South KC Perspective
By John Sharp
Assistant Fire Chief Ross Grundyson has been appointed interim fire chief for the KCMO Fire Department by City Manager Brian Platt to replace recently retired Fire Chief Donna Lake while the city conducts a national search for the next chief.
Grundyson joined the department in 1996 and moved up through the ranks to captain and then battalion chief before becoming assistant fire chief. He played a major role in the department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and assisted in broadening citywide paramedic support for residents.
“I am proud and thankful for the opportunity to serve not only the citizens of Kansas City but my fellow Kansas City Fire Department family as well,” Grundyson said. “It is an honor to serve in this position while the search for a new fire chief is underway.”
Grandyson will not be a candidate for the permanent chief position.