Fire​/EMS Executive Fire Chief

Required Application Materials: To be considered for this position, applicants must attach a resume, cover letter, and a reference page with at least three (3) professional references at the time of application. Please complete the application accurately and thoroughly, then save and submit once finished. You will receive an email confirmation once your application is received.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodation for individuals with known disabilities will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

POSITION TITLE: Fire/EMS Executive Fire Chief

REPORTS TO: Fire & EMS Service Oversight Committee (“Oversight Committee”) comprised of:

SUPERVISES: All Command, Operations, and Administrative Staff within the Unified Fire District

Position Overview

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.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Leadership & Consolidation
• 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.

• Governance & Oversight
• Ensure compliance with all directives, regulations, and requirements set forth by the County Commissioners and the Oversight Committee.

• Governance, Budget & Fiscal Oversight
• 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.

• Operational Oversight & Standardization
• 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.

• Workforce Management & Development
• 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.

• Mental Health & Wellness Integration
• 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…