum also expressed a deep sense of personal investment in Fort Madison’s safety, saying that for those who serve in the department, protecting the town becomes a matter of pride and responsibility.
