Jack “J” Taylor III Appointed as New Pearland Fire ChiefFollowing an extensive executive recruitment, the City of Pearland selected Jack “J” Taylor III as its next Pearland Fire Department Fire Chief. The appointment comes after a nationwide search following the announcement of Fire Chief Vance Riley’s retirement after 11 years of service to the Pearland community, effective end of April. The search was conducted by a recruiting firm, Strategic Government Resources, and identified 27 qualified candidates from 12 different states. The Fire Chief appointment is made by Pearland City Manager Clay Pearson with involvement and recommendation from a panel of City of Pearland employees; the appointment was confirmed by the Pearland City Council on Monday, April 11th. “Chief Taylor's experience in the fire service has demonstrated a career-long commitment to excellence in Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Services, and Community Outreach,” said Assistant City Manager Ron Fraser, who’s lead responsibilities include overseeing the city’s public safety services. “We are confident Chief Taylor's leadership will complement the high standards of service provided by the Pearland Fire Department." “Combining with the professional team already in place, we will work hard to advance PFD to new levels,” said Chief Taylor. “We will strive to be the fire department that others in Texas look to as a template for success. Being progressive and creative as an organization will allow us to raise the bar of exceptional services PFD already provides to the community.” As Fire Chief, Taylor will oversee, lead and manage the operations of the Pearland Fire Department which provides emergency medical services, fire suppression, fire prevention, and code enforcement. Taylor will be responsible for evaluating departmental operations and develop long-term plans for equipment, facilities, and personnel, while coordinating with City staff and departments, as well as local, regional, state and national public safety organizations. Chief Taylor comes to Pearland Fire Department with 29 years of experience in the fire service. Previously, Chief Taylor served most recently as the Fire Chief for the Town of Trophy Club in the Dallas metro area. From 2020-2022, he implemented a Squad EMS response program and obtained ISO-1 status for the Town of Trophy Club, and earned numerous individual awards from the American Heart Association and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Association. However, most of Chief Taylor’s professional career was served with the City of Irving, where he rose through the ranks to Assistant Chief for Irving Fire Department. While serving with IFD from 1995-2020, he worked as the department’s Public Information Officer and Administrative Chief, overseeing fire prevention, IFD facilities, and all emergency medical services. He retired from IFD after 25 years of service. In addition, Chief Taylor has completed the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy, the TEEX Fire Service Chief Executive Officer program, and the Certified Chief Executive Officer program through the Texas Fire Chiefs’ Association as well as designation as a Chief Fire Officer through the Commission on Public Safety Excellence. Chief Taylor holds Texas Commission on Fire Protection certifications as Fire Officer IV, Firefighter-Master, Fire Instructor III, Incident Safety Officer, and Driver/Pumper Operator, as well as being a licensed Paramedic in the State of Texas. In 2020, Chief Taylor was awarded the national Outstanding Fire Service Professional, Runner-Up from Columbia Southern University. In 2021, he received the award for “Outstanding Alumni” from the Tarrant County College Regional Fire Academy. Chief Taylor holds a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southwest Oklahoma State University, and Associate degrees in Kinesiology and Emergency Medical Service Professions. While maintaining his career in the fire service, Chief Taylor also worked as a Division-1 college football referee for 20 years, and worked as a professional actor, author, and presenter. Chief Taylor and his wife and best friend Staci will soon move to Pearland from the Dallas metro area. Married in 1993, Chief Taylor and Staci have two adult sons—Jack and Nick—who live, work, and study in Austin, TX. They all enjoy travelling, sports, outdoor activities, and all things Disney.

“I am beyond excited to serve the residents and businesses of Pearland,” Chief Taylor said. “Staci and I were impressed with the location, growth potential, diversity, and focus on city beautification projects that are evident when driving around. Pearland residents care about how their community presents to visitors, and that’s very important. We’re looking forward to engaging and being involved with the community.” Welcome to the team Chief Taylor!