Leawood's next fire chief spent nearly three decades fighting fires next door.

The Leawood City Council on Aug. 17 approved Andrew Grove, a 28-year veteran of the Overland Park Fire Department, as the city's new fire chief. Grove, a fifth-generation firefighter who most recently served as OPFD's deputy chief of operations, will start Sept. 8.

The city selected Grove following a nationwide search, the Kansas City Star reported.

"Andrew brings extensive operational experience, proven leadership and a strong understanding of fire and emergency services in our region," Leawood Mayor Marc Elkins said in a city news release announcing the appointment.

Grove's career with the Overland Park Fire Department spanned every operational level of the organization. He started as a firefighter and rose through the ranks as lieutenant, captain and battalion chief before reaching the deputy chief of operations role, according to KCTV5. That progression gave him oversight of day-to-day firefighting and emergency response across one of Johnson County's largest departments.

In his new role, Grove will serve on Leawood's executive leadership team and provide strategic direction for all fire and emergency services, KSHB reported, citing the city's news release.

The appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of former chief Colin Fitzgerald, who stepped down July 24 after nearly 15 years leading the Leawood Fire Department. Deputy Fire Chief Scott Gilmore has served as interim chief since July 25 and will remain in that role until Grove officially takes over.

Grove spent his entire 28-year career with the Overland Park department before accepting the Leawood post. Both departments serve Johnson County communities separated by a city boundary, and Grove's regional experience was a factor Elkins highlighted in the city's announcement.

Gilmore will continue running day-to-day operations through Sept. 8, when Grove assumes command.