August 23, 2016
Murphy brings in experienced Fire Chief as interim
Appointment open-ended while search continues
MURPHY (August 23, 2016) Murphy Fire Rescue is under the temporary leadership of Interim Fire Chief Edmond “Ed” Henderson. Chief Henderson retired in 2014 as Fire Chief for Forest Hill, a suburb of Fort Worth, where he served for four years.
Prior to that position, the Chief was Assistant Fire Chief in Mansfield, having served that city for seven years. Before that, he spent 25 years within the Lubbock Fire Department, rising to the rank of Lieutenant and Assistant Fire Marshal. He is a veteran of the US Air Force.
Chief Henderson, 63, is a native of Mississippi. He graduated from high school in Florida, and earned an Associate of Arts degree from South Plains College in Lubbock. He completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Science at Wayland Baptist University in Lubbock in 1996.
In addition to his academic credentials, Chief Henderson has amassed a significant number of certifications and continuing education credits in various aspects of Fire Science and related topics. These include certifications as Master Fire and Arson Investigator, Emergency Response, Fire Management, Bioterrorism, Unified Command, Fire Chaplaincy, ISO Training, Leadership, Crash Fire Rescue, among several others.
“During my time here, I will bring a unique perspective to the position,” he said. “As someone who is from the outside, I’ll look at things from a different point of view and provide input that may not have been considered.”
The Interim Chief sees his role as one of bridging the gap between the former Chief and the new one.
“I want to maintain a positive relationship with the firefighters, and at the same time, a solid relationship with the rest of City Hall,” he added. “Helping bring in the right individual to lead the department is something I want to assist with as well.”
The Interim Chief has an affinity for working with youngsters, is an accomplished public speaker, enjoys volunteering for community service projects, and is an avid reader and fisherman. He has been married to wife Doris for nearly 40 years and has a son and two daughters.
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