New El Paso Fire Dept. chief named

After an extensive candidate assessment process, City Manager Joyce Wilson announced today that Chief Samuel Pea has been selected to be the City’s next Fire Chief.

Chief Pea has been an El Paso resident for 39 years and has17 years of service with the El Paso Fire Department. Chef Pea holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso and is a graduate of Austin High School. Chief Pena has been married for twenty-four (24) years and is a proud father and grandfather.

After serving four years with the United States Air Force, Chief Pea began his career with the El Paso Fire Department in 1995. Chief Pea worked his way up the ranks from firefighter to Acting Assistant Chief and worked in several divisions within the El Paso Fire Department. Chief Pea is currently assigned to the Acting Assistant Fire Chief position (see attachment).

Setting Chief Pea apart from the other internal candidates was his unique title of Advanced Medical Coordinator through the Department of State Health Services. In 2008, Chief Pena was recognized by the State of Texas and by the American Legion Post 74 as Firefighter of the Year. Additionally, Chief Pena was awarded a Good conduct medal for 17 years of Outstanding Service. His knowledge in the medical and firefighting field as well as his exemplary professionalism make him a shining example to the men and women he will be leading.

Chief Pea along with six other internal candidates participated in a comprehensive, inclusive assessment conducted by Ron Holifield with Strategic Government Resources, an independent consulting firm specializing in police and fire chief recruitment. The assessment included:

• A comprehensive questionnaire and individual interview with the consultant
• Panel interview with community leaders
• Mock media role play exercise
• Panel interview with internal City leaders
• Structured interview with executive staff
• One on one interview with the City Manager

At the conclusion of this process, Chief Pea emerged as the top candidate that met the vision and the needs of the department going forward. With the universal support of his peers, Chief Pea is ready to lead the El Paso Fire Department effective Sunday, March 10, 2013 .

In announcing the appointment, Wilson said, “It was important to have a new chief who could continue to build on the great progress that occurred in the last four years while also refocusing on teambuilding, mentoring and succession planning. During this extensive process, Chief Pea not only showcased those qualities but his extensive depth of operational experience which includes both fire and medical set him apart from the other highly qualified candidates.”

Source: El Paso Fire Department