Ann Arbor officially announces new fire chief
Ann Arbor officially announced the selection of Dominick J. Lanza as the city's newest fire chief today.
Lanza's first day on the job is March 22.
“We are fortunate for the over three decades of fire services experience Dominick will bring to our city,” Police Chief Barnett Jones, safety services area administrator, said in a press release. “Dominick also is a proven leader, which is invaluable for the department. We welcome him aboard.”
Lanza has spent nearly his entire adult life as a career fire-rescue professional, serving as a firefighter, paramedic, battalion chief and assistant chief. He began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the City of Lauderhill, Fla., fire department, where he was later hired as a professional firefighter in 1973.
His career experience also includes more than 30 years of service with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue in Fort Lauderdale, from which he retired as assistant chief of operations in 2007.
Lanza has an associate’s degree in fire science from Broward Community College and a bachelor of science degree in management from Nova Southeastern University.
Lanza and his wife, Julie, a retired fire services battalion chief, are coming to Ann Arbor from Tennessee.
Lanza comes at a tough time in the city, which told the firefighters union it is considering laying off 19 people in July and eliminating another vacant position to help deal with a budget shortfall.
Comments
Gill
Thu, Mar 11, 2010 : 1:20 p.m.
If he's already retired, does that mean he can retire again from the City of Ann Arbor in 5 years?
snapshot
Wed, Mar 10, 2010 : 8:39 p.m.
Hiring old school talent when a freah perspective is needed might be a recipe for creating further conflict and discontent. We'll see.
BobbyJohn
Tue, Mar 9, 2010 : 1:43 p.m.
what is his salary and how does it compare to the previous several fire chiefs/ what is his TOTAL compensation/year; including all benefits/
Hazmat Specialist
Mon, Mar 8, 2010 : 8:06 p.m.
I have know Dominick for over 30 years, he is one of the most dedicated forward thinking men I have ever known. Some of the previous comments I read were very narrow minded and negative. Dominick as I have know him has a desire to succeed and help. He is a selfless individual dedicated to the very best. Ann arbor is very fortunate to have him as their Fire Chief, he will make the department better in every way. I am proud to know him and call him a friend,college and mentor. I can only hope that the few vocal critics wait and see for themselves what we at a 600 person fire agency know. He is a man of vast integrity, drive and knowledge. Good luck Dominick. God's Speed, God Bless you and Ann Arbor, Good Luck my friend.