Candidates for the new Kansas City Fire Department Chief held a public forum at the Truman Forum Auditorium at the Kansas City Public Library, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The candidates all hail from different cities but hold decades of experience.
dowilliams@kcstar.com
Three men being considered to be Kansas City’s next fire chief gathered in front of an audience of community members at the Kansas City Public Library’s Plaza branch Thursday evening to tell the community how they would take on the role.
The candidates, hailing from Houston, Orlando and Washington, D.C., each gave a 15-minute slideshow presentation about their background and leadership approach before sitting down with Crux KC’s John Hall, who asked each candidate the same selection of preselected community questions.
Spectators were unable to ask the men additional questions.
Here’s how each candidate said they would lead the Kansas City Fire Department.
Craig Buckley
Craig Buckley, who most recently served as the interim fire chief for the city of Orlando, told spectators Thursday that he would be a “hands-on” fire chief who leads by example.
“It’s my job to establish direction, align people, inspire and motivate, that’s more of the transformational thing to be able to make change and to be able to inspire people,” Buckley said.
Buckley has also worked for the Virginia Fire and Rescue Department in Fairfax County, Virginia; at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire and Rescue; the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and for a FEMA National Incident Management Team, according to a slideshow he presented Thursday.
Craig Buckley, a candidate for KCFD Chief, listens to a question during a public forum at the Truman Forum Auditorium at the Kansas City Public Library, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Candidates answered questions separately about how they would approach the position. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Buckley said teamwork is “critical,” and that department members’ voices would be valued. He also placed an emphasis on employee mental health and wellness.
When asked how he would help ensure 911 response times are quick, Buckley said emergency personnel are doing everything they can to provide service.
“But let me say this to you – across the country, response times are being scrutinized throughout the United States, and we’re doing everything in our power to ensure that we can get there within the timeline to provide that service to you,” Buckley said.
He said the department should “always be evaluating” response times, and utilize data to determine if certain areas need additional fire stations or staffing.
Craig Buckley, a candidate for KCFD Chief, responds to a question during a public forum at the Truman Forum Auditorium at the Kansas City Public Library, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Candidates answered questions separately about how they would approach the position. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Buckley ended his portion of the Q&A by telling the crowd the department is there to serve them.
“… We are here to serve you, right? So that’s what, really, it’s all about for me. It’s about community, and it’s about our ability to meet your needs,” Buckley said.
Michael Marino
Michael Marino told the crowd a new fire chief is a chance to “turn the page.”
“This is a chance to turn the page with new leadership, and make positive, lasting long-term change for many years to come,” Marino said.
Marino’s vision for the department is a “safe, trusted and modern KCFD,” his slideshow said. He noted a “people first” approach.
Mike Marino, a candidate for KCFD Chief, responds to a question during a public forum at the Truman Forum Auditorium at the Kansas City Public Library, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Candidates answered questions separately about how they would approach the position. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
In his first month on the job, Marino said he would want to hear from both employees and the community, looking into safety and administrative operations and completing a culture and human resources systems assessment.
“…we can continue to build trust with this community through transparency, humility, accountability and performance,” Marino said.
Marino has spent 25 years in fire, emergency medical services, homeland security and emergency management, according to a Tuesday “meet the candidates” announcement from the city.
He has worked for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and Prince George County Fire/EMS, according to the announcement.
Mike Marino, a candidate for KCFD Chief, responds to a question during a public forum at the Truman Forum Auditorium at the Kansas City Public Library, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Candidates answered questions separately about how they would approach the position. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
When asked how he would strengthen fire prevention, “especially for low income, elderly, or higher risk residents,” Hall asked, Marino said his goal is to put together “systems and methods” so that personnel are “out in the community, we’re doing installs, we’re talking about fire prevention and safety…”
Marino also mentioned providing materials in multiple languages and formats, keeping the diversity of Kansas Citians in mind.
Michael Mire
Michael Mire, who has spent nearly three decades in leadership roles at the Houston Fire Department, described himself as an adaptive, people-centered leader.
“From the most hardened criminal, to the most problematic employee in our department, there is somebody on this earth who loves that individual unconditionally,” Mire said. “And as their leader, it is our responsibility to love them the same without exception.”
Michael Mire, a candidate for KCFD Chief, responds to a question during a public forum at the Truman Forum Auditorium at the Kansas City Public Library, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Candidates answered questions separately about how they would approach the position. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Mire said his vision is to make KCFD a symbol of excellence and a beacon for the direction of fire service.
Additionally, he said, he wants to create “a community-based vision.”
He told attendees he has “no interest” in being data-driven.
“We will be data informed,” Mire said.
Mire said data leaves out “the human factor,” such as how crews work together and with each other.
Michael Mire, a candidate for KCFD Chief, responds to a question during a public forum at the Truman Forum Auditorium at the Kansas City Public Library, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Candidates answered questions separately about how they would approach the position. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
This story was originally published December 5, 2025 at 8:24 AM.
