Phoenix set to swear in new fire chief on Tuesday

Published: Monday, February 21, 2022 - 12:22pm
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City of Phoenix
Michael Duran

A new Phoenix fire chief is scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday morning when outgoing Chief Kara Kalkbrenner retires.

The swearing-in ceremony of Michael Duran as Phoenix fire chief will take place Feb. 22 at the Department’s regional training academy.

Officials describe Duran as a visionary strategist and second-generation firefighter who’s already spent nearly three decades working for Phoenix.

Duran most recently led the fire department’s Medical and Support Service Division.

He also oversaw the effort to revamp and expand a crisis response program in which the city is investing $15 million.

The program is now hiring caseworkers, fleet vehicles have been ordered, and the first behavioral health unit has been forecast to be working by the end of April.

Law Enforcement