Dallas meet-and-greet introduces finalists for fire chief post

An event in Dallas introduced finalists for the city’s fire chief position and invited firefighters and residents to meet the candidates and submit feedback, an event host said.

"This is an opportunity to meet some fine individuals whose experience, qualifications, and commitment to public service runs very deep," the event host (name not provided) said, introducing the finalists. The host urged attendees to use QR codes on posters to share written comments, saying survey responses would be sent directly to the organizers.

The host named the finalists as an assistant chief from Tampa, Florida (name not given); Raymond Hill, executive assistant chief of the Fort Worth Fire Department; Sam Leopinha, former fire chief of the Houston Fire Department; and Justin Ball, interim fire chief of Dallas Fire Rescue. The host said several attendees had already met candidates and that the candidates would continue meetings the following day as part of the selection process.

Organizers framed the evening as part of the city’s broader effort to prioritize public safety by finding a leader for Dallas Fire Rescue. The event was presented as an informal opportunity for residents and department members to ask questions and make personal connections; the host emphasized she could not speak with everyone and encouraged written input via the posted surveys.

The meeting closed with a final thank-you and a reminder for attendees to continue mingling and to take refreshments. No formal vote, motion, or appointment occurred at the event, and the host indicated the search and interview process would continue with additional meetings and interviews.