Michael Duran Selected As New Phoenix Fire Department Chief

Phoenix AZ

26 January, 2022

11:24 AM

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PHOENIX, AZ —The City of Phoenix announced Tuesday that Michael Duran will become the new chief of the Phoenix Fire Department when current Chief Kara Kalkbrenner retires next month. Duran is expected to take charge on Feb. 22, according to City Manager Jeff Barton. Duran is a 27-year veteran of the department who currently serves as assistant chief supervising the Medical and Support Service Division. That division accounts for approximately 85 percent of all fire department dispatches, the department said. "As the fire chief, I will prioritize innovative opportunities to improve the safety and services of our system," Duran said. "I am committed to creating a positive and equitable environment while promoting the development and sustainability of our organization." Currently, Duran is leading the implementation of the Community Assistance Program (CAP), a first-of-its-kind program to improve crisis response for behavioral and mental health calls in the community. The program was approved by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council, and $15 million was set aside for its implementation. "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," Gallego said. Gallego continued: "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." Prior to his current role as assistant chief, Duran spent time as the deputy chief of the PFD's Central Division and served as a division chief of the Facilities Management and Homeland Defense Bureaus. "Mike is a visionary strategist who I'm confident will help move our organization forward," Barton said. "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." According to the PFD, Duran spent the early years of his career as a firefighter, engineer and captain. He also served as a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) AZ Task Force-1. In his various roles, Duran has provided service in high-profile events such as hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Florence, and he has provided public safety planning for the Super Bowl and College Football Playoffs.