Southfield fire chief honored with Chief of the Year Award

SOUTHFIELD — “It was a total surprise, and I was shocked,” Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee said of his International Association of Fire Chiefs Great Lakes Division 2023 Chief of the Year award.

“It was just one of those times in your life when you’re left speechless. To even be nominated is an honor, but winning is a tremendous honor, and I’m very thankful. I want to make sure that I do right by the International Chiefs and the Michigan Chiefs and try to make the fire service better.”

Menifee received the 2023 award, which is the most prestigious honor that the IAFC’s Great Lakes Division can award to chief fire executives, on Aug. 16 in Kansas City, Missouri. The IAFC Great Lakes Division represents Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. The award recognizes outstanding fire chiefs whose actions and leadership are exemplary. The nominations are based on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service and contributions to fire service.

Menifee is well deserving of such a prestigious honor, City Administrator Fred Zorn stated in a press release. “Fire Chief Menifee exemplifies all of the characteristics and criteria required for this very prestigious award,” he stated in the release. “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.”

Menifee said he is passionate about serving the community. In addition to this award, he was also awarded the Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence Award in 2017, which honors the work of local African American men who inspire others through their leadership, achievements and community service. Menifee was one of 50 honorees selected from over 400 nominees.

In 2020, Menifee made history when he was sworn in by then-state Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden as the first African American president of the Southeastern Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the first Southfield fire chief to be selected for that title.

The Southeastern Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs promotes improvements in fire prevention, safety, fire suppression, emergency medical services and emergency-related services.

Menifee said that through his community outreach, he and other fire chiefs are speaking with representatives in Lansing, as well as representatives in Washington, D.C., to spread awareness regarding issues in the fire service.

“We’re talking about cancer presumption, mental health, grants that are going to help aid with staffing for the fire service. There are a lot of things going on with the fire service. And we just try to do what we can from the Michigan chiefs and from the international chiefs. We’re all in the same mindset and moving forward to try to improve the fire service.”