The Traverse City Fire Department has a new fire chief. With Chief Jim Tuller set to retire April 24, City Manager Benjamin Marentette announced Wednesday he has hired Aaron Bunyea to lead the department, whom he described as a "seasoned and deeply experienced fire services professional."

Bunyea has held the roles of interim fire chief and deputy fire chief for Clemson University Fire Department and concurrently for the City of Clemson, overseeing 160 personnel. He also served as deputy fire chief for the U.S. Air Force, holding command over 77 personnel. "Chief Bunyea has essentially dedicated his entire career to fire service, including in volunteer capacities," according to a city release. "While serving in the United States Air Force, Chief Bunyea earned numerous awards including for service in Honduras, Japan, and South Carolina."

The city conducted a national search for a new fire chief after Tuller announced his retirement. Both local and outside candidates were considered. An interview panel consisting of Grand Traverse County Emergency Management Coordinator Gregg Bird (who also serves as Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Traverse City); former Ann Arbor Fire Department Battalion Chief Derek Wiseley; Traverse City Police Chief Matt Richmond; and Traverse City Human Resources Director Kristine Bosley selected and interviewed nine semifinalists. The panel recommended three finalists to Marentette for consideration. Marentette joined the panel for finalist interviews, with the panel unanimously supporting Marentette's appointment of Bunyea.

An extensive background investigation was completed by The Traverse City Police Department along with other in-depth assessments, according to the release. Bunyea will officially begin his new role on May 13. Marentette has issued a transition plan to all personnel of the TCFD. The transition plan "directs that crew captains will hold command of their shifts, and arrangements have been made with area fire chiefs and Grand Traverse County Central Dispatch to assist with incident command, if necessary, during the period of time between Chief Tuller’s retirement and Chief Bunyea beginning service," the release states. "Captain and Fire Marshal Keith Fritz will serve as the liaison between the fire department and the city manager’s office."

Bunyea graduated with honors from Columbia Southern University with a Masters of Science degree in Emergency Management and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Administration and an Associates Degree in Human Resources Management from the U.S. Air Force Air University. He holds a Paramedic License, certification as a Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Fire Officer I-IV certifications, and is an instructor on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.  

Marentette said that Bunyea "has a history of accountability, innovation and collaboration across ranks and agencies, attributes that I placed great emphasis on when selecting the next fire chief...importantly, Chief Bunyea places strong emphasis on, and has worked hard to support, mental health and wellness for the employees under his leadership. Chief Bunyea has the right experience to oversee and lead the continued evolution of The Traverse City Fire Department, providing essential, life-saving, and life-sustaining and property protection services to anyone in Traverse City.”

Bunyea said he was "committed to leading with integrity, strengthening our organization through comprehensive training and collaboration, and ensuring the safety and resilience of all residents and visitors. Building upon a proud tradition of service, we will continue to advance our capabilities while preparing for the evolving challenges ahead."

The community is invited to attend an open house to welcome the new fire chief on May 28 from 4pm to 6pm at the West Front Street TCFD station.