City of Traverse City Announces New Fire Chief
Traverse City – City Manager Benjamin Marentette is excited to announce his appointment of Aaron Bunyea as Traverse City’s next Fire Chief. Chief Bunyea, a seasoned and deeply-experienced fire services professional, will succeed long-time Fire Chief Jim Tuller who is retiring April 24, 2026. The City of Traverse City is grateful for Chief Tuller’s many years of service.
The City of Traverse City conducted a national search based on a profile developed by the City Manager after personally-gathering feedback from Chief Tuller, Fire Department leadership, the Firefighters Union and others. The national recruitment yielded candidates from across the country and locally. An interview panel consisting of Grand Traverse County Emergency Management Coordinator Gregg Bird (who also serves as Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Traverse City); former Ann Arbor Fire Department Battalion Chief Derek Wiseley; Traverse City Police Chief Matt Richmond; and Human Resources Director Kristine Bosley selected and interviewed nine semifinalists. The panel recommended three finalists to Mr. Marentette for consideration. Mr. Marentette joined the panel for finalist interviews and the panel unanimously recommended that Mr. Marentette appoint Aaron Bunyea as Fire Chief.
Marentette stated, “Chief Bunyea has a history of accountability, innovation and collaboration across ranks and agencies, attributes that I placed great emphasis on when selecting the next Fire Chief. Chief Bunyea has an impressive and on-point background to assume this role and I’m thrilled to welcome him to Traverse City. It is clear that Chief Bunyea supports strategic investments in the professional development and nurturing of skills in fire service professionals. Importantly, Chief Bunyea places strong emphasis on, and has worked hard to support, mental health and wellness for the employees under his leadership. Chief Bunyea has the right experience to oversee and lead the continued evolution of The Traverse City Fire Department, providing essential, life-saving and life-sustaining and property protection services to anyone in Traverse City.”
An extensive background investigation was completed by The Traverse City Police Department as well as other in-depth assessments. Chief Bunyea will officially begin service Wednesday, May 13, 2026. In the meantime, the City Manager has issued a transition plan to all personnel of The Traverse City Fire Department. The transition plan directs that crew captains will hold command of their shifts, and arrangements have been made with area fire chiefs and Grand Traverse County Central Dispatch to assist with incident command, if necessary, during the period of time between Chief Tuller’s retirement and Chief Bunyea beginning service. Captain and Fire Marshal Keith Fritz will serve as the liaison between the Fire Department and the City Manager’s Office.
Chief Bunyea has held the roles of Interim Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief for Clemson University Fire Department and concurrently for the City of Clemson, overseeing 160 personnel, with responsibilities spanning overall leadership and direction, large-scale events, managing a dynamic array of operations, including incident command, and launched Emergency Medical Services. Chief Bunyea also served as Deputy Fire Chief for The United States Air Force, holding command over 77 personnel. Chief Bunyea has essentially dedicated his entire career to fire service, including in volunteer capacities. While serving in the United States Air Force, Chief Bunyea earned numerous awards including for service in Honduras, Japan and South Carolina.
“It is a privilege to serve as Fire Chief and to join this dedicated department and community. I am committed to leading with integrity, strengthening our organization through comprehensive training and collaboration, and ensuring the safety and resilience of all residents and visitors. Building upon a proud tradition of service, we will continue to advance our capabilities while preparing for the evolving challenges ahead. I look forward to working closely with our personnel, community partners, and the public as we serve with professionalism and purpose,” said Chief Bunyea.
Chief Bunyea graduated with honors from Columbia Southern University with a Masters of Science degree in Emergency Management and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Administration and an Associates Degree in Human Resources Management from The United States Air Force Air University. He holds a Paramedic License, certification as a Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Fire Officer I-IV certifications, and is an instructor on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Grand Traverse County Emergency Manager Greg Bird said, “Chief Bunyea will be a strong addition to our emergency management planning efforts. The Traverse City Fire Department has long been a trusted partner, and we look forward to his contributions to our collaborative approach. His background reflects a commitment to leadership, training, and coordination across agencies. These qualities are critical in emergency management collaboration. I’m confident he will play an important role in strengthening our preparedness and response capabilities moving forward.”
Traverse City Police Chief Richmond stated, “Chief Bunyea brings with him years of operational and administrative experience that will help guide the Traverse City Fire Department through its current and future endeavors. Public safety is built on partnerships and we look forward to working with the new Fire Chief Bunyea to further strengthen coordinated response efforts that support the safety of our community.”
The Fire Chief assumes command of fire scenes as necessary and exercises executive leadership and oversight for all Traverse City Fire Department operations, including fire fighting, fire prevention/inspections, HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) and WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) responses, hazardous materials containment and emergency medical services. The Fire Chief serves at the pleasure of the City Manager. The community is invited to attend an Open House to welcome the new Fire Chief on May 28, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Fire Station 1, 500 W. Front Street.