A changing of the guard took place Friday, as Brett Wiegand became the new chief of the Waterloo Fire Department.

He replaces Mark “Yogi” Yeager, who retired Jan. 29 after 15-plus years in that position.

And while Wiegand admits he has big shoes to fill, the new chief said he hopes to continue to serve the community well.

Wiegand, 38, has served as first assistant chief the past four years. Prior to that, he was sergeant at arms for one year, treasurer for five years and captain for one year.

The son of Fred and Joan Wiegand, Brett grew up on the family farm located just south of Hecker.

He has been with the fire department since June 2002.

“My uncle Bob Prange and brother Greg Wiegand (Hecker fireman), as well as some of my friends from high school, were members of the fire department and I thought that it would be a good way to give back to the community that I grew up in,” Wiegand explained as his reason for becoming a firefighter. “The only regret that I have was not trying to become a member of the fire department sooner. As much time as we spend together through training and fire calls, everyone becomes part of an extended family.”

Wiegand said Yeager had been chief the entire time he has been a member of the department. In fact, Yeager ended a 34-year run of active duty to join the “active honorary” crew of retired firefighters.

“He is responsible for a lot of what has been accomplished in the fire department during his years as chief, which has included forming the Waterloo Community Fire Protection District, training several firemen, maintaining and adding equipment, as well as services and most recently the completion of the new firehouse,” Wiegand said.

Wiegand said that being a WFD member has given him the opportunity to meet a lot of great people, including members of the fire department’s past and present, members of surrounding fire departments and others from across the country.

“It’s also a good feeling to know that I’m part of a dedicated group of individuals willing to volunteer their own time from their families and busy daily work schedules to help people they’ve never met before in their time of need,” Wiegand added.

The new fire chief steps in just months after the department had opened a new fire station on Illinois Avenue. Wiegand said he feels confident that with the support of the Waterloo Fire Protection District Board and all fire department members, the WFD will continue to provide the best service possible to the community.

Wiegand also discussed some of his short-term goals, which include a new plaza area outside the new fire station.

“As a department, we are focusing on putting in a Memorial Bell Plaza to honor Waterloo firefighters past, present and future that will be located on the south side of the new fire house,” he said. “We still have some organizing to do in the new fire house, but we have been running fire calls from there since August and we’re really happy with the new building.”