MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON — After nearly a decade of service as Hutchinson’s Fire Chief, Steven Beer has announced he will retire in March 2026.
City Manager Enrico Villegas read Beer’s retirement letter during Tuesday’s Hutchinson City Council meeting. In the letter, Beer expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and reflected on his long career in public service.
“It is now time to start a new chapter in my life by giving back to my wife, children and grandkids,” Beer wrote. “I have spent most of my life working in the public sector and have met and worked with some tremendous individuals. The support from this community, city manager, city council, city staff and fire department members is unparalleled. I am forever grateful to have been able to work alongside such individuals and consider many of these individuals my friends.”
Beer was hired in February 2017 as Hutchinson’s eleventh fire chief. At the time, then–City Manager John Deardorff praised Beer’s credentials, saying his “educational accomplishments, leadership abilities and fire and rescue experience make him a perfect fit for the city.”
During his tenure, Beer led the department through modernization efforts, major emergency responses, and strengthened partnerships with regional agencies.
His final day as Fire Chief is scheduled for March 27, 2026.