SAN ANGELO, Texas — San Angelo Fire Chief Brian Dunn, who has served on the San Angelo Fire Department for 32 years, will retire Feb. 25.
A City of San Angelo release said Dunn has served a 21-year stint as SAFD’s chief, having assumed the position in January 2001 at the age of 33.
"In addition to applying for department ranks when the opportunities became available, Dunn’s educational achievements certainly did not hinder his chances at chief. At that time, he had a master’s degree in management, bachelor’s in finance and associate degree in fire protection technology. He has added Certified Public Manager to that list, having completed Texas State University’s Certified Public Manager program in 2010," the release states.
Among his accomplishments during his tenure, Dunn:
- Established an ongoing mutual aid agreement with Goodfellow Air Force Base for firefighting and hazmat
- Developed paramedic training program with Howard College to produce paramedics for SAFD and region
- Reduced the City’s Insurance Services Office fire rating from class 4 to class 1, ultimately saving citizens more than $5 million per year in insurance premiums
- Helped bring Texas State Firefighter Olympics to San Angelo in 2009 and 2017
- Managed budget of more than $20 million for fire department, fire prevention and emergency management
- Led committee from fire department, Howard College and Concho Valley Council of Governments in applying for and receiving a $1.2 million EDA grant to help fund a new fire training center
- Hired 217 new firefighters since he became chief
His leadership was critical during two Gulf Coast hurricane evacuations, as well as the FLDS crisis in 2008, when approximately 500 women and children had to be moved to Fort Concho National Historic Landmark and the San Angelo Coliseum, and the 2011 Wildcat Fire that burned approximately 158,000 acres right outside the city limits.
“It’s not a one-man show,” Dunn said in the release. “There are multiple players who help accomplish what we need to do. I depend on a lot of different people to help me accomplish the tasks I’ve been assigned. I’ll miss the people I see and work with on a daily basis. I’m very thankful for the friendships and bonds that I’ve formed with all the people I’ve had the privilege of working with.”
Dunn’s successor has not been announced.
Dunn said there are no plans other than to enjoy his retirement, for the time being.
“We are deeply grateful to Chief Dunn and the many years of service he has given to our community,” City Manager Daniel Valenzuela said. “He leaves behind a long list of accomplishments that have had a tremendous impact on the Fire Department and the City. I wish him the absolute best on the next chapter of his life.”
The release did not say if there will be a public ceremony for Dunn's retirement.
