About

Led by Experience. Driven by Service.

First In Consulting was founded by Fire Chief Butch Inks with a singular mission: to help fire departments operate more effectively, lead with confidence, and build cultures rooted in trust and accountability. After decades of public service—both in the fire service and the U.S. military—Butch saw firsthand the challenges departments face. He also saw the potential that strong leadership, clear communication, and operational integrity can unlock.

Meet Chief Butch Inks

Fire Chief, Veteran, Leader

Chief Butch Inks brings over 30 years of municipal experience and 26 years of military leadership in the United States Air Force. As the sitting Fire Chief of the Saint Paul Fire Department, one of Minnesota’s busiest urban departments, he has overseen everything from major policy overhauls to large-scale incident command.

His leadership style blends no-nonsense accountability with servant-leader values. He’s known for his ability to connect with firefighters at every level—from new recruits to seasoned command staff—and for guiding departments through complex operational, cultural, and political challenges.

A fire truck parked inside a station's garage, showcasing emergency preparedness.

Why We Exist

We started First In Consulting to offer departments something different:

-Real-world insights, not theoretical advice

-Solutions that fit your department—not a generic template

-A consulting voice that understands firehouse culture

Whether you’re dealing with fractured morale, outdated SOPs, or succession challenges, we bring a grounded, field-tested approach that gets results—without the fluff.

Close-up view of a fire truck's open compartments revealing essential firefighting equipment.

What “First In” Means

In the fire service, being first in sets the tone. First in takes command and makes decisions. First in means leading from the front, bringing order to chaos, and doing the hard work before anyone else arrives. At First-In Consulting, we carry that same mindset into every partnership.

We’re here to help your department take the lead—operationally, culturally, and in the eyes of the communities you serve.

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