Joey Thorington was appointed Fire Chief on May 19, 2025. He previously served as the Fire Chief for the City of South Lyon from 2021 to 2025. Prior to that, Chief Thorington retired from the City of Dearborn Fire Department after 24 years of service, including eight years as Deputy Fire Chief.

Chief Thorington holds a Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. He has successfully completed the Fire Staff and Command Program at Eastern Michigan University, earned a Public Sector Leadership Certification from Cornell University, and holds Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy. Additionally, he is a licensed paramedic and holds both the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO) designations. 

Deputy Fire Chief Jackson previously served 26 years at the Detroit Fire Department, most recently as a Fire Lieutenant where he was primarily responsible for Fire Suppression and Rescue while supervising and teaching the next generation of Public Safety Heroes. He has extensive experience as a Professional Emergency Manager, Fire Service Administrator, Fire Officer I, II, II, Exercise & Training Coordinator, Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space Technician, Trench Rescue Technician, Aircraft Rescue, Vehicle Extrication Specialist-Trainer, Chemistry for Hazardous Materials 1 & 2, and Arson Investigations.

Deputy Chief Jackson holds a Master of Business Administration degree, with a concentration in Leadership from Cleary University and a Bachelor of Science degree, with a concentration in Diversity, Leadership, and Public Safety from Cleary University.