Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee was selected as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Great Lakes Division 2023 Chief of the Year on August 16 at the Fire-Rescue International in Kansas City, MO.

The IAFC Great Lakes Division represents the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. This award, the most prestigious honor the IAFC’s Great Lakes Division can bestow upon its chief fire executives, was conceived to recognize truly outstanding fire chiefs whose actions and leadership serve as an example for all other chief fire executives throughout the Great Lakes states. Nominations for Chief of the Year award are from the Division’s peers based on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service. 

“Fire Chief Menifee exemplifies all of the characteristics and criteria required for this very prestigious award,” commented City Administrator Fred Zorn. “It is a great honor for not only him, but for the entire department and city as a reflection of the outstanding fire and EMS service that is provided to our community.”

Fire Chief Menifee was sworn-in as the President of the Southeastern Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs by State Representative Kyra Bolden in 2020. Chief Menifee is the first African American and the first Southfield Fire Chief to be selected to preside over the Association. The Southeastern Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs works to promote improvements in fire prevention and life safety, fire suppression, emergency medical services, and emergency related services. The Association also fosters leadership, training, and networking opportunities; promote unity within the fire service; support a beneficial fire service legislative agenda; and elevation of ethical standards by its members. 

Chief Menifee was also recognized with the Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence Award in 2017 which celebrates African-American men who inspire others through their success in business, community involvement and philanthropy. The Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence awards celebrate local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service. The 2017 Men of Excellence class was comprised of 50 honorees that were selected from over 400 nominees.

About the Southfield Fire Department

The Southfield Fire Department is presently comprised of 99 highly trained and motivated members 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 2021, the busiest year on record, our firefighters responded to 15,430 calls for service (42.27 calls per day), and we remain the busiest fire department in Oakland County.

About the IAFC Great Lakes Division

The Great Lakes Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs provides leadership to career and volunteer chiefs, chief fire officers and managers of emergency service organizations throughout the Great Lakes region, through vision, information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities. The board of directors is comprised of a State Representative from each of the six states who are elected to three-year terms. The "Executive Officers" are elected by the membership at large and includes the president and vice president who serve two-year terms. For more information, visit www.gld-iafc.org.

For more information, call the Southfield Fire Department at (248) 796-5650.