7 Massive Changes Happening At The City Of Southfield Fire Department In 2025
The City of Southfield Fire Department (SFD) is undergoing one of its most transformative periods in recent history, marked by a significant leadership change and major capital improvement projects. As of today, December 26, 2025, the department is actively implementing new strategies to enhance public safety, upgrade its infrastructure, and integrate advanced emergency medical services (EMS) technology across the city. This fresh wave of modernization ensures that the SFD remains one of the most reputable and responsive fire services in the region, ready to tackle the ever-increasing demands of a busy metropolitan community.
This comprehensive look into the Southfield Fire Department reveals the critical updates and new initiatives that are defining its operations in late 2025. From a new Fire Chief to breaking ground on essential training facilities, these changes directly impact the safety and well-being of Southfield residents and businesses, solidifying the department’s commitment to excellence in fire prevention, suppression, and emergency response.
New Leadership: Fire Chief Joey Thorington’s Profile and Vision
The biggest news for the Southfield Fire Department in 2025 was the changing of the guard at its highest level. After a distinguished career, Fire Chief Johnny L. Menifee retired on March 6, 2025. His departure marked the end of an era, and the city quickly moved to appoint a dynamic new leader to steer the department into the future.
Biography and Career Highlights of Fire Chief Joey Thorington
- Name: Joey Thorington
- Current Position: Fire Chief, City of Southfield Fire Department (Appointed May 19, 2025)
- Date of Appointment: May 19, 2025
- Preceding Chief: Johnny L. Menifee (Retired March 6, 2025)
- Previous Role (Immediate): Fire Chief for the City of South Lyon (2021–2025)
- Previous Service: Retired from the City of Dearborn Fire Department after 27 years of service. His final three years there were spent as Dearborn's Fire Chief.
- Interim Leadership: Following Chief Menifee’s retirement, Deputy Fire Chief Antonio Macias III was selected to serve as the Acting Fire Chief until Thorington's appointment.
- Vision: Chief Thorington brings a wealth of experience from two different municipal fire departments, emphasizing a strong background in fire suppression, emergency medical services, and administrative leadership. His focus is on maintaining high service standards and modernizing department infrastructure.
Chief Thorington’s extensive experience, particularly his tenure as Fire Chief in both South Lyon and Dearborn, positions him perfectly to lead the Southfield Fire Department. His appointment, effective May 19, 2025, signals a renewed commitment to operational excellence and strategic planning for the city’s emergency services.
Major Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Projects
The Southfield Fire Department operates out of five strategically located fire stations across the city, ensuring rapid response times to all areas. However, 2025 is a year focused on significant physical upgrades and expansion to support the department’s growing needs and evolving training requirements. These projects are crucial for maintaining the department's reputation as a top-tier fire service.
1. Construction of a New Fire Training Tower
A major initiative currently underway is the groundbreaking for a new training tower. This facility is a vital investment, providing firefighters with a state-of-the-art, realistic environment for practicing critical skills. The new tower will allow for advanced training scenarios, including high-rise rescue, ventilation techniques, and specialized firefighting operations, directly benefiting the proficiency of every Southfield firefighter.
2. Planning for New Fire Station 1
The city's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes the construction of a new Fire Station 1. This project is justified by the need to modernize facilities to meet current operational standards and improve service delivery. New stations are designed not only for efficiency but also to enhance the quality of life for the men and women who serve the community.
3. Station Brightening and Modernization
Beyond the major construction projects, the SFD is also actively working on "brightening up our fire stations." This effort involves renovations, cosmetic updates, and necessary maintenance to the existing five stations, ensuring they remain functional, welcoming, and professional environments for the personnel and the community.
Enhancing Emergency Medical Services and Public Safety Technology
Modern fire departments are primarily providers of emergency medical services (EMS), and the Southfield Fire Department is no exception. The SFD had its busiest year on record in 2021, underscoring the high demand for its emergency response capabilities. To meet this demand, the department has made key investments in technology and equipment.
4. City-Wide AED Replacement Initiative
In a significant public safety upgrade, the Southfield Fire Department recently completed the installation of new Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) throughout the city. This initiative involved replacing older, expiring models with cutting-edge devices. The strategic placement of these new AEDs in public buildings and key locations ensures that life-saving technology is immediately accessible during cardiac emergencies, significantly increasing the chances of survival for residents.
5. Collaborative Training and Mutual Aid
The department actively participates in crucial inter-agency partnerships. The SFD collaborates with MABAS Division 3202 / OAKWAY Fire Mutual Aid Group. This collaboration is vital for coordinated response to large-scale incidents, ensuring that the City of Southfield can draw upon significant resources from neighboring communities when necessary. Furthermore, the SFD works closely with Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital, streamlining pre-hospital care and patient transport protocols.
Deepening Community Engagement and Outreach
The Southfield Fire Department measures its value not only by its response times but also by its deep involvement with the community. Community engagement and public education are core pillars of the SFD’s mission, helping to prevent emergencies before they happen.
6. Active Public Education Programs
The department is involved in numerous public events annually. Key community outreach efforts include Bike Safety programs, where firefighters educate children on safe riding practices and helmet use. They also offer crucial CPR training for the community, empowering residents with life-saving skills.
7. Recognizing Community Heroes
The SFD makes an effort to celebrate acts of heroism within the community. A notable example is the presentation of the Good Samaritan Award. Former Fire Chief Johnny L. Menifee presented this award to 10-year-old resident Eris Carter at a November 18 City Council meeting, recognizing a selfless act that underscores the spirit of community partnership the department fosters.
The Future of Southfield Fire Safety
With the new leadership of Chief Joey Thorington, a renewed focus on infrastructure like the new training tower and Fire Station 1, and the deployment of advanced technology such as the city-wide AED network, the City of Southfield Fire Department is well-positioned for the future. The department's commitment to continuous improvement, from fire prevention to emergency medical services, ensures that the residents of Southfield are protected by a modern, highly-trained, and dedicated team. The ongoing efforts to hire new firefighters and promote personnel, as seen in recent pinning ceremonies, also guarantee the department remains fully staffed with qualified professionals ready to serve.
The strategic partnerships with entities like OAKWAY and Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital further solidify the SFD’s ability to handle complex emergencies. These combined initiatives—operational, technological, and communal—represent a significant investment in public safety, making 2025 a landmark year for the Southfield Fire Department and the entire city.
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