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Cedar Park honors Fire Chief James Mallinger for 30 years of service
Summary
The Cedar Park City Council recognized Fire Chief James Mallinger’s 30 years with the department, praising his leadership during the Bexley apartment wildfire, the department’s ISO Class 1 status, accreditation, and regional auto‑aid initiatives.
The Cedar Park City Council on the evening’s meeting recognized Fire Chief James Mallinger for 30 years of service to the city’s fire department. Council members and staff recounted Mallinger’s rise from volunteer firefighter to chief, highlighted the department’s ISO Class 1 rating and international accreditation, and credited the chief with helping establish regional auto‑aid agreements that reduced response times.
Council members described the department’s evolution under Mallinger’s leadership, including expansions in staffing and stations, peer support and fitness programs to reduce occupational health risks, and operational changes prompted by major incidents. "That preparation, those partnerships, helped arrive within minutes — lives were saved, and significant property loss was prevented," one council member said of the department’s response to the Bexley apartment wildfire.
Mallinger told the council he was proud of the department’s progress and emphasized succession planning: the department expects nine retirements that will require about 31 promotions over the next three to three-and-a-half years. He said he intends to hand off institutional knowledge and ensure continuity as staff turnover occurs. The council and audience gave the chief a standing ovation and presented him with recognition for his tenure.
No policy or funding action accompanied the recognition; it was ceremonial. The council continued with the agenda after the tribute.
