City of El Mirage selects Michael Long as new fire chief

PHOENIX — El Mirage has named Michael Long as its new fire chief beginning Nov. 16, the city announced on Monday.

The 35-year fire service veteran has served as the university fire marshal for Arizona State University since 2014.

He also has previous experience as a fire chief for Ak-Chin Indian Community in Maricopa, deputy fire chief with Rural/Metro Corporation Arizona and deputy fire chief of the City of Tolleson.

Long will fill the vacancy that was left in July after Chris DeChant resigned to take a different position.

“It is an exciting time of growth in El Mirage, and on behalf of the city, I welcome Chief Long and his family to our community,” Mayor Alexis Hermosillo said in a press release.

“I am looking forward to Chief Long’s leadership in this vital role to help ensure the safety of all El Mirage.”

Long began his firefighting career in his hometown state of Alabama and served in various roles including aircraft rescue firefighter and fire inspector.

He also served as an air traffic controller for 21 years in the United States Air Force and the Alabama Air National Guard. He retired in 2001 at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

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