TEMPLE, Texas - The City of Temple has selected Christopher Perez as its next fire chief following a nationwide recruitment process that attracted 43 candidates from 14 states.
City Manager Brynn Myers announced the appointment, noting that the search included applicants from across the country, with the largest number of candidates coming from Texas.
“I am pleased to name Christopher Perez as the next Fire Chief for the City of Temple. Chris has over 28 years of leadership experience in a municipal fire department. His leadership style has driven operational excellence, and he is a highly collaborative executive leader. His experience leading multi-year capital improvement initiatives will be of benefit to the City of Temple,” Myers said.
Perez joined the Laredo Fire Department in 1998 and advanced through the ranks as a firefighter, assistant driver, driver, captain, district chief, and deputy fire chief.
He holds an associate degree in fire protection from Kilgore College, a bachelor's degree in fire administration and investigation, and is completing a master's degree in fire service leadership and emergency management at Columbia Southern University.
Perez is also a graduate of the Fire Service CEO Program through Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.
His professional certifications include Certified Fire Executive through the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, along with Master Structure Firefighter, Master Fire Inspector, Master Fire and Arson Investigator, Master Fire Instructor, Master Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, and Basic Peace Officer certifications.
Perez said he looks forward to serving both the community and the firefighters of Temple.
“I am honored and proud to be named the next Fire Chief for the City of Temple. I’m committed to serving both the community and the members of the Temple Fire Department while building on the department’s strong tradition of service, professionalism, and dedication to public safety. Throughout this process, I felt genuinely welcomed and could see the strong sense of pride and family culture within the department. I look forward to growing together with the community and supporting our firefighters every step of the way. I also want to thank my family for their support throughout my career and during this process,” Perez said.
The city worked with Strategic Government Resources to conduct the search.
Perez is scheduled to begin his role as Temple's fire chief on July 6, 2026.
