San Angelo Fire Department Promotes 12 Of Its Finest

SAN ANGELO, TX -  This afternoon, the San Angelo Fire Department celebrated a very important occasion. Friends and family came out to celebrate as Chief Dunn promoted 12 individuals and the department celebrated the retirement of Battalion Chief Royce Owens.

The San Angelo Fire Department decided to commemorate all the promotions in one ceremony after several individuals passed their examinations in recent weeks, which allowed them to move up in the ranks.

Among the 12 promotions are a new Assistant Chief, Battalion Chief, two Captains, three Lieutenants and five Drivers. All these individuals worked very hard to pass their examinations and continue to serve their community.

“I know those guys promoted today are going to do a fantastic job for us,” Chief Dunn said.

Battalion Chief Royce Owens had an additional motive for celebration. After 34 years of working for the San Angelo Fire Department, Chief Owens decided to officially retire. His dedication to the department and to the community were very clear as he spoke to the crowd.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here,” Chief Owens said. “And I respect and am deeply grateful to be allowed to work with these men.”

After being a part of the department since 1982, Chief Owens knew it was time to retire. Even though he will be leaving, he said he knows those men promoted this afternoon are very capable and will help the fire department grow.

“These men are the future of this department, and I’m very proud of them.” Owens said.

The following officers were honored at the ceremony:

• Assistant Chief – Todd Sanford
• Battalion Chief – Jay Neely
• Captains – Christopher Naylor and Dennis Hayes.
• Lieutenants – Donald Jordan, Thomas Jacoby and Santos Elizondo.
• Drivers – Chad Greaves, Aaron Fritze, Warren Baker, Cory Word and Michael Foster.