Today, city manager Dale Fisseler announced Bobby Tatum, Jr. – a veteran of the Fort Worth Fire Department – as his selection for the City of Waco’s new Fire Chief. Tatum’s appointment is pending City Council’s approval.
Tatum – who has more than 30 years of experience – currently serves as Fort Worth’s deputy chief. Tatum was the lone finalist from a pool of 76 candidates. The nationwide search was conducted by a private firm and saw candidates from 23 states and Australia.
In a statement released today, Fisseler said interview panels were impressed with Tatum's qualifications.
“I am excited to recommend Bobby to the City Council for consideration as our next Fire Chief and am looking forward to introducing him to them at our next meeting. The interview panels were impressed with his experience and enthusiasm and I believe that he will bring outstanding leadership to this important position.”
Tatum will potentially fill the position which former Waco Fire Chief John Johnston stepped down from earlier this year. Johnston asked to be reassigned to an assistant chief position, siting a combination of health and family reasons for his decision