Topeka brings back longtime firefighter to lead department

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Chad Longstaff is Topeka’s new permanent fire chief, the city announced Friday. He has served as the interim fire chief since August.

Longstaff worked his way through the ranks of the fire department for 35 years, retiring in 2024. He returned after Randy Phillips announced his retirement earlier this year.

“His experience, leadership and understanding of our community’s public safety needs make him the right choice to lead the fire department,” said Robert Perez, Topeka’s city manager.

The leadership change comes amid a flurry of discrimination lawsuits against the fire department. A Black firefighter lost his discrimination case against the city in September. Last month, the city paid $300,000 to a female firefighter who sued the city for gender discrimination.

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