Celina, Texas names a new fire chief

The City of Celina announced the appointment of Shawn White as its new Fire Chief, effective in early October. White succeeds Chief Mark Metdker, who retired after 16 years of dedicated service earlier this year.

“We couldn't be more excited to have Chief Shawn White join our team here in Celina,” City Manager Robert Ranc said in a official statement. “His passion, leadership and vision are exactly what our fire department needs as we continue to grow. His impressive record and familiarity with the Henderson Fire Department make him a perfect fit for Celina.”

White, who previously served as fire chief in Henderson, Nevada, since September 2017, oversaw major department expansions, including the addition of four new fire stations and over 100 new positions. Under his leadership, the Henderson Fire Department achieved a Class 1 ISO rating, placing it in the top 0.5% of fire departments nationwide. The department also received accreditation from CFAI and CAAS.

White began his fire service career with the Albuquerque Fire Department in 1989, eventually advancing to roles such as firefighter and paramedic, engineer and lieutenant. He joined the Henderson Fire Department in 1999 and became fire chief in 2017.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be selected as the next fire chief for the city of Celina,” said White. “I look forward to working with the wonderful members of this department to continue to build on the culture of excellence created by Chief Mettker.”

The Celina Fire Department, which currently holds a Class 3 ISO rating and was awarded a Best Practice Designation by the Texas Association of Fire Chiefs in July 2024, is positioned for continued growth under White's leadership. The department recently opened Fire Station #3 and is in the design phase for Fire Station #4, part of a larger public safety campus master plan near Celina Police Headquarters.

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