Leawood launches national search after fire chief announces he is leaving

The Leawood fire chief announced Monday that he will be leaving the city after serving over six years in his position, starting a nationwide search for his replacement.

Colin Fitzgerald first joined the Leawood Fire Department in 2011 and assumed the role of fire chief in 2020. He helped lead “accreditation efforts, operational enhancements, regional emergency preparedness planning, and continued investments in firefighter training, equipment, and service delivery,” according to the city’s news release.

“Chief Fitzgerald has been an outstanding leader for the Leawood Fire Department and a dedicated public servant throughout his career,” Leawood Mayor Marc Elkins said in a news release. “His commitment to excellence, professionalism, and community service has helped strengthen the department and position it well for the future.

“We thank him for his years of service and wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter,” Elkins said.

Fitzgerald’s last day with the Leawood Fire Department is July 24. He will next serve as chief of the Monument Fire District in Colorado.

Deputy Fire Chief Scott Gilmore will serve as the interim fire chief while the city looks for someone to fill the role.