TX Fire Chief Dies after Weeks-Long Battle with COVID

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SAN BENITO, TX—San Benito Fire Chief Danny Watkins died Tuesday of complications weeks after contracting COVID-19, officials said.

Watkins, 67, who contracted the coronavirus last month, died in a Houston hospital after a weeks-long battle.

Watkins had served as the city's fire chief since August 2019.

"Chief Watkins was a complete professional and a friend to us all," City Manager Manuel De La Rosa stated. "This is not only a terrible loss to the city's fire department and all those who had the honor of working with him here at the city but also a terrible loss to the entire community."

Mayor Rick Guerra, a retired Harlingen firefighter, said Watkins was working to help develop the department.

"He had good ideas. He was very knowledgeable — to be a fire chief takes a lot," Guerra said. "The (firefighters) worked well with him and he worked well with them. Our deepest sympathies go to his family."

Before taking the job, Watkins had built a 34-year career with the Houston Fire Department, climbing the ranks from firefighter to engineer then taking over as captain before serving as a district chief.

A native of Bellville, Texas, he is survived by his wife Debbie and two adult sons.

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