Frisco fire chief honored as Texas’ Fire Chief of the Year

by Elizabeth Knighten of Star Local News

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While Borchardt has served the city, the fire department has grown from an all-volunteer force to more than 150 full-time employees.

FRISCO — He is a man well known within the city, and now across the state. On Wednesday, Frisco Fire Chief Mack Borchardt received the 2011 Fire Chief of the Year award from The Texas Fire Chiefs Association.

Borchardt received the award during the Southwest Fire Rescue 2012 conference, which was held at the Frisco Conference Center.

Area fire chiefs who have worked with Borchardt discussed their experience and connection to the award recipient.

Plano Fire Chief Hugo Esparza, who arrived in Plano in 2006, said Borchardt has always offered his help and assistance.

"From day one that I got here, Chief Borchardt was the first fire chief that called me when I got here and offered his assistance ... I'm indebted to him for all that he's done," Esparza said. "I really look upon him as a mentor and he's really helped me learn this job and has always been generous with his advice and his help."

Esparza added that Borchardt is a "fine man and a great chief."

"I can't think of a better, more deserving recipient of that honor," Esparza said. "I'm very happy and elated for Chief Borchardt, Frisco Fire Department and the city of Frisco."

The Colony Fire Chief Scott Thompson was also pleased to hear that Borchardt had earned the recognition.

"I think it's great. He's been in the Texas fire service for a long time, and he's built the Frisco Fire Department into what it is today," Thompson said. "I've known Mack since about 1985, and have always considered him a true professional peer. He's always willing to help us out in The Colony. It's a very deserving recognition. He's a good recipient."

Borchardt is native Frisco resident and began his career in the fire department in 1973 as a volunteer firefighter, according to a release from the city.

In 1981, after serving with the McKinney Fire Department, he became city administrator in Frisco and fire chief of the Volunteer Frisco Fire Department, stated the release. In 1987, he became a full-time fire chief.

The release also said while Borchardt has served the city of Frisco, the fire department has grown from an all-volunteer force to more than 150 full-time employees. Six fire stations have also been built while he has served, with a seventh fire station expected to open soon.

Borchardt is also credited with establishing Frisco Fire Safety Town, "a facility dedicated to safety education for 'children of all ages' and the first of its kind in the country," continued the release. He also helped develop S.A.F.E.R -- or Situational Awareness For Emergency Response, which is a program providing Frisco firefighters, EMTs, and police officers immediate access to building information, including real time video, during school emergencies.

Esparza said this award reflects the professionalism of the fire departments in North Texas.

"When you think about all the fire chiefs here in the state of Texas and Chief Borchardt received that honor," Esparza said, "I think it speaks very well for our area and -- the level of management, competence, and professionalism that we have in this area."

Mayor Maher Maso said he is proud of Borchardt and gave a proclamation for the chief's 30 years of service by declaring December 2011 "Mack Borchardt Month" in Frisco.

"During my travels throughout the state -- and the country, I always hear people say great things about Chief Borchardt, what he and our firefighters have been able to accomplish as a team through his leadership," Maso said in a release from the city. "Chief Borchardt is held in high esteem by his peers and the citizens he serves. He's considered to be creative, dedicated and not afraid to 'roll up his sleeves'. We're blessed to have him as our chief."

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