Brad Crisp Named Deputy County Fire Chief Will Lead a Consolidation Feasibility Review

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) –   The Governing Body of Fire District 1 voted today to hire veteran firefighter Brad Crisp as Deputy Fire Chief for Sedgwick County Fire District 1 (SCFD1). Crisp retired in March as Deputy Chief of Support Services after a 30-year career with the Wichita Fire Department (WFD). In his new role, Crisp will lead a review of County fire services and he will review the feasibility of consolidation between Fire District 1 and the WFD.

County and City officials, including Sedgwick County Chairman David T. Dennis and Wichita Mayor Longwell, have scheduled a joint news conference for 4:30 p.m. today on the third floor of the Sedgwick County Courthouse.

“It is important for both Sedgwick County and Wichita to examine all facets of fire service delivery to see if it would be feasible, bring efficiencies, and serve county residents,” Dennis said.

“I look forward to seeing the continued analysis of fire service consolidation,” Longwell said. “It is important that we research this diligently to see what is best for our community.”

In his new role, Crisp will report to Fire Chief Doug Williams. He will work on consolidation matters with Williams and WFD Chief Tammy Snow. Williams and Snow are currently pursuing functional consolidation, specifically training for recruits, current employees, and specialty units.

City and County officials have discussed and analyzed consolidation for the past several years, holding a joint workshop last year with area fire service agencies. Crisp’s hiring is a significant step in a review process that may lead to consolidation.

“I am glad to welcome Brad to Sedgwick County,” Williams said. “His leadership and experience will be very beneficial as we continue to explore the future of fire service in the county.”

“Brad’s knowledge of the fire service and community relationships makes him a great candidate for this role,” Snow said.

Crisp will start his County job on Monday, June 24.

“This is a critical topic in our community,” Crisp said. “I am proud to lead the analysis on fire service consolidation.”

With WFD, Crisp also served as Safety/Training Officer and Fire Marshal. He has a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University. Crisp holds certifications through the National Association of Fire Investigators as a Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI/CFEI) and through the International Association of Arson Investigators as an IAAI/CFI. He has served on several boards including the Board of Directors for the Kansas Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators.

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