Cottonwood Shores fire chief resigns; board appoints interim
FROM STAFF REPORTS
COTTONWOOD SHORES — The fire chief for the Cottonwood Shores Volunteer Fire Department tendered his resignation, and board members appointed a new chief, officials said.
Travis Hockensmith resigned after accepting a full-time job and announcing plans to enter the master’s degree program at the University of Texas in San Antonio.
Hockensmith joined the department four years ago. He was chief for the last two years.
“Due to those restraints, he does not feel like he can give the chief’s job the necessary time and energy that it requires,” said Janet K. Carusi, the department spokeswoman.
Capt. Adam Hernandez was tapped to be the acting chief.
“Adam worked under Travis as captain, so he is already familiar with procedures and (the standard operating procedures) that we use,” she said.
Hernandez, in his current position for the past couple of years, has lived in Cottonwood Shores for about 10 years and has been a member of the department for three years.
The VFD board is expected to appoint a new chief during its July 12 meeting.
“It’s really no change to our service or our dedication to the community,” Carusi said. “We will still do whatever we need to do for the citizens of the community.”
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