Latest news with #WacoFireDepartment
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Robby Bergerson named new Waco Fire Chief
Waco, Tx (FOX44) – The City of Waco announces the selection of Robin 'Robby' Bergerson as the next Fire Chief for the Waco Fire Department. His appointment will be presented to the Waco City Council for confirmation during the June 17, 2025, city council meeting. Chief Bergerson brings more than 32 years of fire service experience, including nearly 28 years dedicated to serving the Waco community. A city statement said his proven leadership, operational expertise, and deep institutional knowledge make him uniquely qualified to lead the department into its next chapter. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Bergerson has served in every operational and administrative rank within the department—from Firefighter and Engineer to Training Division Chief, Deputy Chief of Emergency Operations, Executive Deputy Fire Chief, and most recently, Interim Fire Chief. His progression through the ranks reflects not only extensive hands-on experience but also a consistent commitment to professional growth and excellence in service. 'It's been a real privilege to serve the Waco community for nearly 28 years,' said Chief Bergerson. 'As Fire Chief, my job is to keep this community safe and take care of the men and women who serve it. That means leading with integrity, showing compassion, and making sure we're always ready to meet the needs of the people who count on us.' City Manager Bradley Ford commended Chief Bergerson's dedication and leadership, emphasizing the value of promoting from within the department. 'Robby has earned the trust of his colleagues and the respect of this community through decades of exemplary service,' said Ford. 'He leads with humility, experience, and a steady hand. I have full confidence in his ability to guide the department forward and continue delivering exceptional service to the people of Waco.' Chief Bergerson holds a Master of Liberal Studies in Public Administration from Fort Hays State University, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University, and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Services Administration from Weatherford College. His professional credentials include Executive Fire Officer (EFO) from the National Fire Academy, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and Certified Fire Executive (CFE) from the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. He is also a graduate of the IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Faith Leaders Summit provides resources for Waco community
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – Waco's Faith Leaders Summit was held for its third year as part of the Mayor's conference. This is a meeting which helps bridge together the small gaps within the community and helps people connect with the City of Waco and faith-based groups. Inside the building, there were several vendors and resources scattered around with information to help reassure the community. With the different groups represented, like the Waco Fire Department, they want to make sure the community has the information they need and to feel safe. Some people may think firefighters look intimidating with all of their gear on, but they want the community to know that they are our friends. 'So the biggest thing we do is we want to be a partner with the community in all aspects,' says fire lieutenant Willie Joe Berger III Lieutenant in the Fire Marshals Division said. 'So fire safety, fire education, community involvement, as far as code enforcement, to instruct them, to give them information, so they understand what we do for a living, what we do for them to keep them safe.' With all of the information that the Fire Department gives to the community, they want them to be well informed. When they are well informed, then they will be more safe and the firefighters can make the community feel safe and connected. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Yahoo
Woman accused of setting a fire in homeless camp
Waco, Tx (FOX 44) – A woman is being held on arson charges in connection with a fire at a homeless camp police say was set in a fit of jealousy. The investigation began after Waco Fire Department units responded to a grass fire behind the Red Roof Inn in the 700 block of South Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard. An arrest affidavit stated the fire was burning in tall grass surrounding the homeless campsite at that location. The affidavit state that as firefighters were still working to put the fire out, another call came into the 9-1-1 center tell the call taker that a person they thought had started the fire was located near Franklin Avenue and University Parks Drive. Officers responding to that location met with two people who pointed out Heather Simpson as a suspect. She was later contacted in a parking lot by the Alico Building. After she was detained and read her Miranda rights, the affidavit stated she was at the park all day. She later said she was the only one near the tent and a small fire started and she could not put it out, but did not call 9-1-1. Man charged with soliciting young girl for sex in park The affidavit stated that another person at Indian Spring Park who knows the suspect gave a statement saying the suspect told him she had started the fire because she saw her man with another woman. The affidavit stated that because of inconsistencies in Simpson's story and witness statements, officers believed the tent was set on fire out of jealousy then attempted to put it out but was unable and fled the scene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
