The city of Frisco named three finalists for its next fire chief following a national search, according to a Nov. 9 news release.
Following former fire chief Lee Glover’s retirement in August, Frisco launched a nationwide search for his replacement, drawing 43 applicants. The city will also host a community meet-and-greet for the finalists.
The background
Glover joined the department in 1991 as one of its seven paid firefighters, later becoming fire chief in 2023. During his tenure, the department grew to more than 260 sworn personnel and has been awarded several accreditations for fire and ambulance services.
Following his Aug. 3 retirement, the Frisco Fire Department named Clay Carpenter as interim fire chief. The city has identified Christopher Granger, Brent Shanklin and Les Stephens as the three finalists for Frisco’s next fire chief.
Granger has more than 25 years of fire service experience and currently leads EMS field operations for Prince William County Fire and Rescue in Virginia. Shanklin has served with the Arlington Fire Department since 1996 and currently oversees general, medical and special operations. Stephens served 17 years as the San Marcos fire chief, expanding the department’s staffing and number of stations. He was also named the 2021 Texas Fire Chief of the Year.
Frisco City Manager Wes Pierson said in the release the city anticipates making a final appointment to the position by the end of the year.
“Frisco is a special place with a team that takes pride in working together and serving with excellence,” Pierson said in the release. “We’re looking for a fire chief who shares our values and vision, leads with a servant’s heart and keeps the people of our community at the center of every decision.”
What’s next
The next steps for finalists include touring Frisco and meeting with city leadership Nov. 18-19. The process also includes interviews with panels of support staff, firefighters and chief officers of the Frisco Fire Department. Finalists will also interview individually with the city management team.
Residents can meet the finalists and share their feedback at a community meet-and-greet scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 18 at The Grove at Frisco Commons.
