Written by Amanda Coers – Eddy Wood was sworn into his official duties as Brownwood’s newest Fire Chief during a ceremony held at the Central Fire Station, located at 600 E Adams Street, at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 3rd.

“We’re all looking forward to his new leadership,” said Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes at the beginning of the ceremony. The mayor then administered the Oath of Office for Wood who stood before a gathering of city officials, Brownwood police officers and firefighters, as well as friends and family.

 

After taking the oath, Fire Chief Wood invited his wife, Debby, to come forward to pin his badge. Debby then invited Wood’s mother, Linda, to join them and asked if she would do the honors. Wood’s mother was visibly touched and proudly pinned his badge to his dress uniform.

Fire Chief Wood was then presented his official helmet by Justin Prince, the vice president of the Brownwood Professional Fire Fighters Association.

“Our heart is what keeps us going, but our head is what keeps us alive,” said Prince as he presented the helmet.

“I know you’re new to Brownwood,” the mayor told Chief Wood at the close of the ceremony, “but we hope this is a place you can call home for a long time.”

The new fire chief then addressed the room, thanking everyone for the warm welcome, calling his new appointment a “great privilege,” and said he was looking forward to getting to work.

Eddy Wood was selected as the City of Brownwood Fire Chief/EMC after Brownwood City Manager Emily Crawford recommended him to the City Council with the unanimous support of the Fire Chief Advisory Board, made up by Councilmen Jerry DeHay and HD Jones, Brownwood Professional Firefighters Association President Kyle Whitley and Vice President Justin Prince, City HR Director David Dalleh, and City Manager Crawford.

Wood’s public safety and emergency management experience spans more than 25 years. He began with the City of Azle as a public safety dispatcher and volunteer firefighter while obtaining basic training. After basic training, Wood served as a firefighter with the City of Azle for 6 years, then joined North Richland Hills Fire/Rescue where he has served for approximately 19 years.

At North Richland Hills, Mr. Wood held multiple positions in operations and administration, from firefighter/paramedic to Lieutenant/Operations, EMS Training, Hazmat Coordinator, and Battalion Chief.  As Battalion Chief for 9 years, Wood managed five stations and 27 personnel. In addition, he has served as the Emergency Service Administrator for the Azle Fire Department since 2012. Wood’s primary duties as Emergency Service Administrator include local and regional training oversight, Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Management.

Mr. Wood is a student of the fire service and has a passion for serving others. He has a Bachelors degree in Fire Science Administration, is a Licensed Paramedic, and holds the following certifications through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection: Master Firefighter, Master Fire Investigator, Driver/Operator, Hazardous Materials Technician, Master Inspector, Instructor III Master, Fire Officer IV and Intermediate Wildland Firefighter.  Wood has earned the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Certification from the Texas A&M Mayes Business School and is a graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy.