According to city officials, O’Connell resigned Sept. 20, and no reason for his departure was given.
O’Connell has worked in public service for 28 years, 16 of which were with the NBFD. He began his firefighting career in 1993.
In 2005, O’Connell joined the NBFD and served in several positions before being named fire chief in September 2019.
“We appreciate Chief O’Connell’s dedicated service to the department, the organization and the community,” said Robert Camareno, New Braunfels city manager, in a press release. “Patrick has been a leader throughout the COVID[-19] pandemic, and we are all better for his efforts.”
Assistant Chief Mike Wehman will serve as interim fire chief while the city searches for O’Connell’s replacement.
