As reported by the Detroit Fire Department, Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms leads the Detroit Fire Department, supported by a group of eight Chiefs who oversee various divisions.
Together, the leadership team brings over 225 years of combined experience to their mission of safeguarding the residents and visitors of Detroit.
This leadership has contributed to reducing fire incidents in Detroit by over 25% year-to-date and has also led to a decrease in fire-related fatalities.
The Chiefs, each with specialized roles, manage teams focused on operations, emergency medical services (EMS), fire prevention, communication, training, fire investigation, plans and exams, and community relations.
This structure enables the department to deliver coordinated fire and medical services, working behind the scenes to maintain high safety standards.
Chief of Fire Operations, David Nelson, with 33 years of service, manages daily operations for over 1,200 department members.
He collaborates across divisions to ensure optimal service delivery.
Nelson’s focus on staff training, compliance, and resource management has been essential in unifying department efforts to better protect Detroit’s community.
Chief Sean Larkins, who has served for 29 years, oversees EMS in Detroit, ensuring quality pre-hospital care and reducing Code 1 response times below the national average.
Larkins’ team coordinates with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to maintain high standards in emergency response, directly impacting the quality of medical aid provided to Detroit residents.
Leading the Fire Prevention Division, Chief Dennis Hunter, with 25 years at the Detroit Fire Department, manages fire code compliance for buildings across the city.
His team performs daily inspections and responds to fire safety complaints, focusing on preventive measures to reduce incidents and enhance public safety.
Chief Shawn Pittman oversees the Communications Division, coordinating dispatch for emergency response throughout Detroit.
This division’s work has contributed to Detroit’s record low response times, ensuring swift assistance to those in need.
Chief Alfie Green, in his 33rd year with the department, directs the Training Division, which prepares new and seasoned firefighters in various emergency response skills.
The division supports the HEARTSafe Community initiative by offering CPR and emergency training to residents, expanding public safety education across the Detroit region.
Chief Dennis Richardson, a 28-year department veteran, leads the Fire Investigation Division, working with law enforcement and other agencies to investigate the origins of fires.
Richardson’s team utilizes specialized equipment, including x-ray machines and accelerant-detection canines, to conduct thorough investigations and contribute to Detroit’s community risk reduction strategies.
Chief Damon Robinson heads the Plans and Exams Division, which ensures that new construction and renovation plans adhere to fire safety regulations.
His team collaborates with building owners to modify and approve designs, promoting compliance and safety for Detroit’s urban infrastructure.
Chief James Harris leads the Community Relations Division, organizing public education events and training initiatives, such as CPR instruction for 8th graders and smoke alarm installations in homes.
Harris’ team fosters engagement across Detroit neighborhoods, supporting fire safety awareness and preventative measures.
The Detroit Fire Department’s leadership team, consisting of Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms and eight Chiefs, is dedicated to safeguarding Detroit’s residents.
With over 225 years of combined experience, the team has reduced fires by more than 25% this year.
Each Chief oversees a specialized division, including fire operations, EMS, fire prevention, communications, training, fire investigation, plans and exams, and community relations.
Their coordinated efforts ensure compliance with safety standards, reduce response times, and promote public education on fire prevention.
This structure enables the department to provide comprehensive fire and medical services, making Detroit a safer place to live and work.
