Detroit Fire Department hosts second annual Professional Development Conference

• Fire Service Leaders from Across the Region came together to Strengthen Skills, Collaboration, and Resilience

The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) proudly hosted its second annual Professional Development Conference on September 17-18, 2025, at the DoubleTree Suites Fort Shelby in Downtown Detroit, drawing firefighters, emergency medical professionals, and public safety leaders from across Southeast Michigan and beyond.

The two-day event, hosted in partnership with the Detroit Public Safety Foundation, featured a robust lineup of workshops, keynote presentations, and interactive discussions designed to foster collaboration across departments, strengthen leadership capacity, and address the evolving challenges of the fire service. Attendees represented urban, suburban, and rural departments from across the region, underscoring the conference's growing role as a hub for professional growth and knowledge sharing.

"This year's Professional Development Conference exceeded expectations, with participants from departments large and small coming together to learn from one another, share best practices, and take new ideas back to their communities," said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. "By investing in our people and creating opportunities for professional growth, we strengthen not only the Detroit Fire Department but the entire regional network of first responders."

Amelia McDuffee, a member of the Detroit Fire Department Personal Guidance Unit and Peer Support Team, mediates a panel including first responders and mental health professionals. The discussion prompted great conversation among both attendees and panelists. Frontline Strong Together (FST5), run out of Wayne State University, is a nonprofit that aims to help first responders and their families overcome invisible injuries and stress caused by the difficulties of their professions.

Focus on Innovation, Leadership, and Mental Health Support

The conference agenda spanned a wide range of topics, including crisis leadership, diversity, and the use of technology in emergency response. Sessions on organizational culture change, emergency management, and leadership development equipped attendees with practical strategies for building stronger, more adaptive fire service organizations.

Mental health and wellness took center stage, with sessions such as The Strong Side of Vulnerability: A Mental Health Roundtable and Beyond the Flames: Building Mental Resilience in the Fire Service addressing the unique emotional and psychological challenges first responders face.

Lenette Wood, MS LPC NCC, EMT/PGU Manager II-Peer Support for DFD, emphasized the importance of these discussions, "First responders experience extraordinary pressures in the line of duty. Creating space for open conversations on mental health not only helps break the stigma but also ensures responders have the resources they need to maintain their well-being and continue serving their communities at the highest level."

Panelist Michael Johnson, CEO of Break-Through Recovery Services, discusses solutions to managing the stressors of being a First Responder.

Advancing Lifesaving Care and Regional Collaboration

The conference also featured Detroit Medical Director Dr. Robert Dunne, who led a session on Improving Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates, providing attendees with the latest data, techniques, and protocols to enhance patient outcomes across the region.

"Every minute matters in cardiac arrest response," said Dr. Dunne. "By bringing together departments from across Southeast Michigan, we can align on best practices, share innovations, and save more lives through collaboration and training."

Participants from departments throughout the region had the opportunity to network, share experiences, and build partnerships that will extend beyond the two-day event. Leaders from multiple counties attended, reflecting a shared commitment to professional development and public safety excellence.

Clinton Township Fire Chief John Gallagher explained why it's essential to collaborate. "Fire chiefs and assistant deputy chiefs often face the same challenges, but too often we work in silos," said Gallagher. "These meetings give us a chance to connect, share solutions, and see what resources are out there to help us all succeed."

Leaders from as far away as Bowling Green, Kentucky, were in attendance.

Thank you to our sponsors

DFD's Professional Development Conference was free to attendees thanks to grant funding and the generosity of our sponsors who support the work of DFD in so many ways. This year's sponsors included: Bedrock, Walbridge, Delta Dental, Velociteam Strategies, Team Wellness Center, Stryker, Flock Safety, and the Detroit Firemen's Fund Association.

Several DFD vendors were present to showcase their products, which represent some of the newest lifesaving technology presently available.

Building Momentum for the Future

As the conference closed, Commissioner Simms reflected on the event's success and the importance of continued regional collaboration. "This conference has become a cornerstone of our professional development efforts, and the momentum we've built here will continue throughout the year. Together, we are shaping the future of the fire service-one built on leadership, innovation, wellness, and partnership."

With attendees already expressing enthusiasm for next year's event, the DFD Professional Development Conference is poised to remain a leading forum for learning, connection, and progress in the fire service community.

For more information about future professional development opportunities with the Detroit Fire Department, please visit https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department.