Whitmire Names Thomas Munoz New Houston Fire Chief

Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña has been fired by Mayor John Whitmire and will be replaced by current Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Muñoz, according to a news release issued by the city Friday morning.

“(Muñoz) is experienced, knowledgeable and highly respected,” Whitmire said in a statement. “I have worked alongside him through the Kingwood floods, the derecho, Hurricane Beryl and the winter freeze. I am confident that Chief Muñoz is the best person to lead the city’s fire department at this time.”

Muñoz worked for 24 years for the Houston Fire Department, where he oversaw homeland security, public affairs and hazardous materials. He retired as deputy chief. He also serves as acting director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

“I am committed to taking care of the people of Houston, and that must start with taking care of the men and women of the Houston Fire Department,” Muñoz wrote in a statement. “The work we do today will have a lasting impact for years to come, and I know that with this administration, we can improve the safety of all residents and future generations.”

Peña’s firing after leading the department since 2016 removes a chief who has long been at odds with the HFD firefighters union throughout a protracted contract dispute that was finally resolved in June with the City Council’s approval of a $1.5 billion labor contract and a settlement of back pay.

In 2019, more than 3,000 union members signed a “no confidence” resolution against Peña, criticizing his leadership of the department.

In a statement released Friday morning, the union said it supported Whitmire’s decision and said firefighters have endured “poor leadership for years,” but did not name Peña.

“Muñoz’s appointment is a breath of fresh air that signals we are finally on the path to restoring HFD to its rightful status as a world-class fire department,” wrote union President Marty Lancton. “We can finally expect recognition and support for our dedication and sacrifice.”

The city thanked Peña for his “years of dedicated service” to the department.

Peña did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

News of Peña’s ouster broke Friday morning when KPRC reported that Whitmire confirmed the firing in a phone interview with the news station.

Peña then texted the station to say he had not had a conversation with the mayor about his firing and replacement, the station said.

Peña joined the department in 2016 after working as fire chief in El Paso.

Former Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo said Peña was a great partner during his tenure as HPD chief from 2016 to 2021.

“I was honored to witness his tireless efforts during what was arguably one of the most challenging times in Houston’s history,” Acevedo wrote in a social media post. “Chief Pena served with distinction for 8 years, always answering the alarm with dedication.”

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