Katy Fire Department’s Chief Russell "Rusty" Wilson sat down with Community Impact Newspaper to discuss changes to the department brought on by growth and a shift from a volunteer fire department to a professional fire department. Former Chief Rufus Summers began the professional department’s transition in 2013 and Wilson continued the task with modernization and new department standards from equipment to staff development. Wilson served in the Irving Fire Department for 27 years prior to taking his position last May. He has a master’s degree in fire and emergency management administration from Oklahoma State University. Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.