Type of Organization

Other Fire Department

Job Function

Other Senior Command Staff

Years in Fire/EMS:

40

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Years With Department/Agency

8

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.tcfp.state.tx.us

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Maypearl Volunteer Fire Department
Waxahachie Fire Department
Waxahachie Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Lancaster Fire Department
Mexia Fire Department

My Training:

Assoc. Degree in Fire Science - Navarro College
BS Degree in Fire Administration - Dallas Baptist College
National Fire Academy (several classes)
Texas A&M Fire School (several classes and Instructor)
Master Firefighter - State of Texas
Master Instructor - State of Texas

About Me:

I started my fire service career back in 1968 as a volunteer in Mayperal, Texas, then was hired as a full time firefighter with the City of Waxahachie, Texas in 1973. I became interested in training and eventually became the training chief in Lancaster, Texas in 1984. In 1998 I became the fire chief for the City of Mexia, Texas. Taught for 15-years at the annual fire school at Texas A&M University (largest fire school in the world…..had to get a gig in there). My position now is with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection where I over see the inspection of paid fire departments to insure they are complying with state standards.

Day Job:

Deputy Director Standards Division - Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

My dad was a firefighter

Why I Love Fire/EMS

You know....I don't know why?

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Recruiting and maintaining volunteers
Budget in the current economic downturn