PFC promotes Johnson to fire chief position

Adam “A.J.” Johnson is the new chief of the Rhinelander Fire Department.
Johnson, who previously served as assistant chief, was named interim chief in January after Brian Tonnancour resigned to take a job in Chippewa Falls.
Following a closed session discussion Friday morning, the City of Rhinelander’s police and fire commission officially promoted Johnson to the chief position. Johnson, a Rhinelander native, has been with the department since 2009. He was promoted to assistant chief in 2025 following the death of assistant chief Dan Bauer.
“Considering the fact that AJ made a rapid ascent up the ranks, we wanted to base our promotion upon performance,” commission chair Todd McEldowney said in a statement to the Star Journal. “By all reports, he was doing great as Acting Chief. The firefighters and city administration were enthusiastically supportive and morale is high. (Johnson) is local with an unabashed love for our city. He has taken steps already to recruit prospective firefighter candidates based upon what the department and the city have to offer. After his interview, we were thrilled to unanimously support AJ’s elevation to Chief of the RFD.”
According to McEldowney, the assistant chief position will be posted both internally and externally. Applications are due by May 15.