Horseshoe Bay hires former Arlington agency leader as fire chief
The Horseshoe Bay City Council hired Arlington Fire Department Shift Commander/battalion Chief Joe Morris as the city’s new fire chief. He and his wife, Vicki, have maintained a residence in the community. Courtesy photo
CONNIE SWINNEY • STAFF WRITER
HORSESHOE BAY — An Arlington Fire Department administrator will join Horseshoe Bay Fire Rescue as the city’s new fire chief beginning in August.
On July 14, the Horseshoe Bay City Council approved hiring the Arlington Fire Department Shift Commander/Battalion Chief Joe Morris at an annual salary of $94,500 plus benefits.
Morris and his wife, Vicki, have resided in Horseshoe Bay in the past and maintain a residence in the community.
“Over the last three years, my wife has shared her amazing circle of Horseshoe Bay friends with whom I treasure and respect,” Morris said in a statement. “I look forward to a dynamic and mutually rewarding career with my community involvement through the city and the fire department.”
Morris, who has more than 29 years’ experience with the Arlington agency, oversaw 115 firefighters in his most recent leadership role.
He is scheduled to start with the Horseshoe Bay agency Aug. 10.
Morris’ activities include serving in nonprofit organizations such as the Honor Guard and participating in mentoring programs.
He founded and serves as president of the Arlington Fire Department Random Acts of Kindness, a nonprofit charitable organization that serves individuals in need.
He also served for eight years as a Fire Service Academy coordinator and instructor.
“That experience has provided hands-on interaction and involvement with other municipal fire departments and should continue to prove to be invaluable for us,” Mayor Steve Jordan said in a statement.
Morris replaces Jim Fiero, who resigned in April. During the selection process, Assistant Fire Chief Stephanie Black served as the interim chief.
connie@thepicayune.com