Detroit is leaving behind the era of slow emergency response times and heightened stress among its fire department personnel. The city has experienced a remarkable transformation under the interim guidance of Chuck Simms, whose dedicated efforts have now earned him a title adjustment. Mayor Mike Duggan’s announcement of Simms as the permanent Fire Commissioner comes with a wave of groundbreaking statistics and initiatives. These transformative measures are reshaping the story of safety leadership, inclusivity, and how the community perceives Detroit’s emergency preparedness and safety standards.
This move reflects a broader national trend of recognizing the importance of diversity in leadership roles, particularly in areas critical to public safety. By appointing Simms as the permanent Fire Commissioner, Detroit sets a precedent for other cities to follow suit, emphasizing the value of a leadership team that deeply understands the needs of the communities they serve.
“My entire career has been with the Detroit Fire Department, and I can’t express the pride it gives me to now have the opportunity to lead it as Executive Fire Commissioner,” said Simms. “We have the finest men and women of any fire department in the country. My goal is to build on what they’ve accomplished over the past two years and shift the fire department’s role in the community to being as much about prevention and education as it is about response.”
Under Simms’ guidance, the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) has achieved an unprecedented milestone by providing historic low medical response times. Averaging an impressive 7 minutes and 57 seconds from the initial 911 call to the scene of life-threatening emergencies, this accomplishment not only surpasses the national standard of 8 minutes but also showcases the department’s commitment to swift and efficient emergency services.
Simms has not just increased the number of ambulances on the streets during peak hours; he has achieved a historic milestone for the department. The current average of 38-40 ambulances operating during peak times, a substantial jump from a mere 10 ambulances a decade ago, guarantees that Detroit residents now benefit from prompt and crucial medical assistance. This significant enhancement not only bolsters the city’s emergency reputation but also transforms the community’s mindset, instilling confidence that calling for help ensures swift and efficient care in the field.
The increased fleet of ambulances has led to a notable improvement in the Department’s overall response time for an ambulance to arrive and transport a patient, consistently maintaining a duration below 10 minutes from the moment of the 911 call. During the week of October 1-7, the average response time was recorded at 9 minutes and 9 seconds.
“Under Chuck Simms’ leadership, the Detroit Fire Department is providing its highest and most consistent level of service in its history,” said Mayor Duggan. “Over the past two years he has demonstrated his ability to lead one of the most respected fire departments in the nation to new heights and I’m proud to name him as DFD’s permanent Executive Fire Commissioner.”
Simms’ vision transcends immediate response enhancements, delving into initiatives that contribute to economic growth and job creation with a focus on stability and attractive perks. Leading the charge in transitioning to a fully dual-role department, ensuring that all personnel are cross-trained as either Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter Paramedic, offers both internal and external advantages. With more than 60 members already successfully completing dual training, Simms is determined to strengthen the department further by recruiting an additional 100 firefighter/EMTs by January and an additional 50-70 by summer.
“Simms was the commissioner when I first started,” says Sparkle Robinson an EMS Dispatcher for the city of Detroit Fire Department. “He is very helpful, and his knowledge is invaluable. I’m very excited to see what’s next for the department.”
Simms embarked on his journey in 1986, joining the department at the tender age of 19. His early days as a Firefighter/EMT laid the foundation for a career marked by resilience and unwavering service to the community. Over the years, he ascended through the ranks, showcasing his prowess in roles such as Fire Investigator Lieutenant, Fire Investigator Captain, and the pivotal position of Chief of Arson and Fire Investigations. During Simms’ tenure as Chief of Arson, the department witnessed a groundbreaking 74% increase in the apprehension of arson suspects. This substantial achievement played a vital role in curbing arson fires, leading to the eventual discontinuation of the annual citywide Angels’ Night campaign aimed at preventing such incidents.
Simms was appointed as the interim commissioner in December 2021. His elevation to this pivotal role reflects not only his individual accomplishments but also the trust bestowed upon him by the department and the community at large.
Continuing with his momentum for change Simms wants to make Detroit a HeartSafe Community. He has launched a citywide effort to increase accessibility to Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units. This includes a comprehensive map of AED locations, community-based training, and a commitment to ensure every 8th grader in the city is CPR-trained. Simms’ emphasis on prevention and education reflects a broader shift in the fire department’s role within the community.
Mayor Duggan commended Simms for his outstanding leadership, emphasizing that Simms’ journey from a 19-year-old recruit to the Executive Fire Commissioner is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the potential for positive change within the department.
“One thing I want to continue to build on is the morale of the department,” said Simms. “The men and women in the fire department are the best in the country hands down. I want to make sure that we’re doing things as a department that makes sure they have all the resources that they need to continue to do their job. That includes equipment but also health and well-being resources for them.”
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