Fire Administration

The Fire Chief is responsible for the planning, development and direction of the complete program of fire administration, fire suppression, and fire prevention services. He is also accountable for the proper management, discipline & training of all members of the Fire Department. He directs the overall operations, enforces rules, regulations, & procedures of the department and prepares & tracks the Fiscal Year Budget.

The Fire Chief is responsible, through study and consultation with City Officials, for developing recommendations for the protection of life and property in the City and the surrounding extra territorial jurisdiction. Administrative duties include planning, directing, and controlling departmental activities including recruitment of personnel purchase of equipment, control of expenditures, preparation of budget estimates, and the assignment of personnel and equipment. The Fire Chief consults with the City Manager on problems of policy and planning, but works independently in supervising technical operations. The Chief of the Fire Department is appointed by the City Manager and is under his/her administrative direction. He shall be responsible for the proper management, discipline, and training of all members of the fire department.

The Assistant Fire Chief is responsible, through study and consultation with City Officials, for developing recommendations for the protection of life and property in the City and the surrounding ETJ by supporting and promoting the mission and values of the City and the Department. The Assistant Fire Chief is to provide leadership for the department members toward conducting our lives on a daily basis in accordance with the mission and values. Furthermore, the Assistant Fire Chief shall assist and support the Fire Chief in providing a vision for the Department and to plan for the successful implementation of that vision.

The Assistant Fire Chief shall assist in planning, directing and reviewing the activities and operations of the Fire Department including fire suppression, hazard material mitigation, fire and life safety code compliance, contracted emergency medical services, and administrative support services. He/she shall assist in coordinating assigned activities with other city departments and outside agencies, and shall provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief. Assigned activities shall include but are not limited to the following: planning, directing and controlling departmental activities including recruitment and training of personnel, purchase and repair of equipment, control of expenditures preparation of budget estimates, and the assignment of personnel and equipment. The Assistant Fire Chief consults with the Fire Chief on problems of policy and planning, but works independently in supervising technical operations. The Assistant Chief of the Fire Department is appointed by the Fire Chief and is under his/her administrative direction. Section 143.013(b) The Fire Chief shall make the appointment of the Assistant Fire Chief from interested civil service employees that have a permanent classification in at least an officer level of the fire department and meet the requirements for appointment as head of a fire department as prescribed.

The captain is responsible for coordination and/or delivery of general training, continuous education, certification, instruction, skills and specialized training for the following divisions within the fire department: Fire Suppression, Fire Prevention, Administration and Volunteer Divisions. The captain is also responsible for development, implementation and compliance with Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) standards, rules and regulations as applicable to continuous education or certification. Incumbent also serves as the departments Risk Manager for accident pre and post prevention, including firefighter wellness and fitness.