​Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – The City of Wisconsin Rapids and American Legion Post 9 announce the inaugural Wisconsin Rapids Veterans Honor Walk. From May 20 through Veterans Day, 31 custom banners celebrating veterans will be hung on light poles along Grand Avenue, from 8th Street to City Hall. Booklets with maps and banner pictures will be placed along the route.

To celebrate the unveiling of this year’s Veterans Honor Walk, the American Legion Post 9 will host an informal gathering at Veterans Memorial Park, 2nd Street between Grand Avenue and Jackson Street bridges, on May 21, from 2 – 4 p.m. They will also host an informational booth at the Buckley-Baldwin VFW Post 2534’s 90th Anniversary celebration at Donald J Knuth Memorial Hall, 2711 Reddin Road, on May 21, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“It has been a pleasure working with the American Legion to bring the Veterans Honor Walk to Wisconsin Rapids for the first time. The Honor Walk commemorates the accomplishments and sacrifices of veterans and active service members in our community. We thank you for your service,” said Mayor Shane Blaser.

Those interested in purchasing a banner for the 2023 Veterans Honor Walk can find an application at wirapids.org or at City Hall, 444 West Grand Avenue. The American Legion Post 9 will accept applications for 2023 until there are 40 approved applications, or until February 28, 2023. First time banners will receive priority. If there are any openings available on March 1, renewals of 2022 banners may be accepted. Learn more by visiting wirapids.org or by contacting Jerry Krofta, American Legion Post 9, at 715-424-6260.
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If you have questions, please contact:

Jerry Krofta
715-424-6260
American Legion Post 9
4132 16th St. S
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494-4259

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – The City of Wisconsin Rapids Police and Fire Commission announces that, after a search, assessment, and interview process, Interim Fire Chief Todd Eckes has been appointed to serve as Fire Chief for the City of Wisconsin Rapids.

Chief Eckes has been with the Department for 16 years, advancing to Captain of Operations in 2010, Battalion Chief in 2018, and was named Deputy Chief in 2019. He was appointed Interim Fire Chief in October 2021 upon the retirement of Chief Scott Young. Chief Eckes is certified as both an Executive Fire Officer through the National Fire Academy and a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Police and Fire Commission President, Bruce King, said, “We are happy to announce Chief Eckes’ appointment as Fire Chief. We had a strong slate of internal candidates, and it was a tough decision for the Commissioners. This is a testament to the excellent Fire Department we have. We believe that Chief Eckes is the right person for this important position at this time. We look forward to continuing to work with him.”
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“I am both humbled and proud to be selected as the next Fire Chief of the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department. Humbled by the support of the Department, City staff, and the Police and Fire Commission; and proud to serve alongside thirty-five members who walk through the doors of the Department dedicated and committed to the citizens of this great community every day,” said Chief Todd Eckes. “We have great focus as a team on the future, and the staff that is in place will take what is already a great Fire Department and make it even greater. As a Department, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished if we do it together.”