Frisco fire chief retires; city to begin search for replacement

Frisco Fire Chief Mark Piland retired Sept. 14 after more than nine years of service with the city, according to a city news release.

He will be looking to "pursue new career opportunities,” the news release stated.

Across more than 40 years in fire and rescue services, Piland has worked as fire chief for Volusia County Fire Services in Volusia County, Florida; shift commander of operations for the Virginia Beach Fire Department in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and as chief of the Frisco Fire Department.

“I’d like to thank the city of Frisco for the opportunity to serve the community over the past nine-plus years,” Piland said in a statement. “I am grateful for the ability to oversee such exponential growth and work with a dedicated group of firefighters and administration. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and wish the city well as it continues to strive for excellence for the community.”

Assistant Fire Chief Lee Glover will step in as interim fire chief, according to the news release. He has worked in the fire department for more than 30 years and has served as an assistant chief since 2009. The city will begin searching for a new fire chief, according to the news release.

“Public safety is a top priority for me and our City Council,” City Manager Wes Pierson said in a statement. “I intend to be deliberate in the search for Frisco’s next fire chief to make sure we find the right person to lead our department to the next level of service, building upon the city’s reputation for excellence.”