Brownwood News – Firefighters, their families, fellow city workers and elected officials gathered at Brownwood Fire Department Central Station Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm for a badge pinning ceremony.

Fire Chief Eric Hicks took the leadership role of the department at the beginning of this year after being hired in late November, 2019.  His badge was pinned by his daughter with his son standing close by.

Promoted to Assistant Fire Chief was Jody Horton.  Promoted to Lieutenant was William Campbell.  Jesse Castillo was promoted to Driver.  The wives of Horton, Campbell and Castillo pinned the badges to their husband’s jacket.

In addition, the department named Justin Cadenhead the Firefighter of the Year.

In speaking about the honorees, Chief Hicks said the tenure of the men honored all vary.  “They are all tenured members of the organization, from 7 to 19 years,” Hicks said.  “They’re all great firefighters and great officers and I’m happy to work with every one of them.  It’s an honor to be here.  I’ve been here two months, I love this city,” Hicks added.  He came to Brownwood from De Kalb, Illinois where he retired as chief of that department.  He was Chief there 7 out of the 30 years he served.  He and his wife, Kathy, moved to Texas to be closer to their two daughters and son.

Fire Marshal Buddy Preston opened the ceremony.  He served as Interim Chief for several months until Hicks was hired.  Chief Hicks thanked Preston for the job he did during the transition.  City Manager Emily Crawford spoke and complimented fire department employees for working extra hard during the change of leadership.

Photos from the ceremony are below.

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