Welcome to Our New Fire Chief

Published on June 20, 2024

The City of Waco is thrilled to announce the selection of Scott Walker as the next Fire Chief for the Waco Fire Department!

The appointment will be presented to the Waco City Council for confirmation at the July 2, 2024, council meeting.

To fill this vital position, the City engaged SGR, an executive recruitment firm based in Texas, to conduct a nationwide search. From a highly competitive pool of 60 applicants, Walker emerged as one of three finalists. His exceptional commitment to developing his peers and subordinates impressed the 40 participants in the stakeholder panels and city management interviews.

Walker brings over 30 years of fire service experience from the Phoenix Fire Department, where he began his career in 1994. Serving as the Executive Assistant Fire Chief since 2019, Walker has operated in the fifth-largest city in the United States, showcasing his expertise in every aspect of a modern, all-hazards fire department. His diverse experience includes Fire Operations, Fire Prevention, Emergency Management, Fire Logistics, Public Information, and Fiscal Management.

Walker holds a bachelor’s degree in public safety and emergency management from Grand Canyon University and an associate's degree in applied science in Fire Science from Phoenix Community College. He has also completed the Naval Postgraduate Leadership Program.

City Manager Bradley Ford stated, “I am thrilled to recommend Scott Walker to the City Council for consideration as our next Fire Chief. With an impressive track record of exemplary service and leadership in fire and emergency services, Scott has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public safety and community engagement. His innovative approach and strategic vision align with our city’s goals, and I am confident that he will build on our department’s strong foundation, continue to enhance the safety and well-being of our residents, and lead our fire department to new heights of excellence."