• Chief Mickles is available for interviews upon request

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms proudly announces his appointment of Captain Jamal Mickles as Chief of the Detroit Fire Department Training Division. A lifelong Detroiter whose fire service career began as a teenager, Mickles brings more than 20 years of experience, a passion for training excellence, and a deep commitment to the department and residents he serves.

Mickles will replace Chief Alfie Green, who retired earlier this month after 34 years of dedicated service to the Department.

Chief Alfie Green has been a foundational figure in Detroit’s fire training and public safety education. During his time, Green oversaw an expansive portfolio: he directed the overall training plan for more than 1,200 members of DFD, managed ongoing education, remedial training, fire training, paramedic and EMT instruction, medical first responder training, hazardous materials response, airport fire and rescue, vehicle rescue, and community CPR training. Under his leadership, the Training Division also became a regional hub—hosting departments from across Southeast Michigan for shared training and resource collaboration. Green’s work with the HEARTSafe Community initiative helped bring CPR training to residents through public offerings at the Regional Training Center and outreach in neighborhoods.

“Chief Green has set a standard for what excellence in firefighter and EMT training looks like,” said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “His training programs didn’t just prepare our firefighters—they built bridges across departments, strengthened public safety throughout the region, and forged real connections with Detroiters. I know I speak for everyone at DFD when I say we thank him for his decades of service, mentorship, and leadership, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

Commissioner Chuck Simms cites Mickles’ extensive experience, leadership ability, and strong connection to both the Department and the Detroit community.

Born and raised on Detroit’s East Side, Mickles graduated from Murray Wright High School and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management with a major concentration in Diversity and Leadership from Cleary University. His fire service journey began through DFD’s Fire Cadet Program — an apprenticeship that gave him early, hands-on experience in the department while he awaited eligibility to become a full-time firefighter.

“Chief Mickles embodies everything that makes Detroit firefighters exceptional: dedication, resilience, and an unwavering focus on service,” said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “He has personally experienced every rung on the ladder in this department, from cadet to firefighter to instructor and now Chief of Training. His leadership will ensure our firefighters receive the best preparation possible so they can keep Detroiters safe.”

After officially joining DFD in 2003, Mickles was assigned to Engine 51 on Livernois. He experienced firsthand the challenges facing Detroit firefighters, including the city’s budget cuts in 2005 that temporarily laid off his entire graduating class. Yet Mickles never wavered in his dedication to the department, returning as soon as he was recalled. Over the next decade, he rose through the ranks — serving at Engine 57, Ladder 14, Ladder 26, and in the Fire Investigation Division — before finding his calling as a fire instructor and training leader.

As Lieutenant at the academy, Mickles oversaw the firefighter apprenticeship program he once completed himself, giving young Detroiters a pathway to a career in public safety. He revamped the physical training program, rebuilt the Regional Training Center (RTC) gym — later used as a model by the Detroit Police Department — and trained more than 200 fire officers across Michigan through in-house officer development courses he spearheaded.

Promoted to Captain in February 2024, Mickles launched DFD’s inaugural Paramedic Training Program, ensuring Detroit firefighters are equipped to deliver advanced pre-hospital medical care. He also championed regional training collaborations, ensuring departments across Michigan benefit from shared expertise and resources.

In his new role as Chief of the Training Division, Mickles plans to further expand these initiatives and take DFD’s training to the next level.

“My vision is to raise the bar for firefighter training in Detroit and across Michigan,” said Chief Jamal Mickles. “We will continue building a world-class training program — from fire suppression to emergency medical response — while creating career pathways for the next generation of Detroit firefighters. Our work will ensure every firefighter has the skills and confidence to protect lives and property at the highest standard.”

Chief Mickles also plans to reinstate the Firefighter Apprenticeship Program to help Detroit high school students transition into fire service careers, mirroring the opportunity that launched his own career.

Mickles and his wife, Diana, are proud parents of three daughters.