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Southfield council appoints Captain Jason Deno as deputy fire chief; three promoted to lieutenant
Summary
The council approved Captain Jason Deno as Deputy Fire Chief of Operations effective Feb. 10, 2026, and formally recognized promotions of three firefighters to lieutenant. Council cited experience, advanced certifications and the department’s new advanced life‑support capability.
Chief Dorington recommended that the council appoint Training and Safety Officer Captain Jason Deno to the position of Deputy Fire Chief of Operations for the City of Southfield, effective Feb. 10, 2026. "I am pleased to recommend the appointment and training and safety officer, Captain Jason Deno, to the position of Deputy Fire Chief of Operations for the City of Southfield," Chief Dorington said during the Feb. 9 meeting.
The council moved and approved the appointment. Council President Pro Tim Hog moved the appointment and Councilwoman Haynes supported the motion; the presiding officer called for the question and the motion carried.
The council also recognized three internal promotions to the rank of lieutenant. The chief said each promoted member "consistently goes above and beyond" and noted their assignments on hazardous‑materials and technical‑rescue teams. The honorees included Lieutenant Nathaniel Her (hired Oct. 9, 2017; promoted Nov. 26, 2025), Lieutenant Rich Abboa (hired Oct. 15, 2018; promoted Nov. 26, 2025) and Lieutenant Chris Seawart (hired Aug. 13, 2018; promoted Dec. 2, 2025). Each took the oath and family members participated in badge pinning ceremonies.
The chief told council the department recently upgraded every front‑line engine and aerial to advanced life support (ALS) — equipping fire engines with heart monitors, medications and paramedic capability so crews can deliver advanced care on scene. "Last Friday was the first time in the department's history ... every apparatus in the fire department that was front line was licensed as advanced life support," the chief said, describing the operational change as a patient‑care enhancement.
Why it matters: the Deno appointment and the internal promotions maintain continuity of leadership within the Southfield Fire Department and follow a period of heavy emergency activity the chief referenced; the ALS upgrade increases the equipment and treatment options available to crews responding to medical emergencies.
Council action: the deputy‑chief appointment was moved by Council President Pro Tim Hog and supported by Councilwoman Haynes; the motion was approved on the council floor. The promotions were recognized at the meeting and sworn in during the ceremony.
