Former Seattle Chief Gregory Dean to lead DC Fire & EMS Department
Former Seattle Fire Department Chief Gregory Dean has been chosen to lead the DC Fire and EMS Department. This was first reported by WUSA-TV’s Bruce Johnson. The official announcement is expected Monday morning during a press conference at 10:30 a.m. at DCFD’s Engine 2.
Previous coverage of Chief Gregory Dean on STATter911.com
Breaking: Sources say Seattle’s former Fire/EMS Chief Gregory Dean is Mayor Muriel Bowsers choice to become DC’s new Fire/EMS chief @wusa9
— bruce johnson (@brucejohnson9) March 2, 2015
Gregory Dean to head DC fire/EMS. Seattle fire chief for 10 years, one of the best Fire/EMS depts says source @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/kXUjax80yJ
— bruce johnson (@brucejohnson9) March 2, 2015
Breaking: Source tells Fox 5 former Seattle Fire Chief Gregory Dean will be Mayor Bowser’s choice to lead DC Fire EMS.
— Matt Ackland (@mattacklandfox5) March 2, 2015
NBC4 confirms former Seattle fire chief Gregory Dean is Mayor Bowser pick to be new DC fire chief. “Sterling reputation” one official says.
— Tom Sherwood (@tomsherwood) March 2, 2015
For those looking to learn more about the new fire chief in Washington, DC check out the video above from a speech Chief Dean gave titiled, “Increasing Your Organization’s Capacity to Change: How Does Your Organization Measure Up?”
In addition to the link to previous STATter911.com coverage of Chief Dean, below are links to other articles that may provide insight into his time as chief in Seattle:
Message from Fire Chief Gregory Dean regarding Seattle Fire Department Strategic Plan (2012-2017)
Seattle Fire Department Strategic Plan (2012-2017)
Seattle Fire Department profile
Seattle Fire Chief Gregory Dean (interview with KUOW.ORG)
Gregory Dean sworn in as city’s new fire chief
Gregory M. Dean – American Professional Management Services
Welcome to Memory Lane | Chief Gregory Dean
Fire official at center of scandal quits; mayor rebukes chief
Seattle fire chief accused of retaliation
Fire Chief Greg Dean Worried About ‘Shitstorm’ that Rained Down in SFD Ethics Case (Updated)
New Viewpoints from CHDS: Gregory Dean, Chief of Seattle’s Fire Department
Homeland Security: Broadening the Horizon for the Fire Service (interview with Gregory Dean)
City of Seattle press release on Chief Dean’s retirement announcement last October:
Mayor Murray announced today that Chief Gregory M. Dean intends to retire from the Seattle Fire Department after a distinguished 44-year career with the Seattle Fire Department.
“Chief Dean demonstrated the highest commitment to public service over a distinguished career here at the City,” said Murray. “We salute his devotion to the department and to his firefighters. I wish him the best in the future, even as I know I will miss his steady leadership and wise counsel.”
Chief Dean told the mayor in the early days of the new administration that he was looking forward to retirement. The mayor asked him to stay on at least another year.
Last week, Mayor Murray again asked Chief Dean to postpone his departure, but this time the chief told the mayor it was time to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
“I consider it an honor and privilege to have served as the Fire Chief for the Seattle Fire Department,” said Dean. “I leave with confidence that the department is in good hands with outstanding leadership and vision at all levels of the organization.”
Chief Dean will continue to serve in his position until the end of the year. The mayor is immediately launching a search process to hire a new chief.
Dean entered the Department in 1970 as a trainee firefighter and rose through the ranks to become Chief of the Department in 2004. He served in several senior leadership positions in the department, including Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief of Administration, Deputy Chief of Personnel, and Deputy Chief of Support Services.
Under his leadership, the 1,150 member department has maintained its international reputation for emergency medicine and firefighting operations. He is known throughout the region for his vision and commitment to partnerships with other fire departments and public safety organizations.
During his tenure as Fire Chief, Dean directed the implementation of the Fire Facilities Levy that resulted in the construction and renovation of 32 fire stations, a new Joint Training Facility and new fireboats.
During the congressional review of the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, Dean testified before the United States House of Representatives about how the department integrated female and LGBT firefighters into the fire culture.
He also worked with the Port of Seattle to establish the cruise ship homeport by developing a permit process that allowed safe refueling of cruise ships on the Central Waterfront.
Dean’s career spans landmark fires and events that dramatically altered the course of the Seattle Fire Department. In the early 1970’s, the fatal Ozark Hotel and Seventh Avenue Apartments fires resulted in updated fire and building codes around the nation. Seattle firefighters began serving as paramedics that same decade, saving countless lives in years since. The 1995 Pang warehouse fire killed four Seattle Firefighters, the worst firefighter fatality incident in the department’s history. The 2001 Nisqually Earthquake and the 2010 Fremont fire that killed four children and a young woman captured the nation’s attention.
In the New Year, Dean will be spending more time with family, traveling and improving his golf handicap.
