10/02/2026
Brent Smith named as City Manager's choice to lead the Cedar Rapids Fire Department
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MEDIA RELEASE
City Manager Pomeranz Announces Fire Chief Selection
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — October 2, 2026 — Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz will seek the City Council’s approval to appoint Brent Smith as the City’s next Fire Chief during their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, at Noon in Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall, 101 First Street SE.
“Brent stood out for his impressive professional credentials, extensive experience across the Fire Department, and the support he has earned from the people he will lead,” said Pomeranz. “He understands our community and the Department and brings the commitment and leadership needed to build on our strengths and prepare our Department for the future.”
“I am honored by this opportunity and appreciate City Manager Pomeranz’s confidence in me,” said Smith. “After years of service to this city, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to foster stronger bonds with our residents, leaders, and business owners. When I found my way into fire services, I realized that a huge part of our job is knowing our neighbors before they need us. We will remain visible, available, and accessible.”
Smith joined the Cedar Rapids Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic in 2003. He advanced to Captain in 2012, served as Battalion Chief and Training Chief beginning in 2017, and was appointed Assistant Fire Chief of Operations in 2023.
In his current role, Smith leads more than 140 personnel across fire suppression, emergency medical services, special operations, and support functions. He manages the Department’s accreditation and continuous improvement efforts, develops policies supporting safety and operational effectiveness, and directs community risk reduction efforts.
Throughout his career, Smith has trained and mentored personnel, led officer development, engaged employees in decision-making, and worked collaboratively with IAFF Local 11 leadership.
Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Northern Iowa and has earned his Chief Fire Officer designation. He completed paramedic training through the University of Iowa and earned a fire science certificate from Kirkwood Community College.
His leadership extends beyond the Department. Since 2008, Smith has managed Iowa’s Youth Fire Intervention Program, coordinating a statewide network of regional coordinators and more than 50 participating fire departments. The program brings together fire departments, schools, social service agencies, and state government to support young people and families. Smith also serves on the North Liberty City Council, where his responsibilities include municipal budgeting, long-term planning, policy decisions, and capital improvements.
The City engaged GMP Consultants to assist with a national search for a Fire Chief. The position profile identified priorities including staffing and service delivery, facility modernization, all-hazards readiness, balancing emergency medical demand with fire suppression readiness, and employee engagement and leadership development. The Cedar Rapids Civil Service Commission certified four finalists on August 31, 2026. Pomeranz invited all four to participate in interviews in Cedar Rapids on September 14.
“Our community can be proud to have attracted four highly qualified candidates through a thorough, transparent process,” said Pomeranz. “I appreciate the Civil Service Commission’s work to present the Certified List and everyone who participated in interviews, met the candidates, and shared their feedback.”
Interview panels included all members of the City’s Executive Team, Fire Department leadership and firefighters, and community stakeholders. Members of the public also had an opportunity to meet the finalists at a September 14 meet-and-greet event at Central Fire Station.
In making his selection, Pomeranz considered feedback from interview panel members and community members, the position profile, each candidate’s experience, and scores from the Civil Service Commission. Smith emerged as the candidate who best demonstrated the ability to serve the needs of the City organization and greater Cedar Rapids community.
“The City Council’s approval is an important next step in the appointment process outlined in City Code,” said Pomeranz. “I look forward to their consideration on October 6.”
Pomeranz submitted a letter to the City Council requesting the body approve Smith’s appointment in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 8 — Fire Department. A copy of the letter is attached. Upon his formal appointment, Smith would become the 15th professional fire chief in Cedar Rapids’ history.
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