The Lufkin Fire Department announced Friday 26-year veteran Jesse Moody as its new chief.
“In the application and interview process, we felt that Jesse Moody’s level of experience and internal knowledge was unbeatable,” City Manager Keith Wright said. “He can hit the ground running and give us the best opportunity to build upon our past successes while taking the department to the next level.”
Moody began his long career with the Lufkin Fire Department in 1993 as a firefighter and paramedic. He rose to the rank of battalion chief.
The official search for a new chief began in July. More than 40 candidates applied for the position, including candidates from New York, California, Minnesota and even Antarctica.
The candidates were screened by a Dallas-area recruiting firm led by a 32-year public safety veteran Todd Renshaw.
Renshaw narrowed the field to 12 semi-finalists, who faced a board of fire chiefs across Texas.
Three finalists were chosen and underwent leadership assessments developed by Dr. Riley Harvill of Leader Select LLC.
“Dr. Harvill’s assessment told us things that would not have been easily determined through the standard application process,” Director of Public Safety Gerald Williamson said. “Knowing those strengths and weaknesses allowed us to tailor each interview to specifically address those areas.”
At the end of the process, the city chose Moody after his final interview Thursday.
“I feel honored to be chosen as Lufkin’s newest fire chief,” Moody said. “I’m looking forward to the challenges that come with it.”
