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Southlake Fire Department earns reaccreditation; city names new fire chief effective May 5
Summary
City officials celebrated the Southlake Fire Department's sixth reaccreditation cycle and confirmed a new fire chief after a nationwide search. The department is one of six in the world to earn a sixth accreditation cycle, interim chief Jeremy Wilson said.
Southlake city officials on April 15 highlighted the Southlake Fire Department27s successful reaccreditation by the Commission on Fire Protection International and confirmed the city manager27s selection of Shannon Langford as fire chief effective May 5.
Reaccreditation Interim Chief Jeremy Wilson briefed council on the department27s reaccreditation process, which the department completed in early April. Wilson said the process reviews policies, performance indicators and standards across 11 categories and 250 performance indicators and includes a peer on-site assessment. He told council the Commission voted unanimously on April 3 to re-accredit Southlake, noting the department is "one of only six agencies in the entire world that has completed their sixth accreditation cycle." Wilson credited city staff across departments for supporting the effort.
New fire chief City Manager Allison Ortowski presented Shannon Langford as the city manager27s pick after a nationwide search led by CPS HR Consulting. Ortowski said Langford has more than 32 years of fire and EMS experience, currently serves as Assistant Chief of Operations in Farmers Branch, and brings experience managing a department of similar size, including ISO work, operations, EMS and fleet management. Council added Langford27s confirmation to the consent agenda and approved it 6-0; the appointment is effective May 5.
What council members said Council members publicly welcomed Langford and thanked Interim Chief Wilson for his leadership during the transition. Mayor McCaskill and other council members praised the fire department27s standards and leadership continuity.
What happens next Langford will assume the chief position on May 5; staff will finalize employment paperwork and transition planning. The department will continue its accreditation reporting and annual compliance processes.
