On Oct. 31, interim Fire Chief Robert B. Abbott was selected to head the Lake Travis Fire Rescue by Travis County Emergency Services District 6 Board of Trustees.

"LTFR has tough challenges ahead of it," Board President Barker F. Keith II said in a news release. "Fire Chief Robert Abbott has the experience and confidence of this organization to work with our Board and the community to assure that our services meet the demands of our taxpayers."

Abbott previously served the district as Interim Fire Chief following the departure of former Fire Chief Jim Linardos in 2012 as well as prior to Linardos' hiring in 2005, he said. He credits Linardos with preparing him for the department's top position.

"It's meaningful [being named Fire Chief] on the heels of Jim Linardos leaving the fire department," Abbott said. "He was an excellent mentor of mine and groomed me [for this position]."

He said he would be looking for other ways to better the services LTFR provides its residents and improve the relationships the department has with other cities. Abbott said he would focus on the auto-aid agreements LTFR has with other communities, sharing a mutual response to a call for fire or rescue.

According to the release, Abbott began his career with LTFR as Firefighter/Paramedic, holding positions of Fire Engineer, Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, Assistant Fire Chief and Interim Fire Chief during his 17 years with the department.

"My heart goes out to everybody, for all of their support over the years," Abbott said following the announcement.

A formal installation ceremony for Abbott is pending.