Andrew Grove, a 28-year veteran of the Overland Park Fire Department, has been named the next fire chief of Leawood, Kansas, bringing extensive regional leadership experience to the role. The Leawood Governing Body approved Grove’s appointment during a city council meeting on Monday, August 17, and he will officially begin his duties on September 8, 2026.
Grove’s appointment follows a national search conducted after Colin Fitzgerald announced his retirement in June. Fitzgerald, who served as Leawood’s fire chief for six years after joining the department in 2011, concluded his tenure on July 24 after a 30-year career in public safety and firefighting. Deputy Fire Chief Scott Gilmore has served as interim chief since July 25 and will continue in that role until Grove takes over.
During his tenure at Overland Park, Grove rose through the ranks, serving as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, and most recently Deputy Chief of Operations. Leawood Mayor Marc Elkins praised Grove’s qualifications, stating that he “brings extensive operational experience, proven leadership and a strong understanding of fire and emergency services in our region.”
Grove’s professional credentials include a master’s degree from Webster University and the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a professional credential recognizing demonstrated expertise in fire and emergency services leadership. Fire service is also a family legacy for Grove, who is a fifth-generation firefighter. He and his wife, Emily, have two children, Emma and Ames.
As Fire Chief, Grove will serve as a member of Leawood’s executive leadership team and provide strategic direction for all aspects of fire and emergency services, including department operations, personnel development, emergency preparedness, community risk reduction, and long-range planning. The Leawood Fire Department is an internationally accredited, ISO Class 1 organization providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, emergency preparedness and community education services from three fire stations.
City Administrator Diane Stoddard acknowledged Gilmore’s interim leadership, saying the department has maintained continuity of service throughout the transition. Grove’s appointment marks the conclusion of the city’s nationwide recruitment effort to fill the position vacated by Fitzgerald’s departure to the Monument Fire District in Colorado, where he assumed the role of fire chief on August 1.
Sources
- KCTV5 — confirmed Grove’s approval on August 17 as fifth-generation firefighter with 28 years at Overland Park Fire Department, his previous roles, and September 8 start date
- City of Leawood — provided Grove’s educational credentials (Webster University master’s degree, Chief Fire Officer designation), family background, and role responsibilities as Fire Chief
- KSHB — reported Grove’s appointment and his career history with Overland Park Fire Department
- Kansas City Star — confirmed Grove’s selection and 28-year tenure at Overland Park
