Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Peña retired and will be succeeded by Thomas Muñoz, the city’s emergency management coordinator, the mayor’s office confirmed Friday morning.
Peña is departing on the heels of a longtime dispute between the city and the fire department’s union that led to a historic $1.5 billion settlement and firefighter labor contract.
“For now, all I can say is that I’m proud of the work we’ve done,” he told Houston Public Media, declining to comment further.
In a press release, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said Muñoz, the acting director of the mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security and a former Houston Fire Department assistant chief, is a strong leader, and dedicated to preparing the city for emergencies.
“I believe he is the best emergency management coordinator in the country,” Whitmire said.
In a statement, Muñoz said he’s committed to taking care of the residents of Houston. Succeeding Peña, he will be the department’s 37th chief.
“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,” he said.
Muñoz has more than 29 years of experience as a first responder and emergency manager. He’s spent at least 24 years with the Houston Fire Department, where he oversaw homeland security, public affairs and hazmat operations. He retired from the United States Coast Guard after 21 years of service, according to the mayor’s office.
This is a developing story.
