Finalists Picked For Houston Fire Chief Position

Sources have confirmed to 2 On The Beat that Mayor Annise Parker has interviewed  two or three final candidates for the job  of  Houston Fire Chief.  

I’ve heard the finalists include acting HFD Chief Rick Flanagan, Terry Garrison a former fire chief  in Oceanside, California and Phoenix, Arizona, and a third person, whose name I can’t seem to track down.  I do know that all finalists are men – one African American, one White and one Hispanic.

Earlier this week,  I reported that 25 people had applied for the position and seven were brought to town on Wednesday.

They met with representatives from Emergency Services Consulting International and members of  a task force appointed by Mayor Annise Parker.  The task force includes Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia and TSU President Dr. John Rudley. 

Unless she feels the need to expand the list of  finalists sent to her office by  the consulting firm and task force members,  Mayor Parker plans to pick a final candidate who will undergo another extensive background check.

The mayor says she will name the new Fire Chief by the end of  August.