Dearborn Fire Department | City of Dearborn

About the Dearborn Fire Department

The Dearborn Fire Department was established on March 4, 1908; it is considered an “all hazards” fire department, as we provide all non-law enforcement emergency services such as fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, special operations, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response. The Fire Department covers an area of 28 square miles and protects 120,000 residents. It operates out of five strategically located fire stations. These stations house two ladder companies, one squad company, one quint company, four engine companies, and six ambulances. Our ranks include 151 full-time firefighters, all of which are dual-certified as paramedics. The Dearborn Fire Department responds to an average of 18,000 calls for service per year and is rated as an ISO Class 2 Fire Department. The department protects a daytime population of approximately 300,000 people with an annual budget of 32 million dollars.

Mission & Vision

Mission: The Dearborn Fire Department is committed to providing the highest quality of services to all those we serve. We pledge to protect lives and property through safe, effective, and timely responses. We are committed to innovative approaches to providing emergency services and building a more resilient community.

Vision: The Dearborn Fire Department sets the standard among public safety agencies, serving the community through collaboration and innovation while honoring tradition and respecting all.

Dearborn Fire Chief

Fire Chief Joseph Murray, Ph.D. was appointed in 2012 as Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator. He was re-appointed by Mayor Abdullah Hammoud in 2022. His firefighting career began in 2001, and he was hired into the Dearborn Fire Department in 2004, then as Firefighter II in 2010. Chief Murray is responsible for the administration and operations of all department locations and services, which includes 151 professional firefighters based out of five fire stations geographically situated within a 28-square-mile area.

Fire Chief’s Office

The Fire Chief’s Office is headed by Fire Chief Joseph Murray. The Administrative Division is responsible for the overall supervision and management of the Fire Department. All divisions and the emergency management bureau report directly to the Fire Chief.

Administrative Division

The Administrative Division is headed by AFC Kelly Meister. This division operationalized projects, programs and teams as directed by the Fire Chief. All special teams and committees report to this division.

Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Meister
Division of Fire Administration

Emergency Operations Division

The Emergency Operations Division is headed up by AFC DJ Begeman. This division is responsible for all emergency responses and 24 hour staff. The Fire Suppression Bureau and the EMS Bureau are parts of this Division.

Assistant Fire Chief DJ Begeman
Division of Emergency Operations

Strategic Services Division

The Strategic Services Division is headed by Deputy Fire Chief Ridenour and is responsible for all forward facing services and programs. The Fire Marshal Bureau and the Compliance Bureau are part of this Division.

Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Meister
Division of Fire Administration

Support Services Division

The Support Services Division is headed by AFC Mike Weinburger and is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all Fire Department facilities, apparatus and equipment. The Apparatus Bureau is a part of the Support Services Division.

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Weinburger
Division of Support Services

Professional Development and Standards Division

The Professional Development and Standards Division is headed by AFC Jeremy Kurek and is responsible for all training, and professional development of our firefighters and staff. The Training Bureau and the Training Academy are parts of this Division.

Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Kurek
Division of Professional Development and Standards