Green Bay Fire Chief Matthew Knott will resign, ending three years at the fire department, according to the mayor’s office.
The decision was made “after careful thought and reflection” and was a “personal decision to step down to prioritize what is best for his family,” the Feb. 6 news release said, continuing that Knott was “deeply appreciative of the way the community welcomed him and his family, and he remains grateful for the opportunity to serve this community.”
Knott reposted a version of the news release to his personal Facebook account without further comment, under which Bonduel Area Fire Department Chief Kevin Lynch responded, “Good luck with your next endeavor,” among the several other well wishes to the fire chief.
It was unclear if Knott’s resignation was effective immediately.
Knott was the favorite of the Police and Fire Commission in its search for a replacement to retired predecessor David Litton, and was named to succeed Litton in 2022. Knott came into the role with 25 years of public safety experience under his belt and most directly from Rockford, Illinois, where Knott served as an administrative division chief in that state’s second largest fire department since 2009.
Knott inherited a department of nine fire stations that services Allouez and Bellevue, on top of Green Bay proper. In his tenure, he saw the advancement of a new fire station headquarters on South Broadway and, according to the city’s news release, helped to get a $5 million congressional earmark toward its construction. He helped to coordinate public safety matters during the 2025 NFL Draft, during which time most of the fire department’s overtime was covered by a federal grant, Knott said at the time. Knott also assisted Police Chief Chris Davis in advocating for drones to assist beleaguered public safety personnel in the police and fire departments to respond to 911 calls.
City Council President Brian Johnson posted on Facebook: “His absence will be felt by the fire department, and the residents of Green Bay, Bellevue, and Allouez. Best wishes to Chief Knott and his family as they navigate their next chapter. He will be missed.”
“Thank you for your service Chief!” said City Council member Melinda Eck in a Feb. 6 Facebook post. “You were such an asset to our community and you will be missed! I wish for only the best for you and your family. Blessings to you all.”
Jesse Lin is a reporter covering the community of Green Bay and its surroundings, as well as politics in northeastern Wisconsin. He also writes a weekly column answering reader questions about Green Bay. Contact and send him questions at 920-834-4250 or jlin@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay Fire Chief Matthew Knott to resign, ending three-year tenure
Reporting by Jesse Lin, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
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