Forest Bend Fire Department chief dies after being first responder for 33 years

WEBSTER, Texas – The Forest Bend Fire Department in Webster, Texas, announced the death of its chief, John Norris, on Saturday.

“With profound sorrow, the Forest Bend Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to announce the passing of our cherished Chief, John Norris. Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader whose impact on our department will forever be remembered and honored,” the fire department said on Facebook.

Norris died of an apparent heart attack at home after helping battle a large structure fire in Friendswood, Texas.

He became chief in September, and he was a part of the department for 18 years. He worked in the Houston Fire Department for 32 years and left in 2022.

Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña shared this statement on Norris’ death: “Our deepest condolences to Chief John Norris’ family, friends, and the entire Forest Bend Fire Department.”

Forest Bend Fire Department Deputy Chief Roy Hunter told KPRC 2 that Norris’ death may be classified as a line-of-duty death.

Norris and an engine crew from Forest Bend assisted the Friendswood Fire Department in battling a multi-alarm blaze that engulfed an abandoned house scheduled for demolition within the next few weeks.

Soon after the fire was under control, Norris and his firefighters returned to the station. Norris was at home when he suffered what appears to have been a heart attack.

Norris was taken by ambulance to HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake Hospital, where he died.

A state task force is conducting an inquiry into his death. Hunter said if classified that way, it would be the first in the Forest Bend’s existence. The department provides fire fighting for six square miles with a population of 17,000 residents and more than 150 businesses in unincorporated south Harris County near Friendswood.

Flags were at half-staff Saturday at the fire department.

There are 24 volunteers and 25 paid firefighters with the Forest Bend Volunteer Fire Department.

A line of firetrucks and firefighters escorted the ambulance carrying Norris from the hospital to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office. You can watch video of that honor in the player below.

Norris is survived by his wife, Wendy, a fire department member who has served as chaplain and public information officer, and their daughter.

Meanwhile, area fire departments are stepping in to staff the Forest Bend Fire Department to allow the department’s firefighters to grieve, Hunter said.

Santa Fe Fire and Rescue sent a crew over Saturday afternoon, and a League City crew was scheduled to fill in overnight, Hunter said.