CITY OF BRENHAM ADDRESSES NEXT STEPS FOR FIRE DEPT.
The Brenham City Council met in executive session today (Friday) to consult with the city attorney regarding the Brenham Fire Department, following the resignation of Fire Chief Roger Williams and the retirement announcement of Assistant Chief Brian Scheffer.
(City of Brenham)
The City of Brenham said in a press release that to address the fire chief vacancy, it is working with an organization that specializes in interim governmental staffing. The current fire captains, Andrew Jozwiak, Josh Sebastian and Brett Schroeder, will continue in their capacity with day-to-day responsibility for department shifts.
Williams joined the fire department in September 2019 and became full-time chief in January 2022. The reason for his resignation is not known.
Scheffer, who is retiring effective October 27th, is transitioning to a new role as a Regional Training Coordinator for Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. He started at the fire department in May 1997 as a volunteer and was promoted to apparatus operator in July 2000. Scheffer expressed gratitude to the city and community for the opportunity to serve in the fire department for 26 years.
(City of Brenham)
The city invites the public to his retirement recognition during the city council meeting on November 2nd, with a reception to follow at the Fireman’s Training Center.
Scheffer is the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Brenham. Pursuant to state law, the local jurisdiction designates the EMC, which is responsible for disaster preparedness and coordination of response, and also works closely with the Texas Department of Emergency Management. For an interim period, Washington County has agreed to partner with the City of Brenham for emergency management coordination.
In the release, the city noted the increase in staffing for each shift during Fiscal Year 2023, from five to six crew members, and the addition of three firefighters in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, bringing the total per shift to seven. The city also purchased a new pumper truck, which was priced at almost $900,000 and is scheduled for delivery in mid-2024. Construction on the second fire station is also slated to begin in mid-2024.