PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: January 27, 2023
Kansas City manager Brian Platt today announced the appointment of assistant fire chief Ross Grundyson as the interim fire chief for the Kansas City City Fire Department.
Grundyson joined the Kansas City Fire Department in 1996 and rose through the ranks to captain and battalion chief, before serving in his current role as assistant fire chief. During Grundyson’s more than 26 years with the Kansas City Fire Department, he has played an instrumental role in the department during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped expand paramedic support for residents throughout the city.
He lives in Kansas City with his wife. They have three daughters and a granddaughter.
“I am pleased with the appointment of Mr. Grundyson, a 27-year veteran of the Kansas City Fire Department, as interim fire chief as the Kansas City government works to build on the important advances we have made during my tenure as mayor, including faster deployment and delivery of fire and emergency services, pay increases for the women and men in our department, and building an inclusive fire department that reflects our community,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “I look forward to working with Acting Fire Chief Grundyson serving the citizens of Kansas.”
“I am proud and grateful for the opportunity to serve not only the citizens of Kansas City, but also my Kansas City Fire Department family. Our team works every day to make a positive impact on our community on the ground. It is an honor to fill this position while the search for a new fire chief is ongoing,” said Acting Chief Ross Grundyson.
“Local 42 has enjoyed a collaborative and productive relationship with Chief Lake and wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavors. Her leadership during one of the most challenging periods in Kansas City Fire Department history was invaluable. Our venue and its members look forward to continuing and building on that relationship with Acting Chief Ross Grundyson. Chief Grundyson’s dedicated service to KCFD, our members and this community has earned him a reputation for integrity and respect. Local 42 is thrilled with his appointment as interim fire chief and we have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead this department until a worthy successor is selected,” said Daniel Heizman, president of the International Association of Firefighters. Local 42 firefighters.
“We look forward to Chief Grundyson’s continued leadership and collaboration to ensure we build on the many successes and improvements in service delivery over the past several years.” City manager Brian Platt said.
The City of Kansas City will conduct a nationwide search for the next Kansas City Fire Chief. While Assistant Chief Ross Grundyson will fill the position of interim fire chief, he will not be running for the permanent chief position. More details on the research are forthcoming.
