DAVENPORT, IOWA (February 12, 2025) — Davenport Fire Chief Mike Carlsten has formally announced his intention to retire from his position with the City of Davenport after 32 years of service.
Chief Carlsten has led the Davenport Fire Department as Chief since 2018, but his commitment to public service started when he first joined the department in 1993. He was assigned to Central Station for the majority of his career, first as Firefighter. He rose through the ranks to Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, District Chief, and, most recently, Fire Chief.
Chief Carlsten has been recognized for his professionalism many times throughout his career. He received the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) in 2017 and 2020. He was also named the American Legion Firefighter of the Year in 2003. Carlsten earned his Master’s in organizational leadership from St Ambrose University in 2015 and is a Certified Public Manager.
"It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Davenport,” said Carlsten. “My fondest memories are of the dedicated men and women I’ve served with and the camaraderie we shared.”
The Davenport Fire Department is proud to be one of only 311 accredited agencies through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and the CPSE. The Department’s current Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating is a Class 2/2X, putting DFD in the top 5% of departments nationwide. These continued accomplishments under Chief Carlsten’s leadership demonstrate the commitment to providing the highest quality of service to the Davenport community.
“I want to thank Chief Carlsten for his years of exceptional service to the people of Davenport,” said Doug Maxeiner, City Administrator. “We wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.”
Chief Carlsten plans to remain with the City of Davenport until at least July 1, 2025 to ensure a smooth transition process.
A formal search for the next Davenport Fire Chief will begin immediately.
