By Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Staff
greer@wktv.org
After more than three decades of dedicated service to the Kentwood community, Fire Chief Brent Looman is retiring from the Kentwood Fire Department. Chief Looman’s final day is Jan. 8, 2027.
As the City celebrates Chief Looman’s distinguished career, the search begins for the next chief who will lead the department into the future, building upon the strong foundation already in place.
Looman began his career with the City of Kentwood in 1991 as a part-time firefighter. Over the next 35 years, he advanced through the department’s ranks, serving as fire inspector beginning in 1997, fire marshal beginning in 2000, deputy fire chief beginning in 2007, and fire chief since 2011.
“Chief Looman is a tremendous example of a true public servant whose character exemplifies a caring soul using his profession and dedication to serve his community especially when they need him most,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “For more than three decades, Brent has grown alongside the Kentwood Fire Department, taking on greater responsibility at every step and ultimately leading the department. We are grateful for his leadership, his commitment to our residents, and the countless ways he has served Kentwood. While we will certainly miss having him as our Fire Chief, we are so proud to celebrate everything he has accomplished and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
During Looman’s tenure as Fire Chief, the Kentwood Fire Department has continued to evolve to meet the needs of a growing community. One of the department’s newest investments is the Kentwood First Responder Training Facility, which provides dedicated space for firefighters and police officers to train together and prepare for the complex situations they may encounter in the field.
The department today serves the community from three staffed fire stations with approximately 55 employees and has built a reputation for professionalism, service and operational readiness. These investments, along with a strong culture of professional development, provide a solid foundation for the department’s next chapter.
As the City prepares for this leadership transition, Kentwood is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking fire service leader to serve as its next Fire Chief.
The next Fire Chief will lead a high-performing department while serving as a member of the City’s executive leadership team. The Chief will work closely with the Mayor, City Commission, department directors, employees, and regional partners to advance strategic priorities while ensuring exceptional public safety services for the community.
The ideal candidate will be an accomplished fire service leader who is comfortable leading during major incidents, developing future leaders, managing budgets, navigating labor relations, and representing the department throughout the community. Kentwood is seeking a visible, engaged, collaborative, and decisive leader who values competence, accountability, and strong relationships.
“This is an exciting opportunity for a fire professional to join an already successful organization and help define where the Kentwood Fire Department goes next,” Kepley said. “We are looking for a public servant who will lead the department in serving our community, strengthen the department’s culture, and continue building the strong relationships that are vital to provide excellent public safety services.”
The City will begin its first review of resumes on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Candidates interested in learning more about the position and applying are encouraged to visit the recruitment page.
The City of Kentwood thanks Chief Looman for his 35 years of service and looks forward to welcoming the next leader of the Kentwood Fire Department.
