Bruce Harrison, most recently chief of the DeKalb (Ill.) Fire Department, has been appointed chief of the University of Notre Dame Fire Department (NDFD), effective March 1.
A 30-year veteran of the DeKalb Fire Department, Harrison served as a paramedic, firefighter, shift commander and captain before assuming the position of assistant chief and then chief. His background includes leadership experience in emergency communications, disaster management, emergency medical services, operations and public education.
“We are extremely pleased to have Bruce join the University as our fire chief,” said Michael D. Seamon, associate vice president for campus safety. “Fire safety has long been a top priority at the University and Bruce brings a wonderful compliment of experience, leadership and commitment to service that will build upon the rich tradition of the NDFD. The Notre Dame community is fortunate to have such a truly talented professional join our campus safety team.”
“To be selected as Notre Dame’s fire chief is a tremendous honor and I look forward to participating in the strong commitment to campus safety and security that is present at the University,” Harrison said. “After 30 years of service to the DeKalb community, it is difficult to leave, but this position is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family and I look forward to serving the Notre Dame community in the years ahead.”
A graduate of Western Illinois University, Harrison earned a master’s degree in fire administration from Grand Canyon University.
NDFD, Notre Dame Security Police, the Office of Risk Management and Safety, and the University’s Emergency Preparedness program collectively comprise the Office of Campus Safety.
As a full service life-safety agency, NDFD is a vital component of the University’s mission to provide a safe environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. Serving the University since 1879, NDFD has evolved from volunteers responding when the alarm sounded to a professional department that seeks to prevent fires through public education, fire code inspections and fire protection system maintenance, as well as being trained and equipped to respond to the 1,300-plus annual calls for service.