Friendswood Welcomes New Fire Chief Matt Fuentes at City Council Meeting

The Friendswood City Council and Friendswood Employee Benefit Trust held a joint meeting on August 4, 2025, where key discussions included the introduction of the new fire chief and recognition of outstanding city employees.

During the meeting, Jennifer Maxwell, a member of the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department, introduced Chief Matt Fuentes. Chief Fuentes has been with the department since 2017 and was promoted to assistant chief in 2020. He is also a career firefighter with the Houston Fire Department and has extensive training and certifications in fire science. In his address, Chief Fuentes emphasized his commitment to maintaining the professionalism of the fire department and expressed his readiness to assist the community.

The council also recognized Jose Briones, the Assistant Streets and Drainage Superintendent, with the City of Friendswood 5 Star Spirit Award for 2025. Briones was honored for his dedication to public service, notably for helping a stranded motorist change a tire while on duty, showcasing the commitment of Friendswood employees to assist residents beyond their official responsibilities.

Additionally, the meeting included a report from the Community and Economic Development Committee, highlighting the need for new members to join the committee to enhance community engagement. The Community Development Department also provided a quarterly update, indicating ongoing projects and initiatives within the city.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to community service and the importance of recognizing the contributions of its employees. The council encouraged residents to participate in local committees and stay engaged with city developments.