SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The city of Sioux Falls announces the retirement of Fire Chief Brad Goodroad:
After an honorable 27-year career with the City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Chief Brad Goodroad announced his plans to retire on Feb. 12, 2021.
“I am so proud of the fantastic men and women who comprise Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and what they have accomplished,” said Chief Goodroad. “They have always risen to the challenge, whether it’s been facing the challenges of their fire rescue duties during a pandemic, or better educating and engaging our community in the name of safety. It has been an honor to serve the community alongside them.”
Goodroad began his career with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue (SFFR) in 1994. He served as a firefighter for about seven years before applying to be a fire apparatus operator. He progressed to captain, battalion chief, and eventually to division chief. Goodroad was selected to head the department in 2017. Goodroad has a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota and completed the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Maryland. He is credentialed with the Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
During his tenure, Goodroad has spearheaded numerous initiatives. That includes developing a new union/management collaboration model and achieving re-accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence for the department in 2019. The department continues to see an ISO rating of 1, the highest rating a community can receive. Goodroad has led SFFR during unprecedented challenges in the community over the past three years, including major flooding and tornado events and the pandemic. He also was chief during the approval and implementation of achieving Paramedic ALS and transport capabilities for SFFR.
Goodroad has led SFFR’s health and safety programs for 10 years. In recognition of improvements to those programs, SFFR was awarded the 2020 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. Goodroad has served as the project lead for the new Public Safety Training Center campus from concept through design development approval. He also served as project leader on development of the department’s physical ability test.
“Chief Goodroad has served the City of Sioux Falls with honor and dedication for 27 years,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Thanks to his leadership, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue has continued to provide top-level service to the community and been recognized on a national level for the department’s commitment to health and safety. I am thankful for Brad’s service to the City, and wish him and his family the best in retirement.”
The Mayor has created a transition team to help guide the department into their next chapter during this transition. Those members include: Mike Murphy, SFFR Captain and Interim International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Union President; Ian Stark, SFFR Fire Apparatus Operator and IAFF Union Leadership; Bill O’Toole, Director of Human Resources; and Erica Beck, Mayor’s Chief of Staff. Chief Brad Goodroad will serve as a resource to the transition team.
The Fire Chief is an appointed position by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Sioux Falls City Council. A search for a new chief will begin immediately.
