Lubbock TX 'Firefighter's Chief' Retires after 32 Years

Fire Chief Lance Phelps said he wouldn't have retired if he'd known it would be this hard.

Phelps, who's been at the helm of Lubbock Fire Rescue since September 2015, retired Friday after 32 years in the department. Phelps rose through the ranks in the most literal sense possible. His colleagues say he probably had every position possible. Beginning as a firefighter, Phelps through the years rose to become an equipment operator, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief and then fire chief.

Phelps retirement party took place at the Lubbock Professional Firefighters Association Hall on Friday afternoon. Firefighters, city staff and members of the Lubbock City Council showed up to thank Phelps for his service and to wish him well in retirement. Phelps' family was also there, as were former fire chiefs.

Phelps was presented with a display case featuring his old badges and years of service pins. He also got a display fire hydrant.

The fire chief, while holding back tears, thanked everyone he'd gotten to know throughout his career.

"The job is what wears you out, the people are what keep you going," Phelps said. "I can't thank everyone enough for being my friend, for helping me and helping us when we needed it."

Phelps said he loves his job, but doing it takes away time he'd like to have with his family. In retirement, Phelps said, he's going to be spending time with his wife and grandchildren.

"I've given all I've got to give, and it's time to give to some others," Phelps said.

He joined Lubbock Fire Rescue in 1987, and decades later became the ninth fire chief of the department, according to LFR.

LFR achieved the coveted ISO 1 fire protection rating under Phelps. He's led the city's Emergency Operations Center on numerous occasions and helped guide the fire department as the city experienced growth and some annexations the past few years.

Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope and City Manager Jarrett Atkinson announced Phelps' retirement during a news conference last week.

"Lance (Phelps) has served our city in an admirable and faithful manner, and we are all safer for his dedication and efforts," Atkinson said. Phelps' retirement date has been set for months, and Atkinson said the city will be naming a new acting chief soon.

Former Lubbock Fire Chief Steve Hailey remembers when Phelps first began at LFR. Like himself, Hailey said, Phelps probably never thought he'd be in the position he was in. Hailey said it's a small club. He said it's a high-stress job, but it's a labor of love. Hailey said he's been able to watch Phelps from the outside and said it's clear he'll be missed.

"He's done so many things in a positive way," Hailey said. "The guys know him, they know who he is, and they've got a background with him from when he was a rookie firefighter. He has a tremendous amount of respect from the department. He's truly a firefighter's chief."

Chris Kemp, president of the Lubbock Professional Firefighters Association, said the fire department is losing a lot of experience with Phelps retiring.

"I hate to see him go," Kemp said. "He's been great for us. It's kind of like part of your family is leaving, it really is. We consider all of us family. I hate to see him go."

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