Fire Chief

Under the general supervision of the City Manager, this position is responsible for the overall management of the Fire and EMS Departments, which have a combined total of approximately seventy (80) employees. This position includes but is not limited to, developing policies and procedures, developing and implementing short-term and long-term department goals, creating and managing budgets, prioritization of needs, and allocation of resources. The Paris Fire Department operates under the auspices of Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143, commonly referred to as Civil Service. Paris/Lamar County EMS is a stand-alone third city service operating under the direction of the Fire Chief.  This position interacts regularly with other City departments, other public agencies, other emergency service agencies, community groups, news media and the general public.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Directs, plans, supervises, oversees, implements and organizes the financial management, operations, workflow and maintenance of the Fire and EMS Departments for the protection of life and property, including firefighting, emergency medical services and delivery, fire prevention, fire suppression, and fire investigation. Develops and implements goals, priorities, policies, objectives, standards and procedures relating to the Fire and EMS Departments, including regularly reviewing Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs). Directs ongoing research into new municipal firefighting, fire prevention, fire safety, and fire investigation methods, technologies and trends and recommends implementation of programs and equipment to help the Fire and EMS Departments achieve their objectives more efficiently. Analyzes future personnel staffing needs and develops short and long-term plans to meet those needs with emphasis on retention.   Develops and maintains an efficient complaint tracking system for both departments, investigating issues, and responds to concerns. Advises City Manager and Department Heads of departmental issues and solutions to address issues. Works with the Chief of Police and other City and non-City Emergency Management Staff in addressing matters of public safety. Develops and maintains positive relationships with colleagues within the City Departments, peers in other emergency service agencies, minority and other community groups. Develops realistic and fiscally sound budget requests based on program need and monitors budget expenditures to ensure they remain within budget allocation. Works with and attends City Council and other Board and Committee Meetings as needed. Member of and attends conferences and workshops of the Texas Fire Chief Association and Texas Commission of Fire Protection. Oversees the proper procurement of all purchases pursuant to applicable City and State laws. Maintains a regular and predictable work schedule. Performs other duties as assigned.