An experienced and proven leader who rose through the ranks for more than two decades with the City of Greeley has become the city’s next fire chief.
City Manager Roy Otto announced the appointment of current Division Chief Brian Kuznik to the position after a national search. Kuznik served as interim chief since January following the retirement of Dale Lyman.
“Chief Kuznik is a well-respected member of the Fire Department’s leadership team who brings more than the requisite knowledge, skills, abilities and experience to the position,” Otto said. “In addition to his strong credentials,
his intimate understanding and connection to our organizational culture as a collaborative and effective communicator who values principled relationships make him the ideal fit for the position.”
Kuznik started as a city firefighter in 1999. Promoted to lieutenant in 2006, he earned a promotion to battalion chief in 2016 and division chief two years later. In that role, Kuznik took responsibility for the department’s day-to-day operations.
As chief, he will oversee 133 staff across three divisions (administration, community safety, and operations), seven fire stations that respond to over 14,000 calls combined yearly, and an annual operating budget of over $20 million.
“It is of the highest honor to lead the very department in which I have served for the past 22 years, and I couldn’t be more excited to lead the women and men of the Greeley Fire Department into the future,” Kuznik said. “I
look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead for the Greeley Fire Department, and I remain committed to ensuring that the department provides nothing short of exceptional service to our community.”
Kuznik earned an associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology from Aims Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He completed post-graduate
studies from the National Fire Academy where his coursework included financial management and strategic planning and executive leadership. Kuznik also completed the City of Los Angeles Fire Department Leadership Academy, a four-month program modeled
after the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Among his recognitions, he earned the Sam Brownlee Service Above Self Award from the Greeley Centennial Rotary Club in 2012 and the Greeley Fire Department named him the Company Officer of the Year in 2007.
Kuznik’s appointment to fire chief is effective immediately.