City of Des Moines Announces Finalists For Fire Chief Position

Des Moines, Iowa- Monday, December 8, 2025 -

The City of Des Moines is pleased to announce the four finalists for the position of Fire Chief, with on-site interviews scheduled to take place later this week. A brief biography of each finalist is included with this release.

The search for a new Fire Chief began earlier this year following the announcement of current Fire Chief John TeKippe's retirement, effective December 22, 2025. Chief TeKippe has served the Des Moines community as Fire Chief since his appointment in 2009, and his retirement marks a significant transition for the City's Fire Department which operates 11 stations across the city.

A group of community stakeholders has participated in the recruitment process, providing feedback and guidance on selection criteria for the final decision. The new Fire Chief is expected to be named later this month.

Des Moines Fire Chief Finalists

Jonathan Lund: Mr. Lund is currently the Fire Marshal for the Des Moines Fire Department, overseeing fire prevention, protection and investigations. Lund began his career with the Des Moines Fire Department in 2008 as a Fire Protection Engineer and was promoted to Fire Marshal in 2013. He also served as a captain and EMT with the Norwalk Fire Department for 12 years. Mr. Lund possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Public Administration from Drake University. Mr. Lund is a graduate of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Executive Development Institute, has earned the Executive Fire Officer certification through the National Fire Academy, and is a licensed professional engineer in fire protection through the states of Iowa and Texas.

David McCabe: Mr. McCabe retired in November 2025 as the Fire Chief for the Aurora Fire Department in Aurora, Illinois. As fire chief, Mr. McCabe oversaw the department's operations, administration, fire prevention division and emergency management agency. He began his career with the Aurora Fire Department in 1997. Mr. McCabe possesses a bachelor's degree in Sociology-Criminology from Northern Illinois University. He also has completed the Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy, and the Chief Fire Officer certification from the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Michael Mire: Mr. Mire serves as an Assistant Fire Chief with the City of Houston Fire Department, overseeing Emergency Response Command for Houston, Texas. Mr. Mire served in the United States Army from 1993 to 1999 and began his career in fire services as a firefighter / paramedic with the City of New Orleans in 1997. He joined the Houston Fire Department in 2002 serving in various roles before becoming the Assistant Fire Chief of Professional Development Command in 2017. Mr. Mire possesses an Associate in Applied Science degree in Fire Science / Officer Specialization from Houston Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service Leadership from the University of Houston and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University. Mire has earned the Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy and holds the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and multiple certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

Bryan Norris: Mr. Norris retired from the San Antonio Fire Department in March 2025 as the City of San Antonio, Texas Emergency Management Coordinator. Norris began his career with the San Antonio Fire Department in 2002 as a firefighter, serving numerous roles including Division Chief, Assistant Chief / Executive Officer of Emergency Services and Deputy Chief of Support Services. Mr. Norris possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science and a Master of Business Administration - Public Administration degree. Both degrees were earned from Columbia Southern University. Bryan Norris has earned the Executive Fire Officer certification at the National Fire Academy and has earned the Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing. Mr. Norris holds multiple certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and FEMA.

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