Fire/EMS Executive Fire Chief

Allen County Government•Fort Wayne, IN

About The Position

The Fire/EMS Executive Fire Chief serves as the executive leader of the Allen County Unified Fire District and is responsible for overseeing the consolidation, integration, and professionalization of multiple combination departments into a single, full-time fire and emergency medical services district. This role demands strategic vision, operational expertise, and exceptional leadership to establish a high-performing, fiscally responsible organization committed to community protection and workforce excellence. Working under the direction of the Oversight Committee, the Executive Fire Chief leads the district’s operational, administrative, and strategic functions. The role ensures compliance with merit-based hiring and promotion systems, implementation of standardized protocols, and advancement of a comprehensive mental health and wellness culture.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fire and/or emergency medical services, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or command role in a combined fire/EMS agency is preferred.
Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and oversight of complex public safety operations, including workforce development and budget administration.
Extensive knowledge of fire prevention, suppression, EMS operations, and emergency response systems.
Proven ability to lead through periods of change, such as agency consolidation or operational restructuring.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with a focus on collaboration, transparency, and community engagement.
Valid driver’s license.
Must comply with Indiana residency requirements under IC 36-8-11-28.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
The successful candidate will be required to complete annual executive-level leadership and public safety management training. This may include courses offered through the National Fire Academy, IAFC, IAFF, or other accredited leadership institutions, to support continued professional growth and refined leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

Direct and implement the strategic consolidation of four fire districts and one territory into a unified professional fire/EMS district.
Execute long-range planning and district-wide integration consistent with the County’s Strategic Plan for a Full-Time Unified Fire District.
Provide visionary leadership, fostering a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
Ensure compliance with all directives, regulations, and requirements set forth by the County Commissioners and the Oversight Committee.
Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budget in coordination with the Oversight Committee and Allen County Council.
Seek and secure external funding sources including SAFER, AFG, and state-level grants to supplement district investments.
Budget in excess of $30 Million.
Establish economies of scale and equitable resource allocation across quadrants.
Oversee all daily operations ensuring closest-unit response, unified dispatch protocols, and compliance with SOPs/SOGs.
Standardize hiring, promotional processes, training, response protocols, and equipment specifications across the district.
Approve district-wide policies and ensure compliance with state merit law, Allen County Employee Handbook, NFPA guidelines, Medical directives, Lexipol guidelines, and CBA provisions.
Supervise and evaluate overall daily operations and senior command personnel including, but not limited to, Deputy, Assistant, District, and Battalion Chiefs.
Implement and maintain a merit-based system for hiring and promotions, including CPAT-style evaluations and assessment centers.
Supervise annual performance reviews, fitness assessments, and wellness evaluations for all personnel.
Oversee the Behavioral Health Division and wellness programs focused on resilience, peer support, and injury prevention.
Promote a mental health culture through CISM debriefings, confidential annual mental health check-ins, and supervisor training.
Foster a cooperative labor-management environment, working closely with union representatives on implementation of the consolidated CBA.
Support the work of the Labor-Management Committee in resolving transition-related issues and refining district policy.
Serve as the district’s primary public liaison, fostering trust and transparency through community outreach and stakeholder briefings.
Maintain open communication with all board members and command staff, conducting weekly administrative meetings and bi-weekly quadrant check-ins.