City of Syracuse appoints executive deputy chief of fire

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Syracuse Chief of Fire Michael Monds recently announced the appointment of 27-year veteran Elton Davis to executive deputy chief of fire. This new leadership role for Davis includes planning, organizing, and providing oversight to firefighting and administrative operations in all facets of the Syracuse Fire Department. Chief Davis has risen through the ranks of the fire department, serving as a lieutenant, captain, and district chief, before being promoted to deputy chief in 2017. During his career, he has served as the department’s primary incident/health and safety officer, been a member of the hazardous materials and technical rescue teams, and has worked at many engine and truck companies, as both a firefighter and company officer. In his current role as the deputy chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau he is responsible for plan review, building inspections, fire-code enforcement, educational programming, and all aspects of fire prevention. He works closely, in a collaborative manner with many city departments along with a variety of community members and organizations to ensure the safety of firefighters, citizens, and visitors of the City of Syracuse. Chief Davis has been recognized for outstanding performances several times in his career. “Chief Davis has a proven track record and possesses the insight, skillset and leadership necessary for this position. He has been an example of dedication and safety in every role he has served in our department. He will have the responsibility of acting as the Fire Chief in my absence and I could not be more confident in his abilities,” Chief Monds said in an Aug. 26 news release issued by the Syracuse mayor’s office. Mayor Walsh and Chief Monds thanked Executive Deputy Chief Rick Kisselstein, who retires on Sept. 24, after 31 years of dedicated service to the City of Syracuse, including 22 years with the Syracuse Fire Department.