Congratulations Chief Frank Leeb, FDNY, Retirement Announcement

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Honoring FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb's Remarkable Career and Retirement

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

The fire service community bids farewell to a remarkable leader, Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb, as he retires from the FDNY on June 27th, 2024, after more than three decades of distinguished service. Chief Leeb’s journey through the ranks of the FDNY is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to safety, training, and mentorship.

  • Motivate Yourself to Be Well Trained, Passionate, and Into the Job.
  • It’s critical to understand the importance of teamwork.
  • Teamwork is one of the ingredients necessary to facilitate a high functioning team.
  • Success begins long be the alarm comes in.
  • It means being there for your fellow firefighters
  • Being a reliable teammate, Being Well Trained, Passionate, and Into the Job.
  • The civilians have an understanding that we will come for them always and an understanding that those who come for them are well prepared
  • It is about a winning mindset, playing to win on every run of every tour.
  • Your most important thing is your reputation, it takes a long time to build a good one and you can lose it very fast.
  • The highest form of praise one can give or receive is that he or she is a good firefighter.
  • We want firefighters with a can do get it done mindset.
  • No one person is as good alone as they are as a team.
  • Teamwork is the difference between life and death.

A Storied Career

Chief Leeb began his illustrious career with the FDNY in 1992. Over the years, he has held numerous key positions, including Acting Chief of Safety for the department’s 17,000 employees, Chief of Training, and Chief of the Fire Academy. His educational background is equally impressive, holding a bachelor’s degree in fire service administration from SUNY Empire State and a master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS).

Throughout his career, Chief Leeb has been deeply involved in firefighter safety and training research. He served on the advisory panel for the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute’s (FSRI) “Study of Coordinated Attack in Acquired Structures” and is a principal member of the NFPA Technical Committees 420, 1585, and 1710. His contributions have helped shape the future of firefighter safety and training standards.

A Keynote Speaker and Author

In 2022, Chief Leeb delivered the keynote address at Firehouse Expo in Columbus, Ohio, where he shared his leadership philosophy rooted in training, teamwork, and mentorship. His speech, inspired by his extensive experience, resonated with attendees, offering practical insights and motivational stories from his career. These principles have been the cornerstone of his leadership style, helping him navigate the challenges of the fireground and the complexities of organizational management.

Chief Leeb is also the author of “Cornerstones of Leadership on and off the Fireground: Training, Teamwork, Mentorship,” where he recounts stories of leadership, heroism, and the critical importance of preparation. His book serves as a source of inspiration, not only for those in the fire service but for anyone striving for self-improvement and organizational excellence.

A Dedicated Instructor

In recent years, Chief Leeb has been an invaluable addition to the “CFT TEAM” of presenters at CountyFireTactics.com events in Pensacola Beach, Florida. His sessions have been highly regarded, offering attendees practical knowledge and actionable insights that reflect his extensive experience and passion for the fire service.

A Heartfelt Farewell

In his resignation letter, Chief Leeb expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he has had throughout his career. His words reflect the core values he holds dear: “Our commitment to training, teamwork, and mentorship sets us apart. The FDNY’s winning mindset resides within each of you and begins with the training of your people.” He emphasized the importance of never compromising on training and safety, reminding his colleagues that it is a privilege to serve both the public and their fellow firefighters.

Chief Leeb’s legacy is one of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the principles that define the FDNY. As he steps into retirement, his impact on the fire service community will continue to be felt for years to come.

A Final Message

Chief Leeb’s parting words are a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of the FDNY: “Sometimes, the moments that never happen matter the most. Our dedication to training and never-wavering attention to safety prevent these moments from happening. Never forget that it is a privilege to serve both the public and our members – be worthy.”

As we honor Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb’s remarkable career, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on an entire organization. His legacy will inspire future generations of firefighters to strive for excellence, prioritize safety, and embody the values of training, teamwork, and mentorship.