HSB experiencing changes in first response leadership

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

Horseshoe Bay will be seeing changes in emergency management this year with the retirement of the police chief and resignation of the fire chief, according to discussions at the city council meeting Tuesday, April 21.

The council officially appointed Assistant Fire Chief Stephanie Black interim fire chief after the resignation of Jim Fiero April 7. He was hired as the city’s fire chief in 2006.

Black has been with the department 8 of her 20 years as a firefighter. “Thank you for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Horseshoe Bay,” she said at the meeting, adding she appreciates the city’s support. “We’ll continue to serve to the best of our abilities.”

Police Chief Bill Lane said he plans on staying involved in the community after his retirement in September. “My heart is with this community,” he told citizens and council members. “Besides, I bought a few niches at the Mausoleum and I want to get my money’s worth.”

Lane has been “grooming” Assistant Chief Rocky Wardlow for the police chief position, he said Thursday, April 23.

The council decided against hiring a “head-hunter” to assist in the search for a new fire and police chief. Council members agreed with Jordan’s suggestion to form a committee of 6 people to outline qualifications for the positions. The committee would then make recommendations to the council.

The committee would consist of 2 council members, two staff members, city manager Stan Farmer and the mayor.

No action was taken on the idea because it was a discussion item.

For more on the meeting, see Tuesday's Highlander.