February 7, 2019

The City of Lee’s Summit announced Rick Poeschl will retire as fire chief effective March 16, 2019 following more than 30 years as a dedicated public servant committed to the safety and health of our community.

Chief Poeschl joined the Lee’s Summit Fire Department in 1988. He quickly moved up within the department and was promoted to assistant chief of support services in 2004. In 2015, Poeschl was selected as fire chief.

Under his leadership, the Lee’s Summit Fire Department received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International for the first time in the City’s history. The accreditation process involved developing a strategic plan, Standards of Cover document, and self-assessment, which looked at 258 performance indicators.

Chief Poeschl also led the Lee’s Summit Fire Department to improve its Insurance Services Office rating from Class 3 to Class 2/2X. The Insurance Services Office collects information on a community’s fire protection services and rewards communities that support and improve firefighting services.

“I have enjoyed a proud 30-plus year career with this department and this great city. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the employees and serving the citizens,” Chief Poeschl said. “It has been an honor to lead this great department and the members of the department are in many ways like family to me. Their commitment and dedication for service to the citizens of Lee’s Summit is steadfast and exemplary and I am confident of their continued success.”

“The City is deeply grateful for Chief Poeschl’s countless contributions to the success of the Lee’s Summit Fire Department. His vision, focus and remarkable leadership, combined with his commitment to excellence in emergency services delivery, resulted in the Fire Department’s first International Accredited Status. He leaves the department well positioned for a great future,” said City Manager Steve Arbo. “It has been my personal honor to serve with Chief Poeschl at the City of Lee’s Summit. He represents the very best of those who have chosen public service as their life’s work. I wish Chief Poeschl and his family a happy and healthy retirement.”  

The City is currently in the process of naming an acting fire chief. An announcement will be made in the coming weeks along with more information regarding the search for a new fire chief.