Following a national search, Wichita City Manager Dennis Marstall has appointed Michael Mire to serve as Wichita Fire Department’s (WFD) 15th Chief. According to a news release, Mire is a nearly 30-year veteran of the Houston, Texas Fire Department, currently serving as an Assistant Fire Chief and oversees the Emergency Response Command.
Mire served in the United States Army from 1993 to 1999 and began his career in fire services as a firefighter/paramedic with the City of New Orleans in 1997. He joined the Houston Fire Department in 2002, serving in various roles before becoming the Assistant Fire Chief of Professional Development Command in 2017. He holds an Associate in Applied Science degree in Fire Science/Officer Specialization from Houston Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service Leadership from the University of Houston, and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University. Mire has earned the Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy, holds the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and multiple certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Manager Marstall said, “Chief Mire brings a wealth of experience from one of the nation’s largest fire departments, which will help take WFD to the next level of success. His background in rising through the firefighter ranks coupled with his operational knowledge and special operations problem-solving abilities made him the standout candidate. He will play an instrumental role in setting new standards and addressing the City’s future public safety needs.”
“I feel privileged to join this great community and serve as the City of Wichita’s next Fire Chief,” said Chief Mire. “The WFD is rich in history and traditions, which I aim to respect as we create new legacies for the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to work beside a committed group of firefighters and look forward to leading from the front as we continue our mission of providing superior service to the City of Wichita.”
The Wichita Fire Department serves more than 400,000 residents. In addition to protecting Wichita, the WFD provides emergency responses across the metropolitan area through automatic and mutual aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions.
Chief Mire will oversee an $82 million annual budget and approximately 497 employees representing the Emergency Operations and Support Services divisions. WFD responds to fires and other emergencies from the City’s 22 firehouses, with a 23rd station expected to come online in 2027.
Chief Mire is expected to take command of WFD on August 24, 2026, replacing Chief Elizabeth Snow, who is retiring.
