On Saturday, June 8, 2019, City Clerk, Andrew Hellenga, sworn in Ken Hobbs, as the first African American Fire Chief of the City of Ypsilanti Fire Department (YFD) after serving as Interim Chief since January 2019. Chief Hobbs have served the YFD for over 32 years and has lived in the city for over 20 years. He has also received numerous honors and awards for his service and dedication to the community throughout his career.