On Wednesday, Aug. 3, City officials, staff, fellow firefighters, friends, and family gathered to celebrate Lieutenant Kyle Whitley with the Brownwood Fire Department for over 22 years of service. He was presented a commemorative axe featuring the department’s crest. Though Lieutenant Whitley is retiring from the Fire Department, he will remain with the City of Brownwood in his new position as the Airport Foreman at the Brownwood Regional Airport. Whitley’s last day to serve with the Fire Department will be Saturday, August 5th.

Lieutenant Whitley was hired by the Brownwood Fire Department on April 17, 2000, giving 22 years and 4 months of dedicated service to the community. He was promoted to Fire Driver on October 26, 2006. He was promoted to Lieutenant on October 6, 2011. Lieutenant Whitley held certifications in Advanced Structure Firefighter, Advanced Fire Fighter, Instructor 1 and 2, Fire Officer I, Texas A & M Wildland Engine Boss. He was also a Swiftwater Team Member and Drone Team Leader for the Brownwood Fire Department.

Fire Chief Eric Hicks praised Lieutenant Whitley for his willingness to take on special projects and credited Whitley for being a dependable team member.