Mayor Whitmire Appoints Thomas Muñoz as Chief of Houston Fire Department
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July 26, 2024 ~ Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced the appointment of Thomas Muñoz as the new chief of the Houston Fire Department. Muñoz, a retired Assistant Chief from HFD, most recently served as the City's Emergency Management Coordinator and acting Director for the Mayor's Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Mayor Whitmire praised Muñoz as a strong leader who is dedicated to preparing and protecting Houstonians during emergencies. "I believe he is the best emergency management coordinator in the country," said Mayor Whitmire. "He is experienced, knowledgeable, and widely respected." The mayor also noted that he has worked alongside Muñoz during various crises, including flooding in Kingwood, a derecho storm, Hurricane Beryl, and a winter freeze. With his extensive experience and proven leadership skills, Mayor Whitmire is confident that Chief Muñoz is the best person to lead the City's fire department at this time.

Muñoz brings over 29 years of experience as a first responder and emergency manager to his new role. During his 24 years with HFD, he oversaw Homeland Security, Public Affairs, and HAZMAT. He also holds certifications from prestigious institutions such as the University of Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business and the Naval Postgraduate School's Homeland Security Executive Leadership Program. Additionally, he completed the Component National Security Course at the National Defense University in Washington D.C.

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"I am honored to have been chosen by Mayor Whitmire for this important role," said Chief Muñoz. "I am committed to taking care of both the residents of Houston and our firefighters." He emphasized that improving safety for all residents is a top priority for him and that he believes this administration will help achieve that goal.

Prior to joining HFD again as Emergency Management Coordinator in 2020, Muñoz served as Emergency Manager and Homeland Security Director for Texas City after retiring from HFD. He also retired as a Commander from the United States Coast Guard Reserve after 21 years of service. During his time in the Coast Guard, he held various positions, including Deputy Incident Commander for the New Orleans Vessel Removal Projects and Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer during Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In recognition of his outstanding service, Muñoz received the Captain Edward R. Williams United States Coast Guard Reserve Award for Excellence in 2007 and five USCG Commendation Medals.

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Muñoz holds a Master's degree in Emergency Management and a Master's degree in Homeland Security from American Military University. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Crisis Communications from Texas Tech University and received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston.

Chief Muñoz takes over as the department's 37th chief since 1895 when it became non-volunteer. He succeeds Chief Samuel Peña, and the City of Houston thanks Chief Peña for his years of dedicated service to HFD.

With Chief Muñoz at the helm, Houston can rest assured that its fire department is in capable hands. His extensive experience, leadership skills, and dedication to protecting both residents and firefighters make him an excellent choice for this important role. The City looks forward to seeing how Chief Muñoz will continue to improve safety and emergency preparedness for all Houstonians.

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