In this episode of This Is Not a Test, we sit down with Chief Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief of the Ann Arbor Fire Department, to discuss the unique challenges of protecting a city that revolves around a world-class university, a massive hospital system, and the largest college football stadium in America.

Mike Kennedy is a 30-year veteran of the fire service and the Chief of the City of Ann Arbor (MI) Fire Department. He is a Centers for Public Safety Excellence Chief Fire Officer and a professional emergency manager. His expertise in large event planning and emergency operations for stadiums and downtown districts makes him uniquely qualified to handle the high-risk, high-profile challenges of managing emergency services in Ann Arbor.

Chief Kennedy shares his journey into the fire service, the evolving demands of emergency management in a rapidly growing city, and the unexpected hurdles that come with being the first line of defense in a place where population surges by over 100,000 people on game days. From tackling high-rise fires in a city historically built for single-family homes to managing emergencies at Michigan Stadium, a venue that holds more than 109,000 fans at full capacity, Chief Kennedy walks us through what it takes to plan, prepare, and respond when every second counts.

He also delves into the future of fire and emergency services, including air monitoring for chemical threats, the increasing role of drones in public safety, and the ongoing staffing and budget battles facing fire departments nationwide. And, of course, he shares stories of leadership, resilience, and the lessons learned from his decades in the fire service.

When you call 911, firefighters are the quickest form of government response—three numbers, one question: Where are you? Chief Kennedy and his team don’t have the luxury of time, and in this conversation, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how a modern fire department operates under pressure.

Tune in as we break down big challenges, big decisions, and the big house in Ann Arbor.

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