City Manager Odis Jones selected Mario Paritda to be the chief of Missouri City’s Fire and Rescue Services Department. City Council unanimously approved this decision during its April 5 meeting.
Partida brings 26 years of fire service experience to the role. He joined the city of Missouri City in 2019 as assistant fire chief and was promoted to acting fire chief in 2020, according to a press release from the city.
“[Partida] has provided exceptional management of the Fire & Rescue Services Department in day-to-day operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the severe weather winter storm in February,” Jones said. “The city conducted a nationwide search for this executive position and I am confident that Chief Partida is the best candidate to serve the City and that he will be an engaging and great partner for our citizen outreach initiatives.”
Partida previously worked for the city of Sugar Land in its Fire and Emergency Medical Services department from 1991-2019.
In addition to his fire training and experience, Partida is involved in several professional organizations. He is working toward a bachelor’s degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Jones said Partida will play an important role in the department as it seeks to adopt new operating procedures, prioritize innovation and continue to develop and diversify its workforce.
“I look forward to the positive impact Chief Partida will have on both the fire department and our community,” Jones said in the release. “With his leadership, I know the fire department will continue to grow and thrive.”
Missouri City’s fire department consists of nearly 80 employees and has a yearly operational budget of approximately $9.1 million.
Eugene Campbell, former Missouri City Fire and Rescue Services chief, retired Jan. 1.
