Katy tabs Wilson to lead fire department

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.