Shawn Krizaj Archives

Gov. Walz Visits Duluth to Discuss what $300 Million Public Safety Proposal Could Mean for City

Duluth would receive about $1.5 million per year from the budget surplus for public safety improvements.

February 26, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz stopped in Duluth, as part of his statewide public safety tour to discuss what his $300 million public safety plan could mean for the city. Duluth would receive about $1.5 million per year from the budget surplus for public safety improvements. The Governor says it’s important these measures address not only crime and arrests, but…

Duluth Fire Crews Extinguish Third Fire at Condemned Esmond Building this Winter

According to the Fire Chief, no one was found inside the building when crews arrived on-scene, though they have had reports of individuals inside seeking warmth recently.

January 10, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A massive fire took over the former Seaway Hotel now known as the condemned Esmond Building in the Lincoln Park Craft District Monday, challenging firefighters with its fast spread in sub-arctic temperatures. Crews responded to the fire around 7:30 Monday morning. Just minutes later, three crews were pulled out of the building due to unsafe conditions and fire…

Duluth Fire Dept. Set to Break All-Time Record for Yearly 911 Calls

This year, the fire department reports 13,930 calls so far and expect to hit 14,000 by the end of 2021, which would be the highest yearly total in history.

December 11, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The number of 911 calls coming to the Duluth Fire Department is set to hit an all-time record high. This year, the fire department reports 13,930 calls so far and expects to hit 14,000 by the end of 2021, which would be the highest yearly total in history. Members of the fire department say they were worried…

City of Duluth to Require Masks in Public City Buildings, Fire Stations Close to Public

While the city plans to keep its buildings open to everyone, Duluth Fire stations are the exception. They are now closed to the public again, just days after reopening.

August 3, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City Of Duluth is bringing back its mask mandate for all city employees and the public inside all city-owned buildings — regardless of a person’s vaccination status. “Personally it is frustrating to be at this point,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said. “I know that many of us would like this to be over.” “Last week I didn’t…

Unsafe Structure of Kozy Prolongs Investigation into Cause of Latest Fire, Chief Says

Chief Krizaj said a natural spark like lightning isn't suspected, and no electricity or people were found inside.

November 2, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Fire Chief spoke out Monday involving Sunday’s fire, once again at the condemned former Kozy building in Downtown Duluth — with the cause still under investigation. According to the Chief, the fire broke out around 9:50 Sunday morning, on the second floor above the bar. The flames were put out around three in the afternoon. “We got…

LSC Donates PPE to City of Duluth to Distribute

College donated 400 masks, 60 boxes of gloves.

April 4, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Emergency Management has received a large donation of Personal Protective Equipment from Lake Superior College. Officials picked up about 400 masks, 60 boxes of gloves, gowns, sharps containers and more. The smaller places that do nursing home or adult care, or even child care needs,” Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj said. “I think this partnership is going…

Duluth Fire Chief Details City’s Response if Coronavirus Hits Northland

Fire Chief said not to panic, but expect the virus in the County at some point.

March 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As the second case of Coronavirus was discovered in Minnesota on Sunday, the City of Duluth says it has what it is calling a pandemic plan that could be utilized should the need arise. According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, the city is closely monitoring the virus on the local, state, and national level. They are also…

Torah Scroll Remnants from Adas Israel Synagogue Fire Caught in Garage Fire

Remnants of four Torah scrolls stored in storage garage to be buried, garage caught fire Sunday.

November 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- More than two months since the Adas Israel Synagogue burned to the ground, a new tragedy has struck the congregation–remnants of four Torah scrolls that were damaged in the original fire were caught in another fire Sunday. Rabbi Phillip Sher of the Adas Israel Congregation said the remnants of those four Torah scrolls were stored in that garage…

No Cause Known for Adas Israel Fire, Police Chief Not Ruling Out Arson

Police and Fire Chief updated the public in a press conference on Monday.

