TYLER, Texas — Smith County commissioners on Tuesday voted to make Chad Hogue the new county fire marshal following Paul Findley's resignation last week.
Following executive session, the commissioners court voted to make Hogue the Smith County fire marshal. He has served in an interim role recently after the resignations of former fire marshals, including Findley and Jay Brooks.
Smith County Judge Neal Franklin said Hogue has proven his dedication and commitment to the fire marshal's office when he was first appointed as the interim leader. Franklin added that Hogue is the right person for the job.
"He was very short handed. He really showed his commitment during that a time - a tough time but we never waivered. He hung in there and he's always maintained," Franklin said.
Hogue will start as the fire marshal immediately. Hogue has been a part of the Smith County Fire Marshal's Office as assistant emergency management coordinator and deputy fire marshal since January 2017.
“I love Smith County and I love the Fire Marshal’s Office,” Hogue said.
He was interim fire marshal for about nine months before Findley was appointed as fire marshal in July.
Findley, who served as the county fire marshal for two months, resigned effective Sept. 19 and will soon become the city of Jacksonville's fire chief and director of emergency management. His role in Jacksonville will start in mid-October.
“It was a short time, but it was an honor to work with Paul,” Hogue said. “I’m a better fire marshal and person to have known him.”
Findley will help the Smith County Fire Marshal's Office as a non-paid volunteer reserve deputy.
Findley told the commissioners that Hogue is a great choice for the role.
“His heart is in the right place,” Findley said. “He is a good person and is community first…He’s going to do a good job. I’m excited for him.”