Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Syracuse Chief of Fire Michael Monds have announced the appointment of 27-year veteran Elton Davis to the position of Executive Deputy Chief of Fire. In this role, Davis will oversee firefighting and administrative operations within the department.

Davis has progressed through various ranks in his career, including Lieutenant, Captain, and District Chief, before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2017. His experience includes serving as the primary incident/health and safety officer for the department, participating in hazardous materials and technical rescue teams, and working at numerous engine and truck companies both as a firefighter and company officer.

In his current role as Deputy Chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau, Davis is responsible for plan review, building inspections, fire code enforcement, educational programming, and all aspects of fire prevention. He collaborates closely with other City departments and community organizations to ensure safety for firefighters, citizens, and visitors in Syracuse. Throughout his career, he has been recognized multiple times for outstanding performance.

Chief Monds stated: “Chief Davis has a proven track record and possesses the insight, skillset and leadership necessary for this position. He has been an example of dedication and safety in every role he has served in our department. He will have the responsibility of acting as the Fire Chief in my absence and I could not be more confident in his abilities.”

Mayor Walsh added: “Syracuse is a safer city because of Chief Davis’ dedicated service. His commitment to fire prevention in homes, businesses, schools, places of worship, stadiums, and buildings of all types is exemplary. Throughout his career he has made the protection of others his number one priority. That has earned the respect of people throughout our community and among his fellow fire professionals. I am honored to join Chief Monds in appointing him to this new role in the department.”

Additionally, Mayor Walsh and Chief Monds expressed their gratitude to Executive Deputy Chief Rick Kisselstein who will retire on September 24th after thirty-one years of dedicated service to Syracuse.

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