EPFD Chief selected to lead Houston’s Fire Department

Sam Peña, the City of El Paso’s Fire Chief, announced he is retiring in mid-December.

Peña been chosen by Houston’s mayor to lead the Houston Fire Department, KTRK, the ABC affiliate in Houston, reported.

Peña said his last official day with the City of El Paso will be December 17, 2016, according to a news release from the City of El Paso.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to retire as Fire Chief of this great organization … I am excited about what we have accomplished,” Peña said.

“Chief Peña’s departure is a huge loss for the El Paso community. During his tenure, the department was led by a man who not only cares deeply for his team members but also for his hometown of El Paso,” El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said.

The mayor went on to state, “I am thankful Chief Peña has agreed to work with the City Manager to identify his successor from within his current team. The City of Houston is not only gaining a great fire chief but a great individual. I want to wish Chief Peña the best of luck in his new endeavor.”

Peña has been fire chief for El Paso since March of 2013. Selected at the age of 45, Peña is the youngest fire chief in the 133-year history of El Paso Fire Department. The fire chief has been with the fire department for 20 years.

“Sam has served well as a member of the City of El Paso’s leadership team, and he certainly will be missed. We want to thank him for his service and commitment to our community,” said City Manager, Tommy Gonzalez. “I will be working with the Chief on a transition plan and looking to our exceptional leadership within the Fire Department executive team to help continue to lead the department.”

After serving four years with the United States Air Force, Chief Peña began his career with the El Paso Fire Department in 1995. Peña worked his way up the ranks from firefighter to Acting Assistant Chief and worked in several divisions within the El Paso Fire Department.