The Leadership Team

Under the leadership of Executive Fire Commissioner Charles Simms, the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) has made significant strides in enhancing public safety and operational efficiency. Appointed as Interim Commissioner in 2022 and confirmed as the permanent Executive Fire Commissioner in 2023, Commissioner Simms brings over 38 years of dedicated service to the department. His tenure has been marked by a comprehensive restructuring that led to historic lows in Code 1 emergency medical response times, the acquisition of updated equipment, cross-training of EMS personnel for firefighting duties, and aggressive hiring initiatives. Notably, in 2023, the department welcomed 127 new Firefighter/EMTs, with an additional 51 joining the ranks in February 2025. Simms oversees all facets of the Department, leading 1,300 employees.

Chuck Simms

Executive Fire Commissioner

David Nelson

Chief

Daniel Clapp

Deputy Chief

Lorenzo Robertson

Deputy Chief

Donald Thomas

Fire Marshal

Simms is supported by Chief of Staff Elisa Malile and Second Deputy Commissioners Robert Stokes, Derek Hillman, Kyla Wyatt, and Ronald Jenkins. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in advancing DFD's mission to protect and serve the residents and visitors of Detroit.

Rounding out DFD’s administrative leadership team are Dr. Robert Dunne, who serves as Medical Director for DFD, Director of Special Projects, Anthony Watts, and Corey McIsaac, Director of Media Relations.

Meat the Team

DFD’s administrative leadership team oversees the work of the department’s uniformed personnel: Fire and EMS Operations, Fire Marshal Division, Training Division, Fire Investigations Division, Communications Division, and the Community Relations Division.

Chief David Nelson is the highest-ranking uniformed member of the Detroit Fire Department and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. He is supported by two Deputy Chiefs who share Nelson’s commitment to excellence - Daniel Clapp and Lorenzo Robertson - and a dedicated team of Senior Chiefs who cover the city 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Elisa Malile

Chief of Staff

Robert Stokes

Second Deputy Commissioner

Derek Hillman

Second Deputy Commissioner

Kyla Wyatt

Second Deputy Commissioner

Reginald Jenkins

Second Deputy Commissioner

Dr. Robert Dunne, MD, FACEP, FAEMS

Medical Director

Anthony Watts, Sr.

Director of Special Projects

Corey McIsaac

Director of Media Relations