Cross

For the second time in as many weeks, the release of the agenda for the upcoming Marshalltown city council meeting included major news about an appointment to fill an important leadership position — and once again, City Administrator Carol Webb has chosen to promote a candidate from within.

Christopher Cross, who served as the deputy Marshalltown fire chief from 2016 to early 2024 and assumed the title of acting chief in March after his predecessor David Rierson’s retirement, will move into the role permanently pending the council’s confirmation on Monday night. Prior to joining the Marshalltown Fire Department (MFD), he served as the chief in Windsor Heights.

“I’m excited to be the next chief for the city of Marshalltown. I’m extremely proud of our staff, and I look forward to many years of service to the citizens of Marshalltown. I love it here, man,” Cross said. “We moved to Marshalltown to be members of the community and be at the fire department, and the fire department is what brought me here. The city has given me more than I ever bargained for, and I’m just happy to be here.”

While he was serving as interim city administrator, Mayor Joel Greer previously declined to offer the fire chief position to two other candidates and instead installed Cross as the acting chief. Ultimately, he felt that he found the right man for the job, and Cross was chosen over a handful of fellow finalists.

“After having done a widespread national search, which included a very experienced fire chief from Texas among other states, Chief Cross rose to the top level vetted by fellow chiefs from across the state, and among our local staff, council and mayor who interviewed him. His tenure as assistant chief, and acting chief, and his paramedic and EMT experience will help guide us through what the county should do with ambulance and fire rescue personnel and equipment going forward,” Greer said. “He has grown in the job, and we are fortunate that he was willing to put his name in for the position. Our firefighting force nearly always wins the state stair climbing competition. They protect our citizens well. Chief Cross is in a good position to maintain the level of professionalism we have enjoyed for decades.”

Outgoing Police Chief Mike Tupper, who is set to pass the torch to another Chris — Jones — come Feb. 1, 2025, also shared his excitement about the hire.

“Chief Cross is passionate about the fire service and is a highly skilled professional. Chief Cross cares deeply for his team and his community. He brings energy and a positive attitude that will represent the fire department well. Chris will work hard to keep Marshalltown safe,” Tupper said.