DALLAS FIRE CHIEF LOUIE BRIGHT TO RETIRE IN MARCH

Dallas – Dallas Fire Chief Louie Bright III has announced his intention to retire on March 30, 2016. Chief Bright’s Dallas Fire Rescue (DFR) career began in September 1981, and he was appointed fire chief in April 2012.

“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Dallas for the last 34 years, during a time period of significant changes and growth in the fire service,” said Chief Bright.

Chief Bright said the decision to retire was an easy one; it is the perfect time to hand over the reins, spend more time with family and pursue the next chapter in his life. His efforts have included creating a culture of customer service, safety and fire prevention throughout the community and among the members of the department, as well as the collaborative relationships that DFR has fostered with other emergency-response organizations throughout Texas, and across the nation.

“Chief Bright’s leadership has led the department through challenging times, and after each challenge we have become a better department,” said City Manager A.C. Gonzalez. “He championed the innovative Community Paramedic Program that has become a national model for EMS service providers. Chief Bright has also improved our ability to keep citizens safe through free smoke detector installation, fire prevention and fire safety education. He has done all of this with a calm leadership style and demeanor that values everyone.”

The city manager will begin the process for a national search for a new Dallas Fire-Rescue chief next month.