The City of Wichita has named Michael Mire as the next chief of the Wichita Fire Department, City Manager Dennis Marstall announced July 15 after a national search.
Mire, who currently serves as an assistant fire chief with the Houston Fire Department, will become the department’s 15th chief. He brings nearly three decades of experience in fire service and emergency response leadership.
What Wichita residents can expect
Marstall said Mire’s experience in a large, urban department and his operational background were key to his selection. City officials expect Mire to lead efforts aimed at modernizing operations and addressing future public safety needs.
- Leadership background: Mire oversees Emergency Response Command for Houston and previously served as Assistant Fire Chief of Professional Development Command.
- Military and career history: He served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1999 and began in fire services as a firefighter/paramedic in New Orleans in 1997 before joining Houston in 2002.
- Education and credentials: Mire holds degrees from Houston Community College, the University of Houston and Texas A&M University, and has multiple professional fire certifications.
"Chief Mire brings a wealth of experience from one of the nation’s largest fire departments, which will help take WFD to the next level of success," said City Manager Dennis Marstall.
"I feel privileged to join this great community and serve as the City of Wichita’s next Fire Chief," Mire said. "The WFD is rich in history and traditions, which I aim to respect as we create new legacies for the future."
The city’s announcement emphasizes Mire’s progression through front-line firefighting ranks and his operational and special-operations problem-solving experience. Officials said those qualities distinguished him during the hiring process.
Qualifications and professional recognition
Mire’s formal training includes an associate degree in fire science/officer specialization, a bachelor’s degree in public service leadership and a master’s degree in human resource development. He also has the Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy and the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, along with state fire protection certifications.
| Area | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current position | Assistant Fire Chief, Houston Fire Department |
| Military service | U.S. Army, 1993–1999 |
| Education | Degrees from Houston Community College, University of Houston, Texas A&M University |
City officials did not provide a specific start date in the announcement. The statement noted Mire’s selection followed a national search and highlighted the expectation that he will help set new standards for the Wichita Fire Department as it faces future public safety challenges.
Further details about transition plans, department priorities under the new chief and potential changes to operations or staffing are expected to be announced by the city in coming weeks.
