Fire Chief

John Johnston entered into the fire service with the Waco Fire Department on January 19, 1985.

He graduated with an Associate's Degree from McLennan Community College, an Associate's Degree from Texas State Technical College in Building Construction, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University with a major in Fire Management.

John also completed the United States Fire Administration Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.

He holds additional certifications as a Master Firefighter, Master Fire Inspector, Arson Investigator, Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, Texas Peace Officer, and EMS.

Contact John Johnston

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Fire Administration

Deputy Chief Gary Davis Chief Davis began his career as a firefighter May 4, 1981. Since then he has held the positions of Equipment Engineer, Station Lieutenant, and Training Officer. He was appointed as Deputy Chief on January 31, 2011. He has an Associates Degree from McLennan Community College and holds certificates from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as Driver/Operator, ARFF Advanced, Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire Officer II, Master Instructor, and Master Firefighter.
Training Chief Paul Simmons Chief Simmons began his career as professional firefighter on October 10, 1988. He has held multiple positions in the department prior to being promoted to Training Chief on April 8, 2011. He is currently working towards an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Protection and Safety Technology. He is certified as a Fire Service Instructor III, and currently serves as the Department Safety Officer.
Assistant Chief Don Yeager Chief Yeager began his career as a Waco firefighter on February 5, 1990. Previously with the Waco Fire Department he has held the position of Engineer, Station Lieutenant, and Captain within our department. He was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief on February 3, 2008 and currently supervises the "A" shift.
Assistant Chief Chris Pechacek Chief Pechacek began his career as a Waco firefighter on February 4, 1991. Previously with the Waco Fire Department he has held the position of Engineer, Station Lieutenant, and Captain. He was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief on December 13, 2007 and currently supervises the "B" shift.
Assistant Chief Patrick Kerwin Chief Kerwin began his career as a Waco firefighter on February 4, 1991. Previously he has held the position of Engineer, Station Lieutenant, and Captain within our department. He was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief on December 11, 2007 and currently supervises the "C" shift.
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