Trophy Club, TX (March 30, 2020) – Jack "J." Taylor, an assistant fire chief from the Irving Fire Department, is the town’s new fire chief.
Taylor replaces Wade Carroll, who led the department since 2017 but accepted the Assistant Town Manager position in November.
“We are excited to welcome Chief Taylor to our leadership team,” Town Manager Steve Norwood said. “Through the recruitment process, Taylor’s leadership qualities set him apart and will make him a tremendous asset now and in the future for our fire department and the residents we serve.”
Taylor, 53, has an extensive background in the fire service and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and education to the town. He is a graduate of the prestigious Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a BS in Biology/Chemistry.
Additionally, Taylor has two associate degrees from Tyler Junior College. Taylor is currently enrolled in the Masters of Public Administration, Disasters and Emergency Management from Sam Houston State University with anticipated graduation in 2021.
In addition to numerous state certifications, Chief Taylor also has earned several fire service designations, including Executive Fire Officer (EFO) from the National Fire Academy, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Fire Service Chief Executive Office (FS-CEO) through Texas A&M Extension Services, and Chief Fire Executive through the Texas Association of Fire Chiefs.
A 25-year veteran for the Irving Fire Department, Taylor served as the Assistant Chief of the Operations, Training and Administrative Divisions since his promotion in 2014. Most recently, he served over the Emergency Services Division, Fire Prevention, and Specialty Programs. In the Operations role, he oversaw all policies & procedures and civil service personnel evaluations for the Irving Fire Department. Taylor has been a Texas Licensed Paramedic for the past 23 years.
"The opportunity to lead this quality fire department and serve a first-class community is a true honor and blessing. My family and I look forward to becoming part of the Town of Trophy Club family. I’m looking forward to the challenge” Chief Taylor said.
Taylor was one of 39 applicants, five finalists interviewed. Taylor interviewed with four panelists including the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager Police Chief and HR Manager.
The Trophy Club Fire Department includes more than 15 fulltime sworn firefighter/paramedics, a fire marshal, and an admin assistant. There are also 10 part-time firefighters in the department currently.
“I was glad to see Chief Taylor’s name as an applicant, he has an outstanding reputation in the Fire Service and is well known in the industry in our area,” stated former Fire Chief Wade Carroll. “I was even more pleased when he accepted the job. Chief Taylor is the right guy to take our department to the next level in service and excellence.”
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