Brad Hardin
Fire Chief, Fayetteville (AR)
Chief Hardin began his career with the Fayetteville Fire Department in 2000 and has built a distinguished career of more than two decades in the fire service. Having served in every rank from firefighter to Fire Chief, he brings a comprehensive understanding of fire operations, leadership, and public safety management. His work is defined by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making.
Nationally recognized for his analytical approach to fire service improvement, Chief Hardin is a published author whose research on evaluating fire department service delivery has been acknowledged by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). His work has informed national discussions on performance measurement, data-driven leadership, and accountability in emergency services. He continues to collaborate with agencies and professional organizations across the country to promote best practices in strategic planning and organizational assessment.
At the state and regional levels, Chief Hardin plays a key role in shaping policy and standards that enhance firefighter safety, benefits, and professional development. He has been appointed twice by Governor Asa Hutchinson and once by Governor Sarah Sanders to serve on the Arkansas Firefighter Benefit Review Panel and the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, where he helps guide statewide efforts related to firefighter benefits, funding, training, and fire protection oversight.
A graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy, Chief Hardin also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas. His dedication to leadership extends beyond the fire service—he has served his local community as a school board, ambulance authority board, and water authority board.
Through his national research, regional policy leadership, and steadfast commitment to professional excellence, Chief Hardin continues to advance the fire service and strengthen public safety across the United States.