The city of New Braunfels announced Chief Patrick O’Connell as the next Fire Chief for the New Braunfels Fire Department on Sept.13. According to a city news release, Chief O'Connell, a 14-year NBFD veteran, will be confirmed and sworn in during an official ceremony Sept. 23. “We had a rigorous interview process, with candidates being interviewed by two separate panels consisting of Fire Department Command Staff, members of the rank and file of the department and representatives from the Executive Leadership Team,” City Manager Robert Camareno said. “We also had the candidates make two presentations to the group on specific scenarios they may encounter as Fire Chief. Throughout the process, Chief O’Connell proved he is uniquely capable of leading the New Braunfels Fire Department.” After beginning his career with the Marlin, Texas fire department in 1993, O’Connell made his way to New Braunfels in 2005. Chief O’Connell has worked in a variety of capacities within the department, including as a firefighter, a paramedic and a Fire Marshal. He also served as Emergency Management Coordinator and Assistant Fire Chief. The New Braunfels Fire Department has six fire stations in operation and employs a total of 135 firefighters and three non-uniform employees. “I am thankful for the opportunity to continue serving the residents of New Braunfels in the capacity of Fire Chief,” Chief O’Connell said in the release. “The City Manager has entrusted me with this position, and I am committed to working with the passionate, capable, and dedicated men and women of the fire department to continue delivering the extraordinary services our citizens and visitors expect and deserve.”