Archived News Release: November 29, 2017 - The Ann Arbor Fire Department has hired two new assistant chiefs, Mike Kennedy and Marc Tyler. The assistant fire chiefs will officially join the department Monday, Dec. 11, 2017.
Kennedy comes to the City of Ann Arbor from the South Lyon Fire Department, where he most recently served as fire chief since December 2010. He has also been with the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security as the senior emergency management specialist since May 2010. Totaling more than 22 years of fire service experience at various ranks and within several departments, Kennedy has also earned both a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in public administration from Eastern Michigan University. He will manage the AAFD's strategic programs division, which includes primary responsibility for the department's day-to-day formal strategic planning and implementation process, including finalization of a fire station master plan; the department's Fire Service Accreditation process; the city's office of emergency management; and the department's health, safety and wellness functions, which includes oversight of the safety and risk management and fitness programs. In this role, Kennedy will also collect and analyze department performance data in order to create projections and make recommendations. This position is responsible for drafting new policies and procedures, standard operating procedures and directives as well.
Before coming to Ann Arbor, Tyler served with the City of Lansing Fire Department since 1989. His past assignments include firefighter-EMT, engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief of operations and assistant chief of administration. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management and will manage the AAFD's emergency services (operations) division. In this capacity, Tyler will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day emergency activities of the department, including, but not limited to, activities with other emergency agencies and hospitals. Responsibilities will include maintaining rapport with citizens, healthcare institutions, other regional fire and emergency service personnel and agencies, public service groups and related organizations. This position is responsible for coordinating and managing the fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous material (HazMat) and pre-hospital EMS response, deployment and command functions of the AAFD. Also included is responsibility for the department's training and educational component and coordination of the department's functional operations with the Huron Valley Ambulance Fire Communications Center serving the AAFD, and the related CAD/MDC/RMS functions, policies and procedures.
The assistant chiefs respond to emergency calls as necessary.
Both have made their way through their respective fire departments' ranks, earning valuable experience and numerous certifications throughout their service. Kennedy is certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Management Institute, State of Michigan Department of Community Health Bureau of EMS, State of Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council in addition to many others, and holds certifications in Sport Event Risk Management and Sport and Special Event Evacuation, as well as an extensive list of others. Among Tyler's many certifications are Weapons of Mass Destruction Radiological/Nuclear Awareness, Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings, Incident Safety Officer, HazMat Technical and Licensed EMT.
"The City of Ann Arbor and its residents are very fortunate to have the combined expertise Marc and Mike bring to our department as well as their enthusiasm to serve," said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Larry Collins. "I hope the community will join us in welcoming them both to the AAFD."
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