Russell Wilson, an assistant fire chief at the Irving Fire Department, was unanimously approved March 14 by the Katy City Council as the city’s new fire chief.

Wilson is expected to begin work May 2, replacing outgoing fire Chief Rufus Summers.

“Coming to Katy and just seeing the close-knit community and community atmosphere, that was one of the reasons I was drawn here,” Wilson said. “The explosive growth in the community and knowing the need that will follow is a great attraction for me.”

Wilson has been with the Irving Fire Department for more than 27 years and has a master’s degree in fire and emergency management administration from Oklahoma State University. He serves as the public information officer for the department and also manages the emergency medical services and fire prevention divisions.

Katy City Administrator Byron Hebert said he was impressed with Wilson during interviews for the job.

“[Wilson is a] very highly qualified, another seasoned leader,” Hebert said. “I think if you can understand where the city wants to go and understand that he can get you there, that’s a great asset.”

Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes praised Wilson and thanked him for accepting the job during the March 14 meeting.

“We know where you came from and what you’re all about,” Hughes said. “We’re excited to see what you can do.”

Wilson comes to the department during a time of growth. The city’s Fire Station No. 2 is set to open in April 2017 at a location on Kingsland Boulevard west of Pin Oak Road.

The department added a fourth ambulance and a new ‘quint’ fire truck in April. The truck has a 75-foot ladder that gives firefighters the ability to battle blazes at taller buildings.

City officials are hoping to hire an additional 15 firefighters to man the second station if a federal grant they have applied for is approved.