senior consultant
Michael J. Monds
A distinguished 26-year veteran of the Syracuse, New York, Fire Department, Michael J. Monds served the last eight years as Fire Chief, marking the fifth-longest tenure in the department’s 148-year history and the third-longest since 1914. A proud Syracuse native, Chief Monds is widely recognized as a transformational leader who guided the department through a comprehensive reorganization and operational modernization, strengthening efficiency, professional standards, and service delivery across all divisions.
During his tenure, Syracuse achieved an elite ISO Class 1 rating, representing the highest national standard of fire protection. Named New York State Fire Chief of the Year in 2023, Chief Monds successfully managed more than $333 million in operating and capital budgets, consistently maintaining expenditures within 1% of allocations while overseeing a workforce of 400 employees.
Today, Chief Monds continues his commitment to public safety through strategic recruiting, consulting, and executive mentorship. He advises civic leaders and public safety executives on best practices to optimize labor relations, enhance operational performance, strengthen organizational culture, and advance resilient, community-focused fire and emergency services.
