Russell Wilson began work as Katy’s new fire chief on May 2. He replaced Rufus Summers.[/caption]

New Fire Chief Russell Wilson, was sworn in May 2, replacing retiring chief Rufus Summers, who served as interim fire chief for more than two years.

Wilson, who comes to Katy from the Irving Fire Department, said he is excited to be making the transition to Katy and has been thrilled with his new staff thus far.

“What I have really appreciated is the heart of these people,” Wilson said. “They are ready to go, they are ready to serve their fellow man and the citizens of Katy, and that’s impressive.”

Wilson said he plans to assess the department in the coming months and said a part of this process will be individual discussions with personnel.

“I think it’s very important that every person in this organization have a say,” he said. “I am in the middle of speaking one-on-one to every single member of this department. I want input, I want to know where we can improve, I want to make very educated, informed decisions after having collected the data.”

Included among several changes planned for the fire department are the construction of a second fire station and a federal grant to fund 15 positions at the new station. The new station was set to open in April 2017  th but had been delayed to August 2017.

“We’re setting the trajectory of this department,” he said. “I think it’s awesome that we have the opportunity, and at the same time, I think it’s an awesome responsibility that all of us are setting the culture for the future.”

Katy City Administrator Byron Hebert said he is confident Wilson will be a good leader.

“I felt he was the most qualified to help this department go where it needs to go with leadership,” Hebert said. “He has a great knowledge base of emergency management, and our emergency management coordinator can learn a lot from him. But he also just brings with him seasoned leadership.”

Wilson said he believes that community interaction will be one key to the continued success of the department.

“There’s going to be honesty, integrity and transparency, and I’m big on that,” Wilson said. “My definition of success is not something you attain. Success is a constant pursuit toward a worthy goal of excellence. It’s a continuing process. That goal here ultimately is the most excellent service that we can provide for the citizens of Katy, the businesses of Katy and the visitors that [who] come to Katy.”