City of Katy names Dana Massey as 1st female fire chief

The city of Katy has named its first female fire chief.

What you need to know

At a June 22 meeting, Katy City Council approved the appointment of Dana Massey as the new fire chief following the retirement of Kenneth Parker, who served five years in the position.

Massey has been serving as interim chief since Parker's retirement Feb. 2.

Zooming in

Massey has been with the Katy Fire Department since 1999, winning the city's 2021 Employee of the Year award, Community Impact previously reported. She previously worked at the Baytown and Galena Park fire departments.

Also of note

City Council previously approved a $22,200 contract with Ure Consulting Group to lead the fire chief selection process in April, although council member Gina Hicks said that process did not happen.

"I have no reservations about Chief Massey, I know that she's qualified, I believe you're going to do a good job and you're going to serve the city well," Hicks said. "The previous council did direct the mayor and staff to use a search committee and that has now changed ... I have discussed with the mayor and have asked that going forward, to honor the process that the council puts in place."

Looking ahead

Massey assumed the role following the oath of office at the June 22 meeting, per agenda documents.