06/05/2026
The Cincinnati Fire Department mourns the passing of retired Fire Chief Richard Braun, who died on June 4, 2026.
Chief Braun served the City of Cincinnati from 2011 to 2017, becoming the 14th Fire Chief in CFD's history and the first appointed from outside the department. He brought with him more than 36 years of distinguished service with the Columbus Fire Division, and gave six more to the people of Cincinnati — 42 years total devoted to the fire service.
During his tenure, Chief Braun was a steady and focused leader who championed the recruitment of women into the fire service, worked tirelessly to address department staffing, and guided CFD through significant reforms in the wake of the line-of-duty death of FAO Daryl Gordon. He believed deeply in the men and women who serve, once telling Recruit Class 115: "There are three things we hold dear: our faith, our family, and the Cincinnati Fire Department."
Chief Braun retired in April 2017 in good standing, praised by city leadership for his commitment to the department and the community it serves. He is remembered not only as an administrator, but as someone who fell in love with this profession and gave it everything he had.
Our thoughts are with his wife Sue, and his entire family, during this time.
Rest easy, Chief. The Cincinnati Fire Department will not forget your service.
