Courtesy Provo City

Provo City’s Fire Chief James Miguel announced Wednesday that he would be retiring, effective May 11, culminating four decades of fire service.Chief Miguel served more than 30 years of his career in California, including time as a fire chief. He was hired as Provo City’s fire chief in October 2016.

“More than six years ago, I came to Provo to find the most caring, service-oriented group of men and women I could ever imagine,” Miguel said. “We have laughed together, cried together, and I have watched them care for this community with love, compassion, and great skill.”

Under Miguel’s leadership, Provo City built its first new fire station in 20 years — Station 22 — and is in the planning stages for a new downtown station to replace the seismically-unsound Station 21.

“Provo is a wonderful community that has supported our work and shown their appreciation in every way possible,” Miguel said. “I’m so grateful for the trust shown by our residents as they came together in support of a much-needed public safety center and the replacement of Fire Station 22.”

In annoucing his retirement, Miguel made sure to acknowledge the work and support he received from Provo City and Mayor Michelle Kaufusi.

Evan Cobb, Daily Herald file photo

“As the fire chief, the support I have received from Mayor Kaufusi and the Provo City Council is unparalleled,” Miguel said. “Not only did Mayor Kaufusi ensure we have the best facilities, equipment, and support services to care for our personnel, but under her caring leadership, we also implemented a mental wellness program for all police and fire personnel.”

During a Zoom call to fire stations, Miguel personally told employees about his retirement.

“Chief Miguel has passionately served our community, becoming far more than a ‘fire chief’–he has become a trusted and dear friend,” Kaufusi said. “His loyalty and love to his team and Provo City is beyond measure and is directly attributable to our continued public safety success.”

During the call, Kaufusi notified firefighters that Deputy Fire Chief Jeremy Headman will serve as interim chief for 12 weeks. Headman was promoted to deputy fire chief in January 2017 after 28 years with the Provo City Fire Department.

Headman told colleagues he is honored and humbled to serve the community and members of the Provo Fire Department.

Courtesy Provo City

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Chief Miguel for the past 6 years. He has been a great mentor and friend,” Headman said. “I have a great love for Provo City and Provo Fire Department. We have accomplished a lot over the past 6 years and with our amazing staff and the best firefighters in the state, we will accomplish even more over the next 6 years.”

On Feb. 28, Miguel made the Fire and Rescue Department’s budget pitch to the city council, perhaps one of the last major actions in his tenure.

“His dedication to public safety infrastructure, with the completion and planned construction of two new stations, is the fulfillment of a promise to residents,” Kaufusi said. “Under Miguel’s leadership, Provo firefighters are better equipped — and Provo residents are safer.”

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