WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE HIRE OF FIRE SERVICES DIRECTOR

  

A lengthy search for Washington County’s first fire services director is coming to a close, as county commissioners moved today (Tuesday) to approve the hire of a candidate for the role.

Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of hiring Carl Wolfe for the position, which has been described by county officials as an all-encompassing role for fire and emergency management services by developing and overseeing programs for fire safety, emergency preparedness, and non-law enforcement public safety.

Wolfe has over 20 years of firefighting experience, much of it in the Houston area, as well as 12 years of advertising, marketing and corporate management roles.  Human Resources Director Amber Skalka said his background and skills align with what the county is seeking from this position.

Wolfe’s experience includes overseeing department-wide training programs, serving in multiple emergency management functions, and developing budgets, policies and procedures.  He also holds advanced certifications as a fire officer, fire instructor, incident safety officer, hazardous materials incident commander, fire inspector, live fire instructor, and multiple advanced firefighter certifications.  Skalka said shortly after Wolfe starts, he will also be participating in the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s (TEEX) Fire Service Chief Executive Officer program, which she described as being very difficult to be accepted into.   

Wolfe’s salary will be $99,803.  His offer includes a $10,000 moving stipend to move his family to Washington County, with half paid upfront and the other half paid at the time of his first paycheck.  His anticipated start date is October 5^th.  

The county went through two rounds of recruiting for the fire services director position, which has been discussed by the county since last year.  The role was originally proposed as a county fire marshal, but was reworked to incorporate feedback from the county’s fire chiefs.  The interview committee during the second round consisted of Skalka, volunteers, EMS, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Washington County 911, and Commissioners Dustin Majewski and Candice Bullock, as well as Commissioner-elect Chad Dismukes.

Majewski said he is excited to fill this position, as it has been a “long time coming”.  Bullock said Wolfe is very data-focused, which will serve the commissioners court well in making informed decisions for fire services and emergency management.  Commissioner Kirk Hanath thanked all of the committee members for their work in this search, saying “good things come to those who wait” and that, “I think this is what we need for the future of Washington County.”

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners recognized the Burton Panther baseball team, coaches and staff for winning the state championship.  Burton ISD Superintendent Vikki Curry was also honored after winning the Brazos Valley Educator’s Society’s Superintendent of the Year Award.

Additionally, commissioners granted the Prairie Hill – Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department’s request for $30,000 to assist with the local match requirement and additional costs related to the purchase of a new water tanker.  The department recently received a $300,000 grant for the tanker through the Texas A&M Forest Service.

In other business, the court

• Accepted a $5,000 donation from Scott and Hilary Hill to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
• Approved the first amendment to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the county and Faith Mission and Help Center, Inc. regarding the administration of donated funds for disaster recovery.  Commissioners tabled a follow-up item updating the MOU, as they wanted to further review language regarding allowing Faith Mission’s use of county vehicles and get a list of authorized users.
• Approved a final plat for the Ridgewood Farms subdivision, consisting of 27 lots along Baranowski Road in Precinct 4.
• Read a proclamation recognizing Faith Mission and Help Center, Inc. for its service, emergency response efforts and commitment to the citizens of Washington County.

Click here to view the agenda packet for Tuesday's meeting.