Thomas Muñoz appointed as new chief of Houston Fire Department

Mayor John Whitmire has appointed Thomas Muñoz as the new chief of the Houston Fire Department. Muñoz, who retired from the department as an Assistant Chief, previously served as the City's Emergency Management Coordinator and acting Director for the Mayor's Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

"Chief Muñoz is a strong leader dedicated to preparing and protecting Houstonians for emergencies. I believe he is the best emergency management coordinator in the country," said Mayor Whitmire. "He is experienced, knowledgeable, and widely respected. I have worked alongside him during the flooding in Kingwood, the derecho, Hurricane Beryl, and the winter freeze. I am confident that Chief Muñoz is the best person to lead the City's fire department at this time."

Muñoz brings over 29 years of experience as a first responder and emergency manager to his new role. During his 24-year tenure with HFD, he managed Homeland Security, Public Affairs, and HAZMAT operations. His educational background includes an Executive Leadership and Management Certification from Notre Dame's Mendoza School of Business and completion of a Homeland Security Executive Leadership Program at the Naval Postgraduate School.

"Mayor Whitmire is a no-nonsense leader who has supported our firefighters since day one," said Chief Muñoz. "I am committed to taking care of the residents of Houston, which must begin with taking care of the men and women of the Houston Fire Department. The work we do today will have a lasting impact for years to come, and I know that with this administration, we can improve the safety of all residents and future generations."

After retiring from HFD, Muñoz served as Emergency Manager and Homeland Security Director for Texas City before returning to Houston's Office of Emergency Management.

In addition to his career in fire services, Muñoz retired from a 21-year service with the United States Coast Guard (Reserve), where he held roles such as Deputy Incident Commander for New Orleans Vessel Removal Projects. He was awarded several commendations during his military service.

Muñoz holds Master's degrees in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from American Military University and is pursuing another in Crisis Communications at Texas Tech University. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Houston.

As he takes on this new role as HFD's 37th chief since it became non-volunteer in 1895, Muñoz succeeds Chief Samuel Peña. The City expressed gratitude for Peña's dedicated service to Houston's fire department.