Officials began the search after former fire Chief Patrick O’Connell retired in September. O’Connell worked in public service for 28 years, 16 of which were with the NBFD.
After more than five months of searching conducted in partnership with Strategic Government Resources, an executive recruitment firm, two candidates have been named as finalists for the position.
Gregory Rodgers, a 39-year veteran of the fire service, is the assistant fire chief for the city of Schertz.
Rodgers has a bachelor’s degree in emergency management administration and a Master of Business Administration. He is also a graduate of the Texas Fire Chief’s Academy and a Center for Public Safety Excellence peer assessor.
Ruy Lozano has 25 years of experience with the Houston Fire Department and is an assistant fire chief for the department. He has a bachelor’s degree in communications and a Master of Business Administration and is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves.
Lozano is also a Texas Commission on Fire Protection master firefighter and fire instructor and is a Center for Public Safety Excellence peer assessor.
According to a press release, the finalists will visit New Braunfels on March 9-10 to tour the community, visit with NBFD personnel, meet members of the City Council and continue the interview process.
