Built to Lead. Committed to Serve.

Experienced Fire Department Consulting for Leadership, Operations, and Culture—Backed by Decades of Real-World Experience in the Fire Service and Military Command.

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Who We are

Grounded in Experience. Focused on Solutions.

First In Consulting exists to help departments overcome real-world challenges with real-world solutions. Whether it’s modernizing operations, improving leadership, innovating ways to respond (programs initiated) or rebuilding internal trust, we bring insights that only come from a life of public service.

Fire Chief Butch Inks brings over three decades of municipal experience and 26 years of military leadership in the U.S. Air Force. He understands the pressure, responsibility, and expectations placed on fire departments—and what it takes to meet them head-on.

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Managed Budet
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What We Do

Consulting Services That Elevate Your Department

Operational Assessments

A 360-degree review of staffing, command structure, morale, and system efficiency.

Leadership Development

Hiring, mentorship and coaching for command staff, future leaders, and high-potential officers.

SOP & Policy Reform

Development and refinement of policies that match the real-world demands of service.

Classic fire station in urban setting with workers and construction cones on street.

Organizational Culture Change

Build trust across ranks and instill a resilient, mission-first culture.

Organizational Culture Change

Build trust across ranks and instill a resilient, mission-first culture.

Two men having a casual discussion in a bright indoor setting, highlighting mentorship.

Emergency Preparedness & Continuity Planning

Ensure readiness for critical events with proven planning and ICS-aligned protocols to include multi-agency responses.

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“First-In” isn’t just a slogan. It’s a standard.

Why First-In?

In the fire service, the first crew in sets the tone, leads the charge, and brings clarity to chaos. At First In Consulting, we bring that same mentality to every department we support.

Leadership grounded in lived experience

Actionable solutions, not buzzwords

Honest, mission-first consulting that respects your time and team

Testimonials

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“It is a rare blend for common sense and technical expertise to combine. Butch Inks has both of these qualities and the ability to teach, explain, identify, and lead people at every level of understanding. I have had the opportunity to work with Butch, and those he leads, in times of natural disasters to national emergencies. His leadership and poise have been unwavering throughout. But his best quality isn’t that he is a great leader, it’s that he builds other great leaders.”
Axel C. Henry
Saint Paul Chief Of Police
Chief Inks embodies the utmost professionalism. His thoroughness, earnest dedication, diligence, wisdom, and undeniable competence make him an exceptional leader who consistently delivers outstanding results. Any organization would be incredibly fortunate to have him at the helm." — Former City Council President
Amy Brendmoen,
Former City Council President
"Chief Butch Inks is a visionary leader who embodies innovation, resilience, and collaboration. His commitment to teamwork and labor relations has earned deep trust across the department. During crises like COVID-19 and civil unrest, his calm, decisive leadership kept both personnel and the public safe. St. Paul is fortunate to have a fire chief whose impact extends far beyond the firehouse."
Scott Vadnais
President, Minnesota Professional Firefighters

Start the Conversation. Lead with Confidence.

Contact us today to see how your First In can be your Best In.

Whether you’re addressing internal challenges, preparing for future growth, or developing your command staff, First-In Consulting is ready to help your department take the next step.