CITY OF BRENHAM INTRODUCES NEW FIRE CHIEF, LIBRARIAN
The City of Brenham’s new fire chief and librarian were formally introduced during today’s (Thursday) city council meeting.
Council for the first time on Thursday after being
named the city's new fire chief.
While Mark Donovan and Tammy Murphy were announced in late May as the respective heads of the fire department and library, the two formally spoke before the council on their new roles for the first time today.
Monday was the first day on the job for Donovan, who moved to Brenham last June and previously served as assistant chief of the Houston Fire Department and Harris County Emergency Services District (ESD) 48 in Katy.
Donovan is grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization and said he wants to help the department go above and beyond.
Carolyn Miller, addresses the city council as he
prepares to depart his role as interim fire chief to
make way for the new fire chief, Mark Donovan.
City Manager Carolyn Miller said the city is looking forward to having Donovan’s expertise.
As Donovan joins, the department’s interim chief, Rhea Cooper, will soon be departing. Cooper has twice served as the temporary chief, once from May to October of 2021, and again from January of this year to the present. His last day will be June 21st.
Cooper said he has grown quite attached to Brenham and the fire department and appreciates the chance to be of service.
Miller said Cooper has meant a great deal to her, the department and the community in providing leadership, stability and continuity.
visits with city councilmembers on Thursday.
A farewell reception for Cooper will be held on June 18th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Fireman’s Training Center.
Tammy Murphy joined the city in 2012 and became assistant librarian in 2016. She has led the library as an interim two times, the first time being from August to December of 2021, and most recently since September 2023.
Murphy said she is thankful for the trust placed in her and believes her past interim experience will greatly benefit her as she takes on the role full-time.
Human Resources Director Susan Nienstedt said Murphy possesses a positive attitude, professionalism and strong work ethic. Nienstedt and Mayor Pro Tem Clint Kolby both called Murphy’s promotion “well deserved.”