During Tuesday’s regular Provo Municipal Council meeting, Mayor Michelle Kaufusi introduced a proposal that interim Fire Chief Jeremy Headman become the official chief. The council unanimously agreed, voting 7-0 to install Headman in the post.

Firefighting is in Headman’s blood, following in the Provo footsteps of his father and brother. He has been with the department for nearly 30 years.

“The rewards of being a firefighter are unmatched. It’s not so much about what firefighters do daily but what they’re willing to do for someone experiencing their worst day,” Headman said. “Provo has the most caring, service-oriented first responders a community could want.”

Headman brings experience to his new role, having served as deputy fire chief for six years. Most recently, he served as interim chief following the retirement of James Miguel in May.

“Chief Headman has earned the admiration of the 81 full-time firefighters because he has taken time to know each one personally. They respect his 28-year career as a firefighter and EMT having held just about every position a firefighter can: paramedic, engineer, station captain and battalion chief,” Kaufusi said.

“I have a great love for Provo City and Provo Fire Department. With the support of Mayor Kaufusi and the Provo City Council, we have the best facilities, equipment and services to care for our personnel so they can best care for our citizens,” Headman said.

Kaufusi told the council that Headman leads with humility and support from his employees, saying that he is uniquely prepared for the job and is a dedicated firefighter.

“Chief Headman maintains the same forward-looking vision as his predecessor with a dedication to public safety infrastructure,” Kaufusi said. “The September 2020 dedication of Fire Station 22 marked the fulfillment of a safety promise to our citizens as the first station built in 20 years. We will soon follow with the rebuilding of Fire Station 21 on the previous city hall site with a planned completion for late fall 2024.”

Headman’s staff and family were in attendance as Judge Vernon Romney officially swore him into office.