HOUSTON – As a new day emerges, so does a change in leadership with the Houston Fire Department, with Sam Peña formally bowing out as its chief.
On Wednesday morning, Pena issued a lengthy statement on social media thanking the City of Houston for his 8 years as the city’s commanding firefighter.
Recommended Videos
“To the residents of Houston, I leave with a full heart of gratitude for the memories and experiences we have shared,” Peña wrote in part on social media. “It has been an honor and privilege, and I thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as your Fire Chief.”
Houston will always hold a very special place in my heart 💛 pic.twitter.com/IxuzJ6hC3e
— Samuel Peña (@ChiefSamPena) July 31, 2024
This comes less than a week after Mayor John Whitmire confirmed to KPRC 2 Investigates Mario Diaz that Tom Muñoz would be replacing the longtime HFD Chief.
“He has served us during some difficult times. I said during the campaign my department heads will have six months to prove themselves and I think it’s time to make a change. I think we can do better, in fact, we will do better.”
Muñoz has served the city as the Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director and Emergency Coordinator, and has over 26 years of experience as a first responder, emergency manager and Coast Guard, according to his city of Houston bio.
In a text message after Mario’s report, Peña seemed caught off guard saying, “I’ve had no conversation with the mayor about this.”
Peña a 28-year veteran has been chief of the Houston Fire Department since Dec. 19, 2016. Over his tenure he led the third-largest municipal fire department in the country with more than 3,000 personnel. He also was at the center of a bitter legal fight between the union and his former boss, Mayor Sylvester Turner. The lengthy battle impacted Peña’s reputation with the union and firefighters creating morale issues within the ranks.
He previously served three years and nine months as fire chief in El Paso, Texas.