The community is invited to meet the finalists for the position of Cedar Falls fire chief on May 22 and 23, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Center located at 4600 South Main Street.
The City announced Chris Ledeker and John Zolondek as finalists for the position earlier this month. Ledeker will be available at the May 22 event and Zolondek will be available on May 23. This meet and greet will give citizens the opportunity to learn more about each candidate and discuss questions or issues one-on-one.
The Director of Public Safety is expected to make a recommendation for the fire chief position to the Mayor and City Administrator at the end of May. The City will continue to keep the community updated on the process.
About the Finalists
Chris Ledeker
- Master's Degree in Public Administration / Public Management, Arkansas State University
- Fire / EMS Chief, Arkansas City Fire Department (Kansas): 2022-2023
- Fire Chief, Holiday Island Fire Department (Arkansas): 2020-2022
- Fire Chief, Bethel Heights Fire Department (Arkansas): 2017-2020
- Firefighter, Paramedic, Training Officer, Fire Lieutenant, various fire and EMS organizations (1995-2017)
- Certifications: Firefighter, NR-Paramedic, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector
John Zolondek
- Master's Degree in Criminal Justice – Saint Ambrose University
- Military Police Officer, United States Marine Corps Reserve 2002-2008; Combat Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Firefighter, Winona Fire Department (Minnesota): 2006-2007
- POC Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Acting Fire Chief, Cedar Falls Fire Division: 2008-2022
- Police Officer, Investigator, Public Safety Officer, Cedar Falls Police Division: 2007-2018
- Certifications: Iowa Peace Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, Firefighter, NR-EMT, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector