Williston Welcomes Corey Johnson As New Fire Chief

The appointment of Corey Johnson as fire chief for the Williston Fire Department has been approved by the Williston City Commission.

Johnson was selected following a months-long recruitment and interview process that included several qualified candidates. He has been serving as interim fire chief and previously held the position of assistant chief of operations. More than 18 years of fire service and emergency medical experience are brought to the role, including a decade with the City of Williston, where he advanced from firefighter to battalion chief and into executive leadership.

During his time as interim chief, steady leadership, operational continuity and a forward-looking approach were provided. Oversight of daily operations, personnel management, leadership during high-acuity incident responses, and the advancement of training and recruitment initiatives were included in his responsibilities. A key role was also played in strengthening workforce development through Career and Technical Education programs and regional partnerships.

“Corey has demonstrated a strong commitment to this department, this organization, and the community we serve,” said Shawn Wenko, city administrator. “His leadership during this transition provided stability and direction, and I am confident in his ability to lead the Williston Fire Department into the future.”

“I am deeply honored to be selected to lead the men and women of the Williston Fire Department. Having spent the last decade growing alongside this department, I have a profound respect for our mission and the community we serve. As Chief, I remain committed to the safety of our residents and the well-being of our firefighters. My focus moving forward will be on fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring our department remains a leader in public safety for years to come,” Johnson said.

“Corey has earned the respect of his peers and leadership through his work ethic, professionalism, and ability to lead in challenging situations,” said Commissioner James Bervig. “He understands this department from the ground up and has shown he can bring people together while keeping the focus on service, safety, and accountability. I am confident he is the right person to lead the Williston Fire Department forward.”

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A Bachelor of Science degree in fire administration is held by Johnson, along with numerous professional certifications, including Fire Officer IV, Incident Safety Officer, and Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He is also involved at the state and national levels as a fire service instructor and advocate for public safety initiatives.