Lake Cities Fire Chief Jason Collier says small fire department has advantages

by Minnie Payne

Jason Collier, 42-year-old Lake Cities Fire Chief, said that he gets to see his 35 member shift firefighters, two deputy chiefs, one emergency management coordinator, and one administrative assistant often.

“There are advantages to a small fire department,” he said.

Lake Cities Fire Department provides services for Lake Dallas, Corinth, Shady Shores, and Hickory Creek, a range of 32 square miles.

Collier grew up in Allen, graduating from Allen High School in 1989, after which he attended Richland College for about a year and a half, taking basic courses.

“In 1985, I joined the Allen Fire Department as a rookie and worked there for about one and a half years; then enrolled in Oklahoma State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology in 1989.

“I also received an Associate of Arts degree in Fire Administration from Collin County Community College in 1995.”

Collier said that he joined the University Park Fire Department in 1989, staying until 1998, when he accepted a deputy chief position with Lake Cities Fire Department. In 2001 he became fire chief.

“We have two stations, two fire trucks and two ambulances,” he said. “My men are constantly training, in that we send people to area universities, as well as send three people annually to national schools.”

He said that a deputy chief, who is lead instructor for the Fire Department Instructors’ Conference, teaches at a national level and also teaches Lake Cities’ firemen.

“We do a lot of in-house training and train with the City of Lewisville,” he said. “The EMS guys go to the EMS Conference.”

The City of Corinth will pay for a four-year college degree at a state rate, he said.

“Currently, there are eight or 10 firemen taking college courses of some type, somewhere,” he said.

Collier said that he likes interaction with people and has the opportunity to meet all kinds of people within the community.

“I wake up every morning and enjoy coming to work,” he said. “A fire chief sort of dreads budget time, but that’s short-lived.”

Collier said that any time he or his men enter into a house fire, they enter into a dangerous situation, and they have to prepare themselves for that.

He said the most dangerous situation he has ever been in was when he was with the University Park Fire Department and a roof collapsed on him.

“Part of the joy of being a fireman is having citizens tell you what a terrific job your men are doing,” he said. “We have a tremendous organization; seeing my guys perform, enjoy their job, and provide a service for the community, makes it fun to come to work every day.”

Collier said that he expects his men to provide a high level of service in fire safety and customer service.

“Safety is utmost,” he said. “Our firemen are always together, and try to provide citizens with the highest level of service we can provide.

“Any time we risk injury to ourselves to save a human life, the risk goes up pretty high. If we know there’s no human life involved, then the risk goes down.

“If we provide quality service, then the citizens will appreciate it.”

Management tries to support the men and provide a positive atmosphere, he said.

“I have worked with Chief Collier for four and one-half years and found him to be one of the most knowledgeable chiefs I have worked with,” said Mayor Vic Burgess. “He will always work with you. He can be challenging at times, because he is always looking out for the fire department.

“He always plans ahead and is always prepared to defend his position.”

Collier and his wife, Ginger, have been married 16 years, and they have a 10-year-old son and 6-year-old twin sons.