Meet Chief
Dennis Reilly
Fire Chief (Ret.) FOUNDER & OWNER of “The FIRST LINE FIRE SERVICE TRAINING, LLC.”
From combat zones to the fireground, Chief Dennis Reilly has spent over five decades earning trust, making hard calls, and building teams that stand ready when it matters most. Today, he brings that same mission-driven mindset to fire departments across the country—helping leaders at every level elevate culture, sharpen command, and deliver the kind of service their communities deserve.
About Chief
Dennis Reilly
Fire Chief (Ret.)
From combat zones to the fireground — Chief Reilly delivers leadership that reshapes culture, sharpens accountability, and elevates every rank of the fire service.
A Life of Service. A Mission to Lead
Chief Dennis Reilly is a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm and a 50-year fire service leader. He began his fire career in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he rose to the rank of Battalion Chief. After retiring, he transitioned into senior Chief Officer roles across the country, serving in Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, and California. From combat zones to command posts, Reilly has lived a life of disciplined service and high-impact leadership.
Now retired, Chief Reilly owns The First Line Fire Service Training Company LLC, where he delivers intensive, mission-focused training built around cultural transformation, operational accountability, and frontline leadership. Departments nationwide seek his guidance to spark internal change and elevate their culture throughout the ranks.
Chief Reilly was a founding member of New Jersey Task Force 1, deploying to New York City during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, reinforcing his unwavering service to threats foreign and domestic. During the Global War on Terror he served as a protective services contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan, protecting government clients and assets in high-threat environments. He has conducted multi-day leadership and culture-building events for fire departments across the country—customized to the needs of each agency.
Reilly holds a Master of Public Administration from Penn State University and is a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designee. A published author in Firehouse Magazine, Fire Engineering Magazine, and From The Green Notebook, writing on high-performance leadership across fire service, military, and executive settings. He’s also a respected speaker, he has presented at national and regional events including FDIC (Indianapolis, IN), MAFFC (Atlanta, GA), Orlando Fire Conference (FL), LIFT (Baton Rouge, LA), Craft & Culture Fire Conference (Iowa City, IA) , Monadnock Fire Conference (Troy, NH), and CountyFireTactics.com (Pensacola Beach, FL)
Chief Reilly speaks to those who lead when it matters most—when time is short, stakes are high, and failure is not an option. His message blends battle-tested wisdom with modern fire service challenges, making him a sought-after voice for departments ready to shift their mindset, build resilient teams, and lead with integrity. He and his wif Ann have been married for over 39 years, and he is a proud father of two and grandfather of three.
𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 & 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦
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Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Designee – Center for Public Safety Excellence
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50-year veteran of the American fire service
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U.S. Army veteran – Served in Operation Desert Storm
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Protective Services Contractor – Global War on Terror (Iraq & Afghanistan)
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Founding member of New Jersey Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 1
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Deployed to New York City as part of the 9/11 response
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Recognized for leading cultural transformation and operational accountability in multiple departments
𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
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Master of Public Administration
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Fire service executive-level education and leadership development
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Multiple state and national fire service certifications
𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘
- Retired Battalion Chief – Cherry Hill Fire Department (New Jersey)
- Fire Chief – Pittsburg, Kansas & Sunrise Beach, Missouri
- Assistant Chief – Fire departments in North Carolina and California
- Owner & Lead Instructor – The First Line Fire Service Training Company LLC
- Delivered customized, multi-day leadership and culture training for fire departments across the U.S.
- Protective Services Contractor – U.S. government clients in high-risk environments.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
- Published author in Firehouse Magazine, Fire Engineering Magazine, and From The Green Notebook
- Trusted by fire departments nationwide for cultural transformation and leadership training
- Keynote and featured speaker at:
- FDIC (Indianapolis, IN)
- MAFFC (Atlanta, GA)
- Orlando Fire Conference (FL)
- LIFT (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Culture & Craft Seminar
- Monadnock Fire Conference (NH)
- CountyFireTactics.com events (Pensacola Beach, FL)
Recent Publications
Insights from decades of service—articles on leadership, culture, and command published in top fire service and military leadership platforms.
May 2025
Steps to Help Resolve Your Mayday
The best probabiity relies on a combonation mental preparation, manipulative skills, performance, and practical application.
February 2025
Building a Search Culture
For a positive outcome we must move past the conversation stage and take actions that will achieve the desired end state.
July 2024
How Do You Select Incident Commanders?
The critical points for officers who will assume the role of an IC and are assigned to a shift work/operational position.
Recent Podcasts
Insights from decades of service—articles on leadership, culture, and command published in top fire service and military leadership platforms.
May 2025
Dragon’s Den Podcast Episode 16
Rising fast in the fire service—worth it? Chief Reilly shares lessons on pace, purpose, and self-reflection.
May 2025
Who Do You Want Coming?
Explore fire service leadership, training, and how to turn complacency into a culture of accountability and excellence.
February 2025
Firehouse Life, Culture & Grit Lessons
Explore firehouse culture, stress preparation, fitness, and leadership from 50 years on the front lines.
Contact Chief Reilly
Phone
828-260-2868
Address
Navarre, Florida, United States.
English 
Portuguese