September 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The charred remains are all that stands of the historic Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth. At a press conference at City Hall, officials said while it is early in the investigation, arson has not been ruled out, and they are interviewing people of interest. “We have today interviewed a couple of people of interest and we will see…

Streets Around Adas Israel Synagogue Closed as Fire Crews Investigate Cause

Fire was the biggest they've seen in while, Fire Chief said.

September 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At a press conference, the Duluth Fire Chief released an update on the fire that burned down the Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth. The East Third Street building caught fire around 2:30 Monday morning, in a blaze the Fire Chief said is the biggest they’ve seen in a while. It took crews a few hours to get the…

Duluth Council Approves Shawn Krizaj As Fire Chief

Unanimous vote appoints Krizaj after Edwards stepped down.

August 26, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday night the Duluth City Council voted 7-0 to appoint Mayor Emily Larson’s choice for the city’s next Fire Chief, Shawn Krizaj. Krizaj has been with the Duluth Fire Department for almost 22 years, starting as a firefighter and working his way up to Deputy Chief. Most recently he became Acting Chief in April, when Dennis Edwards…

Shawn Krizaj

Gov. Walz Visits Duluth to Discuss what $300 Million Public Safety Proposal Could Mean for City

Duluth would receive about $1.5 million per year from the budget surplus for public safety improvements.

Duluth Fire Crews Extinguish Third Fire at Condemned Esmond Building this Winter

According to the Fire Chief, no one was found inside the building when crews arrived on-scene, though they have had reports of individuals inside seeking warmth recently.

Duluth Fire Dept. Set to Break All-Time Record for Yearly 911 Calls

This year, the fire department reports 13,930 calls so far and expect to hit 14,000 by the end of 2021, which would be the highest yearly total in history.

City of Duluth to Require Masks in Public City Buildings, Fire Stations Close to Public

While the city plans to keep its buildings open to everyone, Duluth Fire stations are the exception. They are now closed to the public again, just days after reopening.

Unsafe Structure of Kozy Prolongs Investigation into Cause of Latest Fire, Chief Says

Chief Krizaj said a natural spark like lightning isn't suspected, and no electricity or people were found inside.

LSC Donates PPE to City of Duluth to Distribute

College donated 400 masks, 60 boxes of gloves.

Duluth Fire Chief Details City’s Response if Coronavirus Hits Northland

Fire Chief said not to panic, but expect the virus in the County at some point.

Torah Scroll Remnants from Adas Israel Synagogue Fire Caught in Garage Fire

Remnants of four Torah scrolls stored in storage garage to be buried, garage caught fire Sunday.

No Cause Known for Adas Israel Fire, Police Chief Not Ruling Out Arson

Police and Fire Chief updated the public in a press conference on Monday.

Streets Around Adas Israel Synagogue Closed as Fire Crews Investigate Cause

Fire was the biggest they've seen in while, Fire Chief said.

Duluth Council Approves Shawn Krizaj As Fire Chief

Unanimous vote appoints Krizaj after Edwards stepped down.

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Duluth would receive about $1.5 million per year from the budget surplus for public safety improvements.

According to the Fire Chief, no one was found inside the building when crews arrived on-scene, though they have had reports of individuals inside seeking warmth recently.

This year, the fire department reports 13,930 calls so far and expect to hit 14,000 by the end of 2021, which would be the highest yearly total in history.

While the city plans to keep its buildings open to everyone, Duluth Fire stations are the exception. They are now closed to the public again, just days after reopening.

Chief Krizaj said a natural spark like lightning isn't suspected, and no electricity or people were found inside.

College donated 400 masks, 60 boxes of gloves.

Fire Chief said not to panic, but expect the virus in the County at some point.

Remnants of four Torah scrolls stored in storage garage to be buried, garage caught fire Sunday.

Police and Fire Chief updated the public in a press conference on Monday.

Fire was the biggest they've seen in while, Fire Chief said.

Unanimous vote appoints Krizaj after Edwards stepped down.

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