Focused on ego and what he can achieve. Takes new staff vehicles for him self, rather than the new position the vehicle was purchased for. Designs fire station on a bar napkin with minimal (if any) input from members who will live there. Regularly not present, regularly not presentable as a Fire Chief, regularly commenting on female community members social media like a teenager looking for attention. Has a reputation for retaliation and degrading others during internal and external meetings. Doesn’t support projects/progression unless it’s his idea or pet project. Leadership/management style seems to be fire, ready, aim at best. Multiple members have left during his tenure, some with over 10 years to start over at other as recruits.
Will give credit that much needed replacement station has been built (from the bar napkin) and a 5th suppression company brought in service. For this, he gets the second star.
It’s difficult to know where to begin when discussing the current leadership under Chief Kean. His approach to leadership often appears self-serving rather than focused on the best interests of the department and its personnel.
Throughout the design process for the new station, he showed little to no interest in seeking input from the crews who would actually be working there. This lack of collaboration reflects a broader pattern of dismissiveness toward frontline feedback and operational needs.
There are also ongoing concerns about his conduct and professionalism. His appearance is frequently unkempt, and he often inserts himself into emergency calls inappropriately, seemingly seeking visibility rather than serving any productive role. Rather than focusing on his administrative duties—where his leadership is most needed—he routinely oversteps into field operations, which can create confusion and undermine incident command structure.
There have also been instances of questionable behavior off-duty and in public settings while in uniform, as well as ongoing inappropriate and disrespectful remarks toward female staff. These actions have created a workplace environment that some feel is unprofessional and potentially hostile.
While many have expressed concerns privately, there remains hesitation to formally speak out. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that a leadership change may be necessary for the department to truly move forward, grow with the city, and foster a safe and respectful environment for all personnel.
It may be time for Chief Kean to consider retirement and allow for a new era of leadership—one more aligned with the needs and values of both the department and the community it serves.
Rating Breakdown
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1.5/5
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2 Reviews on “Dave Kean”
Focused on ego and what he can achieve. Takes new staff vehicles for him self, rather than the new position the vehicle was purchased for. Designs fire station on a bar napkin with minimal (if any) input from members who will live there. Regularly not present, regularly not presentable as a Fire Chief, regularly commenting on female community members social media like a teenager looking for attention. Has a reputation for retaliation and degrading others during internal and external meetings. Doesn’t support projects/progression unless it’s his idea or pet project. Leadership/management style seems to be fire, ready, aim at best. Multiple members have left during his tenure, some with over 10 years to start over at other as recruits.
Will give credit that much needed replacement station has been built (from the bar napkin) and a 5th suppression company brought in service. For this, he gets the second star.
It’s difficult to know where to begin when discussing the current leadership under Chief Kean. His approach to leadership often appears self-serving rather than focused on the best interests of the department and its personnel.
Throughout the design process for the new station, he showed little to no interest in seeking input from the crews who would actually be working there. This lack of collaboration reflects a broader pattern of dismissiveness toward frontline feedback and operational needs.
There are also ongoing concerns about his conduct and professionalism. His appearance is frequently unkempt, and he often inserts himself into emergency calls inappropriately, seemingly seeking visibility rather than serving any productive role. Rather than focusing on his administrative duties—where his leadership is most needed—he routinely oversteps into field operations, which can create confusion and undermine incident command structure.
There have also been instances of questionable behavior off-duty and in public settings while in uniform, as well as ongoing inappropriate and disrespectful remarks toward female staff. These actions have created a workplace environment that some feel is unprofessional and potentially hostile.
While many have expressed concerns privately, there remains hesitation to formally speak out. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that a leadership change may be necessary for the department to truly move forward, grow with the city, and foster a safe and respectful environment for all personnel.
It may be time for Chief Kean to consider retirement and allow for a new era of leadership—one more aligned with the needs and values of both the department and the community it serves.