City of Tyler Fire Chief Search Down to Three Finalists

TYLER — The City of Tyler narrowed its national search for a new fire chief to three finalists, and hopes to present a recommendation for hire to the City Council on Sept. 28. Finalists are Daniel Baum, assistant fire chief for the city of Pearland; David Coble, the executive assistant fire chief for the city of Fort Worth; and Manuel Fonseca, assistant fire chief for the city of Nashville, Tenn. All are graduates of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, hold a Master’s degree or above and have a minimum of fifteen years of experience in fire service. The new chief will replace Tim Johnson, who retired early this year. Assistant Fire Chief Les Schminkey has been serving as interim fire chief.