After 16 years of service to the City of Cedar Park, James Mallinger was named fire chief of the Cedar Park Fire Department on Nov. 27. Mallinger has served as interim fire chief since June 16 following 13 years as assistant fire chief.

City Council confirmed his appointment at its Nov. 29 meeting. The city received more than 55 responses to the position opening. Five finalists were interviewed by city staff, who narrowed the pool to two finalists.

"Being selected as the next fire chief for the City of Cedar Park fulfills the dream of leading the department where I have enjoyed the majority of my career," Mallinger said. "I look forward to continuing the excellent service and relationships the Cedar Park Fire Department has built."

Mallinger joined CPFD in 1996 as a firefighter, working his way through the ranks as fire lieutenant, fire captain, assistant fire chief and emergency management coordinator. As chief, he will lead a department of 66 firefighters, a civilian staff of three and an annual budget of about $6.8 million, according to the city.

"Chief Mallinger's experience, training, sincere passion and dedication to the CPFD have led me to this decision," City Manager Brenda Eivens said. "I was very pleased with the caliber of chief candidates, and [I] feel that chief Mallinger is the right person to lead our fire department. I look forward to working with chief Mallinger and the entire department as we continue our quest to provide service excellence to our community."

Updated Nov. 29, 6:55 p.m. CST