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Fire Chief Brad Brown

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Biography

Dr. Brad Brown was sworn in as Grand Rapids Fire Chief on May 1, 2023. He previously served as the Deputy Chief of Support Services for the Grand Rapids Fire Department where he values building quality relationships both in the department and out in the community. A 27-year veteran of the fire service who began his career in Greensboro, NC, Chief Brown has been with the City of Grand Rapids for 20 years in various capacities including: firefighter, Acting Equipment Operator, Acting Officer, Lieutenant-Planning, Captain-Planning, Assistant Chief-Administration, and fills in as Acting Fire Chief on a frequent basis.

Brown oversees the $36 million budget, purchasing, planning division, fleet and facilities, administrative staff, fire prevention division, and facilitates the hiring and promotion of GRFD employees. Chief Brown serves as a Peer Assessor for the Center for Public Safety Excellence and as an instructor for Eastern Michigan University’s school of staff and command where he instructs on strategic planning, financial management, and problem solving.

Brown has earned an Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Guilford Technical Community College, an Associate’s Degree in Fire Prevention and Investigation from Delta College, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a major in Fire Service Management from Northwood University, a Master’s degree in Executive Fire Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and a Doctorate in Education from Cornerstone University in Organizational Leadership and Development where his research focused on the implementation of strategic plans. Brown has also obtained his lean champion certification from Grand Rapids Community College, his Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy, and holds the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.