The event celebrating Vance Riley will include an honor guard flag presentation, a uniform inspection, and remarks from city staff and his friends and family. It will also be open to the public, according to the city of Pearland. Fire Station No. 4 is located at 8333 Freedom Drive, Pearland.
“Bringing in all these great, professional, dedicated members—all with servant’s hearts—into the Pearland Fire Department is my greatest achievement,” Riley said in a city news release. “Seeing the awesome, caring work they do for our residents is inspiring, and I’m proud to have watched our members grow professionally, and in many cases, promoted to higher ranks.”
Riley’s final day in office was April 29. He spent 11 years with the Pearland Fire Department and has a total of 42 years in public service, which began in 1980 as a member of the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department, according to the news release.
Other highlights of the fire chief’s 11-year career with the Pearland Fire Department include transitioning the department from a mostly volunteer staff to a fully paid staff of 175 members and the construction of six fire stations as well as the Fire Administration Building and Live Burn Training Building.
Jack “J” Taylor III will succeed Riley He was appointed as the new fire chief at the April 11 Pearland City Council meeting. His first official day at the position will be May 16, according to the release.
“I will miss working alongside each and every member of the Pearland Fire Department, as well as city staff,” Riley said.
