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Longview council approves Greg Grimes as next fire chief
Summary
After a national search, the Longview City Council approved City Manager Roland McPhee’s recommendation to appoint Greg Grimes as fire chief, following praise for interim chief Andy Parker and unanimous council support.
Greg Grimes was approved as Longview’s next fire chief on June 12, 2025, after a national search and a unanimous council vote following the city manager’s recommendation.
City Manager Roland McPhee said Grimes stood out through a multi-step evaluation and a national recruitment process, and recommended him to the council. The council voted to approve the appointment by a show of hands with no opposition recorded at the meeting.
McPhee opened the discussion by thanking interim Fire Chief Andy Parker for his leadership during the department’s transition. McPhee said Parker “stepped up without hesitation” and that Parker would continue to serve as assistant chief. McPhee described Grimes as his “number one pick,” citing Grimes’s background as assistant chief of operations for the Allen Fire Department, experience managing a $20,000,000 budget and more than 100 personnel, more than 25 years in the fire service, and a master’s degree in occupational safety. McPhee also said the selection had unanimous panel support and strong backing from department personnel who took part in interviews and a meet-and-greet.
Council members echoed appreciation for Parker’s interim work and expressed support for Grimes. A motion to approve the city manager’s recommendation was made and seconded; the council approved the appointment by a show of hands with no members indicating opposition. Following the vote council members invited department personnel and Grimes’s family for a photo.
The action formalizes the city manager’s recommendation; the council did not specify individual vote tallies during the meeting. No additional implementation timeline or start date for Chief Grimes was stated at the meeting.
Chief Grimes was present at the meeting and was welcomed by council and staff. The council noted continued departmental support and expressed expectation of collaboration between the new chief and Longview’s fire personnel.
