Chief Mark Bradford came to the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Department in Feb. 2001 from the International Association of Fire Chiefs – EMS Program Manager and after 23 years with the Lee’s Summit, MO, Fire Department. In Sept. 2005 Chief Bradford became the interim fire chief and named chief of the department on Nov. 7, 2005.

His forward-looking goals for the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical are many:

• Expanding upon the efforts of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical to promote diversity throughout the organization.
• Strengthening department management by providing quality customer focused services; communicating frequently with stakeholders; and, guiding change and improvement for the future.
• Developing collaborative working relationships with Lawrence Firefighters Local 1596 of the IAFF.
• Maintaining international accreditation as an organization demonstrating continuous excellence in public service and community satisfaction.