City continues to invest in latest technology and equipment with $3M purchase of new ambulances and fire truck

With the retirement of Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee on March 6, 2025, Deputy Fire Chief Antonio Macias III has been selected as Southfield’s Acting Fire Chief while a national search for a permanent qualified replacement continues.

Acting Fire Chief Macias retired from the Pontiac Fire Department in 2012 after serving in various capacities there for 22 years.  He attended the Macomb Fire Academy and later also obtained his paramedic license. Acting Fire Chief Macias also earned two associate’s degrees from Oakland Community College in Firefighter Technology and in Emergency Medical Technology. Macias also attended Eastern Michigan University School of Fire Staff and Command where he earned a bachelor’s degree as well as a graduate from Eastern Michigan University in Public Safety Administration.  In Pontiac, he was regularly promoted and ultimately reached the rank of Deputy Fire Chief in addition to serving as the Interim Fire Chief in the last days of the Pontiac Fire Department. 

“Acting Fire Chief Macias has a strong desire to work with our management team to further the goals and objectives of our elected officials – namely to keep Southfield residents safe and secure,” commented City Administrator Fred Zorn. “Acting Fire Chief Macias will continue to do an excellent job in maintaining the Southfield standard of excellence in the delivery of fire services while a national search for a permanent qualified replacement continues.”

The city continues to invest in the latest technology and equipment with an over $3 million purchase of new ambulances and a fire truck. Three new ambulances were purchased for a total amount of $1,167,372.49, with the most recent ambulance delivered on February 25. A new tower fire truck was also purchased for $1,769,478, which will be delivered this fall.

The Southfield Fire Department is comprised of 107 highly trained and motivated members (including eight new staff beginning on March 20, 2025) who serve the citizens of Southfield and Lathrup Village, as well as a daytime population estimated at 175,000. The men and women of the Southfield Fire Department respond from five fire stations strategically located within the city.  In 2023, the busiest year on record, Southfield firefighters responded to 16,479 calls for service (45.15 calls per day), and remains the busiest fire department in Oakland County.