The City of Frisco has a new fire chief, nine months after former Chief Mark Piland resigned.
Interim Chief Lee Glover has been promoted to the permanent job, the city announced in a news release to The Dallas Express on Monday.
“Lee’s combination of experience, knowledge, and leadership was the best fit for the department,” City Manager Wes Pierson said. “I believe Lee is deeply committed to the success of Team Frisco and will work hard to serve our community and members of FFD.”
Glover started with the Frisco Fire Department in 1991 and was assistant chief from 2009-2022.
“I’m truly honored to be chosen as the next fire chief of Frisco,” Glover said. “We will continue to provide outstanding fire and emergency medical services. But we’ll also focus on fire prevention, too. We’ll continue to adhere to the highest standards and be a department our residents, businesses, and all our employees are proud of.”
Piland retired under pressure in September 2022 after more than nine years with the department.
Piland ran for Frisco mayor in May but lost to incumbent Jeff Cheney. He received 42% of the vote.
Frisco Fire Department also fired Assistant Fire Chief Cameron Kraemer on May 1 after he had served 27 years with the department. The Frisco Fire Fighters Association announced the decision on May 2 via Facebook.
Monday’s news release said Frisco’s Fire Department has 278 employees, including administration, fleet, and fire prevention. It added that 233 of those are assigned to fire operations.
Glover earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce and an associate degree from Collin College. He is an executive fire officer and member of the Denton County Chiefs’ Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Texas Chief’s Association.
Meanwhile, a crew of Frisco firefighters was in East Texas last week and Monday, helping with the emergency response after storms. More than 100,000 in the region lost power.
A tornado caused major damage in Panola County, the National Weather Service said. The town of Mount Vernon in Franklin County has been largely in the dark with no air conditioning as temperatures topped 100 degrees.
The Frisco firefighters took a fully equipped ambulance bus to Mount Vernon to help with relocating nursing home residents, the department said in a tweet.
