Fire Chief Appointed to Lead Phoenix Fire Department | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/2214 | City Manager | | 1/25/2022 11:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2214/Newsroom_Fire_2022_Chief.jpg | | Fire Chief Appointed to Lead Phoenix Fire Department | <div class="ExternalClass6241F6F394E74D32BE6DCB9AFE857299"><html>City Manager Jeff Barton announced today the selection of Michael Duran as the new Chief of the Phoenix Fire Department.<br><br>Duran will take over as Fire Chief upon the retirement of Chief Kara Kalkbrenner, on February 22.<br><br>Duran is a seasoned Phoenix firefighter and leader, having spent 27 years with the department. He is currently an Assistant Chief, supervising the Medical and Support Service Division. His division accounts for roughly 85 percent of all Fire Department dispatches.<br><br>Duran is also leading the implementation of the Community Assistance Program (CAP). The CAP, approved by Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council, sets aside $15 million dollars for the first-of-its kind program to improve the crisis response for behavioral and mental health calls in the community.<br><br>“Mike Duran has been a valued leader throughout his years of service, and especially recently as he has overseen the expansion of the Community Assistance Program in response to the mental health crisis," said Mayor Gallego. “I am confident Chief Duran will ensure our city's firefighters provide quality protection and life safety services and will be a valuable mentor and ethical leader to grow the next cohort of public safety teams integral to our community."<br><br>Prior to his current role as Assistant Chief, Duran was Deputy Chief of the Central Division and a Division Chief of Facilities Management and Homeland Defense Bureaus. <br><br>“Mike is a visionary strategist who I'm confident will help move our organization forward," said City Manager Jeff Barton. “His strong communication skills and meaningful experience developing and maintaining relationships within the city, community, and business partners will be invaluable as he takes on the role of Chief."<br><br>He spent the early years of his career in the field as a Firefighter, Engineer, and Captain, where he developed a deep understanding of the fire service, emergency response models, and how best to serve our diverse community. As a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) AZ Task Force-1, he has provided service in high profile events such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Florence and has provided public safety planning for the Super Bowl and College Football Playoffs. <br><br>“As the Fire Chief, I will prioritize innovative opportunities to improve the safety and services of our system," said Chief Duran. “I am committed to creating a positive and equitable environment while promoting the development and sustainability of our organization." <br><br>A married father of three, Chief Duran is a Phoenix native and second-generation firefighter.<br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/citymanager | News | | city-manager | Michael Duran | City Manager | | | | @phxcitymanager @phxfire @PhoenixFireDepartment | Fire Chief, City of Phoenix, Michael Duran | Dan Wilson, Director | 602-760-6660 | 602-495-5901 | | | daniel.b.wilson@phoenix.gov | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/MediaContact/Attachments/87/Dan_Wilson.jpg | | | | | | | | PHXCityManager | Michael Duran will take over as Fire Chief on Feb. 22, 2022. |