Cedar Rapids City Council Appointed New Fire Chief
The city council voted unanimously to select a longtime department veteran for the leadership role.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
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Brent Smith has been appointed as the fire chief of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department following a unanimous 6-0 City Council vote. He brings 23 years of service to the position after previously serving as assistant fire chief of operations.
Why it matters
The appointment ensures stable leadership for the department's 150 full-time personnel as the agency prepares for a major upcoming municipal funding decision. City management selected Smith based on his extensive experience and established work ethic.
The Cedar Rapids Fire Department manages nine fire stations and a staff of 150 full-time personnel. A $60 million bond measure is currently pending for the November 3 ballot.
The players
Brent Smith
He is the newly appointed fire chief who has served with the department for 23 years.
Greg Smith
He is the former fire chief of the department who retired on June 30.
Rick Halleran
He is an assistant chief who served as the interim fire chief during the transition period.
Cedar Rapids City Council
This is the legislative body responsible for governing the city and confirming major department appointments.
The details
Brent Smith will step into the lead role following the retirement of former chief Greg Smith on June 30, with interim support provided by Assistant Chief Rick Halleran. The new chief is scheduled to oversee 60 community presentations throughout October.
Timeline
Brent Smith joined the department in 2003.
Former chief Greg Smith retired on June 30.
The City Council voted for the appointment on October 6.
Brent Smith assumes his new position on October 7.
Voters decide on the $60 million bond on November 3.
Market Landscape
The appointment marks a transition in the department's command structure during a critical budget cycle. This shift positions the incoming chief to lead the agency through a period of potential significant capital investment via the municipal bond process.
Residents can expect the fire department to maintain daily operations across its nine stations under the new chief. The community may see increased outreach through 60 planned presentations ahead of the November bond vote.
The takeaway
The appointment of a long-term veteran provides the fire department with internal continuity during a busy municipal calendar. Residents should look for upcoming department presentations to understand the specifics of the November bond proposal.
What happens next
Voters in Cedar Rapids will cast their ballots on November 3 regarding a proposed $60 million bond for the fire department.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership developments in the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Gazette.
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