Simms assumes the top role at one of the nation’s most storied fire departments, following the departure of Fire Commissioner Eric Jones, whose last day was Friday.
Simms is a career-long DFD member, having joined the department in 1986 at the age of 19. Since that time, Simms has risen steadily up through the ranks from Firefighter/EMT to Fire Investigator Lieutenant, Fire Investigator Captain and Chief of Arson and Fire investigations. Simms was elevated to the rank of 2nd Deputy Fire Commissioner in 2016, where he has overseen the Fire Marshal, Fire investigations, Communications, Training and Community Relations divisions.
During his time as Chief of Arson, Simms oversaw a 74% increase in the number of arrests of arson suspects, which became a major contributing factor to the plunge in arson fires and eventual end of the need for an annual citywide Angel’s Night campaign to prevent arson fires. He also played a major role in the Department’s successful efforts to improve the city’s ISO rating, a national rating system that measures a city’s preparedness to fight fires to set homeowner insurance rates.
Simms, 54, was born in the city and graduated from Pershing High School. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Masters Degree in Education from Wayne State University.
“Commissioner Simms has distinguished himself time and again throughout his career at the Detroit Fire Department and is ready to lead,” said Mayor Duggan. “He has the experience, the respect of department members and the union. I expect him to be a compelling candidate for the role of permanent Fire Commissioner.”
Simms thanked the mayor for his confidence and for the opportunity to lead the department at which he has worked his entire career.
“I’m humbled to have been entrusted with this incredible opportunity,” Simms said. “Having been a part of the leadership team that helped our city end the 20-year fight against pre-Halloween fires and give Halloween back to the children of our city, I look forward to making an even greater impact,” Simms said. “That starts with improving the morale of the department by making sure or brave men and women know they have the support they need during these stressful and challenging times.”
Simms also brings to his new position unique qualifications that will help him lead the department. He spent several years as a Union Director, involved in contract negotiation and serving as a mediator. His ability to see the union and management side of the department is a skill he likely will need to draw upon as Fire Commissioner, Simms said. Simms also has been trained in lean processing, which is designed to help identify and fix inefficient systems and processes.
“The DFFA is looking forward to working with Commissioner Simms,” said Detroit Fire Fighters Union President Thomas Gehart. “We have a long-standing history of working together to bring solutions to any and all issues that are in the best interest of the citizens of Detroit as well as the hardworking firefighters and medics that we proudly represent. We congratulate Commissioner Simms on his newly appointed position and wish him continued success.”
Simms said that while his title is “interim,” he plans to lead the department fully as its commissioner as the search for a permanent one proceeds, and that he intends to seek the permanent position.
“I’ve let the Mayor know that I would love to serve this department as permanent Fire Commissioner for the long term and plan to offer myself as a candidate,” Simms said. “I know I’ll be judged by what I do starting today, not what I’ve done over the past 35 years, so I plan to start making an impact right away.”
Simms is married to his wife of 29 years, with two adult children.
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