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New Houston fire chief outlines rehiring push, station repairs and union collaboration
Summary
Fire Chief Munoz told the Public Safety Committee the department has begun a rehiring process, has about 130 former employees who signaled interest in returning, and is working with GSD and union leadership to prioritize station repairs and capital projects.
New Houston Fire Chief Munoz told the City Council Public Safety Committee that addressing staffing and station infrastructure is a top priority and described immediate steps the department is taking to restore capacity.
Munoz said the department has been working on staffing and recently "started the rehiring process and agreements, yesterday," and that “we have had approximately a 130 that have called, that wanna come back.” He said the department is coordinating with the city’s General Services Department to prioritize stations with the most urgent needs, and confirmed standing meetings to track capital improvements and general maintenance items like HVAC and plumbing.
Why it matters: The department described both short-term fixes and longer capital-improvement planning to bring living quarters and station facilities up to standard so firefighters can be safely housed and deployed. Munoz said Station 10’s living quarters are expected to be improved by October.
Councilmember Alcorn asked about enforcement of certificate-of-occupancy issues for clubs and bars; Munoz said the department has staff with inspection experience, including Chief Galvan and an executive assistant chief with relevant expertise, and that the department is taking a proactive stance to address repeat violators.
Munoz emphasized collaboration with the union and command staff and framed outreach to firefighters as part of improving morale and retention. No formal motions or votes were taken during this item.
