HOUSTON, Texas – There is a new chief in town, and he’s a familiar face to our city.
On Friday, Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed with KPRC 2 Investigates that Tom Munoz will be the new HFD chief.
Munoz most recently served as the City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director and Emergency Coordinator, and has over 26 years of experience as a first responder, emergency manager and Coast Guard.
“Mayor Whitmire is a no-nonsense leader who has supported our firefighters since day one,” said Chief Muñoz. “I am committed to taking care of the residents of Houston, which must begin with taking care of the men and women of the Houston Fire Department. The work we do today will have a lasting impact for years to come, and I know that with this administration, we can improve the safety of all residents and future generations.”
Before working for the city of Houston, Munoz served as the Emergency Manager and Homeland Security Director for Texas City and before that, served 24 years with the Houston Fire Department as the Assistant Chief of Homeland Security and Planning.
In 2007, he received the Captain Edward R. Williams United States Coast Guard Reserve Award for Excellence. He is also the recipient of five USCG Commendation Medals.
Tom is currently working on his Doctorate in Strategic Communication. He also holds a Master’s degree in Emergency Management and a Master’s in Homeland Security from American Military University. He received his BA in Political Science from the University of Houston.
Chief Muñoz succeeds Chief Samuel Peña and will be the department’s 37th chief since 1895, when the department became non-volunteer.
Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.