The Wayzata Fire Department welcomed three new firefighters — James Botham, Mickey Leius, and Cooper Rasmus — during a swearing-in ceremony at the October 7, 2025, City Council meeting. Their appointments bring the department’s active roster to 27 of 30 authorized positions.
Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich introduced each recruit as Interim City Manager Mike Kelly administered the oath of office.
James Botham
A second-generation Wayzata firefighter, Botham grew up around the station watching his father, Brian Botham, serve more than 35 years with the department. He first joined the ranks in 2008 after high school and returned in 2023 “with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for the fire service.”
Botham resides in Wayzata with his girlfriend Sarah, their puppy Amber, and cat Finch. He is actively working toward a full-time fire service career and enjoys hiking, traveling, and weekends at the family cabin.
Mickey Leius
A lifelong member of the Wayzata community, Leius is the son of Scott and Maryland Leius and a graduate of Wayzata High School. He went on to Des Moines Area Community College and Concordia University – St. Paul, earning a degree in Sports Management while playing college baseball.
Leius has served as a volunteer firefighter since April 2024 and works as a property manager for Boulevard Management and Advisory in Minneapolis. He also coaches baseball as an assistant varsity coach at Wayzata High School and previously coached at Edina High School. Known for his team-first attitude, Leius said he is honored to continue serving the community he calls home.
Cooper Rasmus
A 2024 Wayzata High School graduate, Rasmus grew up in Wayzata and Minnetonka with parents Colleen and Joe and siblings Emerson, Easton, Porter, and Vincent — the youngest of whom, he joked, “is pretty sure to be a firefighter one day.”
A 14-year veteran of Wayzata hockey, Rasmus brings youthful energy and a long-term commitment to the department, quipping that he hopes “to serve the City of Wayzata for the next 72 years.” He enjoys time outdoors, fishing, hunting, and being on the lake with friends and family.
Chief Klapprich thanked the new members for their service and reaffirmed the department’s goal of maintaining a full complement of 30 firefighters to meet the community’s growing needs.
Those interested in joining the department should reach out to 952-404-5338.
