Fire Chief
After a couple of years in college, John Johnston decided to follow his father's footsteps into the fire service on January 19, 1985. He achieved the ranks of Fire Inspector, Station Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief before achieving the rank of Fire Chief.
During this time, he completed his Associate of Arts Degree from McLennan Community College, and his Bachelor's degree from Dallas Baptist University in Fire Management. Also, he holds an Associate degree in Building Construction from Texas State Technical Institute.
Fire Chief Johnston holds numerous certificates. He is a police academy graduate and holds an Advanced Police Certification along with his Arson certification. He is a Master Firefighter and a Master Fire Inspector. Fire Chief Johnston holds certifications in Aircraft Rescue Fire fighting, Vertical Rescue and EMS.
Fire Administration
Deputy Chief Gary Davis
Chief Davis began his career as a firefighter on May 4, 1981. Previously, he has held the position of Engineer and Station Lieutenant within our department.
He was promoted to Training Chief on December 19, 1999 where he supervises all departmental training.
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 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 he has held the position of Engineer, Station Lieutenant, and Captain within our department.
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.
Fire Marshal Jerry Hawk
After beginning his firefighting career with the Austin Fire Department, Fire Marshal Hawk joined the Waco Fire Department as a firefighter on February 26, 1977. Previously, he has held the position of Engineer, Station Lieutenant and Prevention Lieutenant.
He was promoted to Fire Marshal on June 17, 1998 where he supervises the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Division.
