July 5, 2019

The City of Lee’s Summit is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Snider as the City’s new fire chief. This selection follows the March 2019 retirement of Rick Poeschl.

The City conducted an extensive national search that resulted in over 48 well-qualified and exemplary applicants. Leading candidates participated in a highly competitive and comprehensive interview process, which included multiple panel interviews with stakeholders, executive management and department directors. “We attracted top candidates both on a regional and national level for this search,” said City Manager Steve Arbo. “I think this is a positive statement about the outstanding qualities of the men and women who serve our community in the Lee’s Summit Fire Department.”

“We are very excited to welcome Michael Snider as the City’s ninth fire chief,” said Arbo. “The Fire Department has played a very important part in our community for a long time. We have been fortunate to have generations of dedicated professionals who have protected and cared for us.  As we look ahead to the future, it is essential the new leader prepare the department for significant changes in the emergency response profession. Michael Snider has proven his ability to be both, a great fire chief and leader, who can prepare the organization for change.”

Snider currently serves as fire chief for the Liberty, Mo. Fire Department and has more than 23 years of experience in fire service. He began his fire career as a fire specialist/emergency medical technician in 1995. In 1998, Snider joined the Liberty Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic where he moved up through the ranks as captain, deputy fire chief/emergency medical services and fire chief/emergency management director.

Snider has a bachelor’s degree in management and human resources, and associate degrees in fire service management and paramedic studies. He actively participates in numerous local and regional fire organizations, currently serving as vice chair of the Missouri Fire Alliance, president of the Northland Fire Chiefs Council and vice president for both the Missouri Association of Fire Chiefs and Heart of America Fire Chiefs.

Snider serves on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions Committee and previously held the offices of president, first vice president, second vice president and Missouri director for the organization’s Missouri Valley Division. Snider is also a member of the Western Missouri Fire Chiefs executive board and is the Fire Rescue GPO Advisory Council’s Missouri representative.

“I have cherished the years I have served the Liberty community and I am now truly honored to be selected as the City of Lee’s Summit’s next fire chief,” said Snider. “The Lee’s Summit Fire Department has a rich history of leadership in the fire service and of high quality delivery of service to the community. I am excited for the opportunity to be part of such a great department and the City’s leadership team.”

“Chief Snider will be joining an outstanding group of professionals currently leading the Lee’s Summit Fire Department,” said Arbo. In particular, I was pleased to have Assistant Chief Dan Manley serve as our interim fire chief during the search process. He is a well-respected individual not only in our community but also on a regional basis in regards to emergency management. It was an honor to work closely with him during this period of time.”  

Snider will begin his employment on August 26, 2019 where he will command a staff of 154 firefighters and administrative personnel.