Department Leadership

Dr. Brad Brown was sworn in as Chief of the Grand Rapids Fire Department on May 1, 2023.

Chief Brown previously served as the Deputy Chief of Support Services for the Grand Rapids Fire Department. Brad began his fire service career in North Carolina in 1996, moving to the Grand Rapids Fire Department in 2003, and has served in various capacities until his appointment as Fire Chief.

Deputy Chief Jack Johnson currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Operations for the Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD). With a tenure at GRFD that began in 1998, Johnson has dedicated over two decades to serving the community through various roles within the department. In 2022, he ascended to the role of Deputy Chief of Operations, where he now oversees the comprehensive activities of the Operations Division.

In his current capacity, Deputy Chief Johnson is responsible for the strategic and tactical leadership and management of over 200 uniformed personnel. His command extends to providing direction and support to six suppression Battalion Chiefs, one Training Battalion Chief, and one EMS Battalion Chief. His role is critical in ensuring the seamless daily operations of the GRFD, which includes direct support to the special operations teams, training division, EMS division, and responding to emergencies as needed.

With a distinguished career that began in 1998, Borreson brings over 27 years of dedicated service to the department and to the Grand Rapids community.

Appointed as Deputy Chief of Support Services, Borreson oversees a wide range of essential administrative and personnel functions that are foundational to the department’s effectiveness. His portfolio includes leadership of recruitment, hiring, promotions, internal affairs, employee health, leave administration, duty assignments, and retirements. He also directs the department’s information systems and community risk reduction efforts, ensuring both operational readiness and proactive public safety engagement.

Throughout his career, Deputy Chief Borreson has remained committed to serving the community of Grand Rapids through initiatives that strengthen public trust, enhance departmental performance, and support firefighter well-being. His responsibilities are central to cultivating a professional workforce, fostering organizational accountability, and advancing the department’s vision of becoming the safest mid-sized city in the country. With his decades of experience, Borreson continues to shape the culture and capabilities of the GRFD with a focus on innovation, integrity, and community-centered leadership.