The Wayzata City Council marked a milestone in the city’s public-safety history Tuesday, Aug. 5, formally swearing in Kevin Klapprich as Wayzata’s first full-time fire chief and recognizing him with a Lifesaving Award.
Klapprich officially began serving in the full-time position June 29, following 47 years with the Wayzata Fire Department and approximately 20 years as chief.
The appointment represents a significant investment in the department and the community while continuing a multigenerational tradition of fire service within the Klapprich family. His father, Paul Klapprich, served for many years as Wayzata’s fire chief, and his brothers have also served with the department.
Paul Klapprich joined his son at the ceremony and pinned the fire chief’s badge following the oath of office.
Council members recognized the sacrifices made not only by Klapprich, but also by his family and the families of Wayzata’s paid-on-call firefighters. They praised the department’s longstanding presence at emergencies, civic gatherings and neighborhood events, describing its members as some of the most visible representatives of the community.
The ceremony adds another chapter to a department whose modern organization dates to 1921 and whose service has long depended upon local residents willing to answer calls at every hour.
Chief Honored for June 4 Rescue
Before Klapprich addressed the council, the city presented him with a Lifesaving Award for his response to a June 4 appliance fire at 190 Wayzata Boulevard East.
Klapprich was the first firefighter to arrive and found a stove fire spreading up the back wall and into the cupboards. A Wayzata police officer identified as Officer Davidson arrived shortly afterward, and the two used fire extinguishers to slow the flames until additional firefighters and equipment reached the building.
During the response, Klapprich heard a resident on an upper floor while heavy smoke was filling the building. He entered the structure, helped the resident down the stairs and brought the person safely outside.
The resident was transported to a hospital for smoke inhalation and later recovered. City officials said Klapprich’s swift response saved the resident’s life.
“I Didn’t Get Here Alone”
Klapprich thanked his family, current and former Wayzata firefighters, city staff, elected officials, residents, businesses and fellow firefighters from throughout the region.
He reflected on the holidays and family gatherings interrupted through the years when he and other family members left the table to answer emergency calls.
“I look forward to serving the city with fairness, kindness, and humility,” Klapprich said.
He credited the many people who supported him throughout his career and helped prepare him for the department’s new chapter.
“I am here because of an army of people who did an awful lot for me along the way,” Klapprich said. “I didn’t get here alone.”
He concluded by describing the opportunity as an honor and saying he was deeply humbled by the confidence placed in him.
The council then recessed briefly as Klapprich, his family, firefighters and city officials gathered for photographs—commemorating both a personal achievement and a historic moment for the Wayzata Fire Department.
