Grand Rapids Has A New Fire Chief

It's been five months since former Grand Rapids' Fire Chief Laura Knapp retired. Since January the city has been looking for her replacement and today (May 31st) they finally have announced the new chief.  John Lehman has been named Grand Rapids' fire chief, and he comes with plenty of experience.  He recently retired from being the chief of Aurora, Ill., after 30 years on the job!

According to WZZM, he has a solid vision to keep the Grand Rapids Fire Department operating top notch:

"My vision for the Grand Rapids Fire Department is to ensure that we have a highly motivated and cohesive workforce focused on superior training and prevention in order to handle the demands of a metropolitan Fire Agency charged with protecting 200,000 people," Lehman wrote in his recruitment questionnaire.

 

"I will strive to maintain the fittest level of equipment and utilize the latest in technology in order to provide the high quality level of protection that the citizens of Grand Rapids deserve."

Welcome to Grand Rapids, Fire Chief Lehman and thank you Deputy Fire Chief Felix for keeping things going during the search!