Dallas Announces Finalists for Fire-Rescue Chief
DALLAS – The search for the next chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue has reached an important milestone, with the city selecting four finalists for the position.
Overview of the Finalists
The selection process has yielded a diverse pool of leaders, including:
- Two candidates from the Dallas-Fort Worth area
- One candidate from Houston
- One candidate currently serving in Florida
City officials plan to conduct interviews with the finalists on Thursday.
Candidate Profiles
Justin Ball – Interim Fire Chief, Dallas Fire-Rescue
Justin Ball has been a prominent member of Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) since 1997, ascending through the ranks from firefighter-paramedic to executive assistant chief of operations. As the interim chief since June 2024, Ball has been instrumental in initiatives like the Stop the Bleed program and the Single Function Paramedic scheme.
Raymond Hill – Executive Assistant Fire Chief, Fort Worth
Currently serving as the Executive Assistant Fire Chief for the Fort Worth Fire Department, Raymond Hill has a remarkable background in fire service. He has spearheaded the Gear-1 PPE cancer mitigation initiative and oversees training programs as well as budget management for the department.
Todd Alt – Assistant Chief of Operations, Tampa Fire Rescue
Todd Alt brings over two decades of firefighting experience, having joined Tampa Fire Rescue in 2001. In his role as Assistant Chief, he manages emergency response operations and personnel development while also contributing as a faculty member at two local colleges.
Samuel Peña – Former Fire Chief, Houston and El Paso
Samuel Peña has an extensive career in fire service, previously serving as Fire Chief of the Houston Fire Department and with the El Paso Fire Department. Peña is now the Chief of Disaster Preparedness for the Harris County Engineering Department and has a rich background in emergency response and hazardous materials.
What Lies Ahead
With an initial application pool of 32 candidates, city officials conducted a thorough review to reach this shortlist. However, the timeline for the final decision regarding the new chief has yet to be announced.
Concluding Remarks
As emphasized by Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, “Dallas Fire-Rescue is a leader in the nation with innovative programs that provide emergency and medical services for all of whom we serve.” The right candidate will ensure that DFR maintains its standing as a key component in enhancing safety within Dallas.
The Information Source: This article’s content is based on a release from the City of Dallas.
