Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Rowlett appoints new fire chief

By Pegasus News wire

ROWLETT — George Harris, Deputy City Manager has been appointed by City Manager Craig Owens to serve as Rowlett’s new Fire Chief, taking the place of Acting Chief Randy Howell who recently accepted the position of University Park Fire Chief.

"George has deep roots in the fire service and brings both experience and leadership to a department he knows very well," said Owens. “He comes to the Rowlett Fire Rescue Department at a critical time with two key departures, yet while the department continues to hold a reputation as a high-quality service provider made up of top professionals."

Harris has been employed with the City of Rowlett for almost 23 years. During his tenure in Fire Rescue, he held various positions over six years including Arson Investigator, Driver Engineer and Firefighter. Harris then served as Fire Marshal for 13 years and Assistant City Manager for two years. When Owens was appointed as City Manager in July 2005, he promoted Harris to Deputy City Manager. During that time, Harris provided supervision and direction to eight operating city departments responsible for day-to-day activities of the organization.

"It has been an honor to be a part of the growth of the City of Rowlett, and especially the Fire Rescue Department for so many years,” Harris said. “To become the Fire Chief of this outstanding group of men and women and to have this opportunity come along is a great honor."

Prior to becoming a full time employee for the City of Rowlett in 1985, Harris served as a reserve deputy for Dallas Sheriff’s Office from 1976 to 1977, Deputy for Rockwall Sherriff’s Office from 1978 to 1985, and as a volunteer firefighter for City of Rowlett from 1980 to 1985.

Harris is certified by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education as a Master Peace Officer, Instructor, and Firearms Instructor; certified by Texas Commission on Fire Protection as an Advanced Firefighter, Intermediate Fire Instructor, Advanced Fire Inspector and an Advanced Arson Investigator.

In March of this year, the City’s Fire Chief of nine years, Larry Wright, retired from his position as Rowlett Fire Chief to become the Fire Chief of Marble Falls, Texas near his central Texas ranch. Assistant Fire Chief Randy Howell took the helm for two months before being offered the top spot in the University Park Fire Department. Howell will begin his employment in University Park in June. Harris will begin his new position as Rowlett Fire Chief on June 1.

The Rowlett Fire Rescue consists of four fire stations and 69 line firefighters. The Department also provides Emergency Medical Service (EMS), with ambulances equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, and paramedic engine service, which provides EMS services and trained personnel from the engines as well as the ambulances. The Rowlett Fire Department also has the responsibility of being the primary response agency for Lake Ray Hubbard through an agreement with the City of Dallas providing response to all major lake incidents, emergency rescue, EMS services and swift water rescue.

The Fire Rescue Department serves as the liaison with the Rowlett Citizen Corp Council (RCCC), which includes the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Traffic & Safety Advisory Committee, and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). The Department operates the City’s Emergency Operations Center, Code Red (reverse 9-1-1) program, and provides an annual Citizens’ Fire Academy.

Source: City of Rowlett

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