TX Fire Chief Announces Plans to Retire

June 09--The flame in Taner Drake's eyes has burned bright with unforgettable experiences since he was a rookie firefighter to now as he exits his career as Victoria's fire chief.

For almost half his life, he's been glad to share his lifesaving knowledge with others.

"The job is very aggressive with quick tactics. We walk out of burning houses and give back to the fellow man," said Drake, 51. "This career has allowed me to do that and teach others how to do it, too."

After more than 25 years in the fire service, Drake will be retiring as chief of the Victoria Fire Department on June 30 to be closer to his children and grandchildren in the Houston area.

"I'm excited about the future," he said. "The key is to spend quality time with most of my family."

After 18 years of experience at the Odessa Fire Department, Drake started as Victoria fire chief in 2011 and completed his seventh year May 10. He said he is thankful the city manager gave him the opportunity to come and lead the 129 fire department employees.

"Taner brought his vision of an efficient fire department with him, and he has improved every aspect of the city's fire operations, including reduced response times, more efficient training and setting quantifiable goals for the department," said Victoria City Manager Charmelle Garrett.

Victoria Mayor Paul Polasek said Drake's time in Victoria has been great, and he's glad the fire chief will be able to retire.

"I was impressed by his communications ability and how he worked with others," Polasek said. "He maintained a high morale in that department."

Drake said the staff at the fire department was able to raise the bar in terms of expectations and performance. He said he was proud to be part of a group that works hard to reach new heights.

"It was really like a blank canvas," Drake said about his job at the beginning. "I had the ability to be creative and think outside the box."

Brandy Marek, president of the Victoria Firefighters Association, said Drake has been supportive of the organization and firefighters in the department.

"He was really great to work under," said Marek, who has been working at the fire department for four years. "Not only in a work environment but also in personal life; he cared about our families and how we were doing outside of work."

One of Drake's most memorable experiences in Victoria was the 2014 explosion of a Whispering Oaks Drive home where a mother died and her 4 1/2 -month-old girl was found alive about 4 feet deep a 12-foot-tall pile of rubble.

In that particular call, he said he was heartbroken that the mother died but ecstatic the girl survived.

"When people call us, it's not a good day," Drake said. "Some events are horrible and you will never forget, but it's up to us to go through the chaos and filter something good out of it. They do that every day."

Victoria Police Department Chief J.J. Craig said it has been a pleasure working with Drake and called him a true public safety professional.

"He has provided strong leadership to his department and served our community with commitment and dedication," Craig said. "He will be missed."

O.C. Garza, the city of Victoria's director of communications, said he does not know when the city will move forward in looking for a new fire chief, but it will be soon.

"We have a great command staff with lots of experience and assistant fire chiefs who have been there for decades," Garza said. "They will continue to run the department until the next fire chief is appointed."

Drake said he leaves behind a fantastic staff and that the department is in good hands. He hopes one of the assistant chiefs is selected as his replacement.

"They are ready," he said.

Drake said he thanks the city manager and the city of Victoria for supporting the fire department. He also thanked the men and women of the Victoria Fire Department who supported him for seven years.

He said he is more proud of the firefighters and how hard they work each day than he is of materialistic achievements such a new fire truck or a new fire station.

Firefighters have a significant impact in the community that a lot of people don't get to see often, he said.

"I've always been impressed that people are willing to sign up to do this job and put their life on the line for people they've never met or will never see again," Drake said. "I'm always taken aback by that, how giving people are and how compassionate they are for people they serve."

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