The Bremer County Emergency Management Commission announces the upcoming retirement of Emergency Management Coordinator Kip Ladage and the hiring of Aaron Goodenbour to assume the responsibilities. Goodenbour – a Tripoli native – assumed the role on May 20, 2024.
Aaron Goodenbour brings years of public safety experience to the position as he currently serves as the 2nd Assistant Fire Chief with the Tripoli Fire Department. He is an active 9-year member of the Tripoli Ambulance Service and serves on the Bremer County 911 Board.
Bremer County Emergency Management Commission Chair Mayor Dan Wedemeier commented the commission is pleased with their hire of Goodenbour. “We had a number of qualified applicants for the EMA Coordinator position, but Aaron’s experience, familiarity with Bremer County, and his history of already working with Bremer County public safety made him the candidate of choice. We were hopeful we would find a candidate that was well-known and well-respected and Aaron met those needs.”
Ladage and Goodenbour will work together to assure a smooth transition to new leadership within the agency. Ladage stated he is comfortable passing the baton to Goodenbour. “Aaron has good working relationships with many responders and citizens in and out of Bremer County. He has new ideas and new energy. I expect Aaron will take emergency management to a new level.”
Ladage will officially retire in mid-July after more than 21-years as the Bremer County Emergency Management Coordinator.