Plano Fire Chief Sam Greif, center, visits with members of Plano-Fire Rescue at Station 1. Greif started his first week as the city's new fire chief Aug. 3.[/caption]

With his first week on the job coming to a close, Plano Fire Chief Sam Greif said he is prepared to lead the 351-member staff at Plano Fire-Rescue. The past few days have been filled with workshops, meetings and introductory rounds at each of the city’s 13 fire stations.

Greif, a Fort Worth native, will officially be sworn in at the Aug. 10 regular City Council meeting, where Mayor Harry LaRosiliere will present Greif with his new helmet and badge.

“It’s really been an eclectic week,” Greif said. “There’s just so much going on in this city right now. My time has been split between going to City Hall and trying to meet my command team and spending time in the fire stations. You’ve got to get out there and get to know your people.”

Greif was a firefighter with the Fort Worth Fire Department for 30 years. Prior to that was a paramedic for the department for four years. He retired from there last week as the assistant chief of operations. Greif replaces interim Fire Chief Marty Wade, who held that post since January when Brian Crawford accepted a position as chief administrative officer with the city of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Greif was selected as the new chief in June, which allowed him to relocate his family, tour the city and begin his introductions within the department by sitting in on various meetings. With his son also choosing a career in fire rescue, Greif said fire service is in his blood and he has had a warm welcome since arriving to Plano.

“From what I’ve seen, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of individuals. Both the citizen and the sworn personnel have been stellar,” Greif said. “It’s been a very eventful two months … [but] I feel like we’re poised to continue the high level of service, and the planning going on is going to keep us with good steam for moving forward.

“This city has clearly been very thoughtful in the way it’s grown and the way they make sure that as we grow, our services continue to grow to meet those demands. It’s a very well-run city.”