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Michael Monds New Chief of Syracuse Fire Department

Mayor-Elect Ben Walsh is wasting no time as he prepares to assume the role as Syracuse’s 54th mayor. He continues to act on his promise to select a staff that reflects the diversity of Syracuse, on Saturday, December 16,  Walsh announced the appointment of Michael J. Monds as the new Chief of the Syracuse Fire Department. Monds is a 17-year veteran of the department and currently serves as a lieutenant at Station 10 on East Genesee Street. He will replace Chief Paul Linnertz, who is retiring.

“Michael Monds has earned the respect of the men and women of the Syracuse Fire Department, who are on the front lines protecting the people of our city,” Walsh said. “He grew up on the southside and has remained deeply involved in his community. I have every confidence that he brings the experience and dedication necessary to lead our Fire Department and serve the people of this city with honor.”

Lt. Monds started as a firefighter at Station 9 on the city’s northeast side and also served at Station 6 in downtown. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2011 and served at Station 18 on Midland and Seneca Turnpike. He also served in the Training Division and as a member of departmental committees formed to promote recruitment and to resolve human resource issues.

This year Lt. Monds created a Junior Fire Cadet Mentoring Program at Dr. King Elementary School to teach students awareness about fire services and community service to promote careers in public safety.

He is on the board of Syracuse Fire Department Federal Credit Union and is a member of Firefighters of Color United in Syracuse. Lt. Monds is the recipient of several awards including:

Individual citation from the department for life-saving actions at 318 Bruce St. on Jan. 14, 2016.

Level One EMS Award from the department for life-saving actions on Jefferson St. on July 1, 2009.

Hamilton White Brotherhood award [presented to the individual who most advances the brotherhood of firefighters by his or her unselfish devotion to the cause] from the Syracuse Fire Department Federal Credit Union.

The new chief was born and raised in Syracuse. He graduated from Nottingham High School in 1993. Steven Evans, a 20-year veteran of the department, will serve as the First Deputy Fire Chief. He’s served as the District Chief of the department since 2010.

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