Round Rock Fire Chief Robert Isbell departing Round Rock for Stephenville Oct. 1

The city of Round Rock announced Sept. 8 that Fire Chief Robert Isbell is resigning to lead the Stephenville Fire Department, effective Oct. 1.

Isbell has been the fire chief in Round Rock for five years. During his tenure, many fire stations were built, and the construction of the city's Public Safety Training Center was completed.

According to the city, Isbell also oversaw the implementation of a data-driven approach to public safety via the Community Risk Reduction program. Under his leadership, the department earned an ISO 1 rating, a score that determines a locality's readiness to fight fires with 1 being the highest.

Isbell also coordinated with local authorities to create internal protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic that were adopted throughout the region.

"I am so proud of everything we have been able to accomplish over the last five years, and I am grateful to this community for its continued support of our organization and innovative ideas,” Isbell said in a statement. “This is truly a bittersweet goodbye as I look forward to the opportunity to be closer to more family and begin our new chapter in an area that has so much sentimental value to us."

The city will be announcing an interim chief within the next few weeks, according to a statement.