New Phoenix fire chief plans to focus on community, department members

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Fire Department on Tuesday swore in Mike Duran as its new chief, with the 27-year veteran laying out his plans for the department in a speech.

Duran previously served as an assistant chief and supervised the Medical and Support Division, which accounts for roughly 85% of all the fire department dispatches.

The position of Phoenix fire chief has only been held by four people in the last six decades, and as the next person to hold that role, Duran plans to focus on the needs of Phoenix Fire Department members and the community.

“As fire chief, my focus will and always has been for the safety and welfare of the community and our members,” he said.

A part of that is making sure the department keeps up with the growing Phoenix area.

“The city of Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the county, and for me as the fire chief, what I am looking at is all the prevention methods, continuing with that growth, the building of fire stations and putting resources in service to help our members serve the community,” he said.

Duran said he will move forward with community outreach programs already in place, prioritizing behavioral and mental health needs.

“You will continue to see an organization that is reflective of the community we serve while being engaged, compassionate and understanding,” he said.

Duran also plans to collaborate with labor unions to meet the needs of Phoenix Fire Department members.

“I look forward to collaborating with our labor unions, their leadership teams and members, to ensure they have a safe, healthy, and efficient work environment and the tools, equipment, and opportunities they need to succeed,” Duran said.

Duran added one of the biggest challenges currently facing the department is the COVID-19 pandemic and making sure the department keeps its members and the community safe from the virus.

Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton during the swearing-in ceremony spoke highly of Duran, who is a second-generation firefighter.

Mike Duran has been sworn-in as the new Phoenix Fire Chief. During the ceremony he stood in front of fire truck 14, which was the number truck he worked on throughout his 27 years with @PHXFire. pic.twitter.com/NKqoBmLemU

— Taylor Tasler (@OatleyTasler) February 22, 2022

“Firefighting and leading, they’re in Mike’s blood,” Barton said. “He is a second-generation Phoenix firefighter and fire executive continuing a family legacy that was started by his dad.”

Duran during the ceremony looked back on his time with the department, saying he worked his way up from the bottom.

“I started out in the beginning as a redshirt trainee, and I just worked my way up,” he said. “For me, it was about growing into and experiencing each level of the organization.”

His speech took place in front of engine 14, which he called symbolic of his career as a firefighter.

“It’s one of the trucks I worked on throughout my career for many years and I’m glad to have one of the newest trucks, engine 14 be here today.”

Duran replaces Kara Kalkbrenner, who retired Tuesday after being with the agency since 1985.

Kalkbrenner in the announcement of her retirement last month said Duran is innovative and will move the department forward.

“Chief Duran’s relationships in the community, within the department, and the city are key to his success,” she said in the statement.

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