From humble beginnings to leading Houston's bravest: The inspiring journey of Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz

Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz joins the show

From growing up in public housing and living in a single-parent household to becoming the fire chief of the third largest fire department in country. Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz talks with Jonathan Mejia on El Jangueo.

HOUSTON - In a city renowned for its resilience and diversity, the appointment of Thomas Muñoz as the Chief of the Houston Fire Department marks a significant chapter in the narrative of public service and leadership. Mayor John Whitmire's decision to appoint Muñoz is not just a testament to his extensive experience and dedication, but also a celebration of a journey that defies the odds.

‘Don’t be afraid to dream big'

Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz on 'El Jangueo' with Jonathan Mejia

The backstory:

Thomas Muñoz's story is one of perseverance and triumph.

Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, Muñoz was raised in public housing by a single mother. His early life was marked by challenges that could have easily deterred him from pursuing his dreams. Yet, Muñoz's determination and commitment to serving his community propelled him forward, ultimately leading him to become the chief of the third-largest fire department in the United States, serving the fourth-largest city and third-largest county in the country.

"Don't be afraid to dream big. You just can't because you limit yourself," Muñoz said. "My nana used to say, ‘You have 24 hours to become somebody. You decide how you want to spend it.’"

Muñoz's career spans over 29 years as a first responder and emergency manager, with 24 of those years dedicated to the Houston Fire Department. His tenure at HFD was marked by significant contributions in overseeing Homeland Security, Public Affairs, and HAZMAT operations.

His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the department's response strategies and enhancing public safety measures.

"It's a calling. We're fortunate that we live in a country where everything can be obtained. Don't be afraid to dream big. I always ask myself ‘Why not me? What do I have to do to be there?'. Learn how to separate yourself from the pack," Muñoz said.

Before his appointment as Fire Chief, Muñoz served as the City's Emergency Management Coordinator and the acting Director for the Mayor's Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. These roles further honed his skills in crisis management and strategic planning, preparing him to lead the department with vision and integrity.

Muñoz's journey from the Rio Grande Valley to the helm of the Houston Fire Department is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity and achieving excellence. His story is an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to service, one can rise above circumstances and make a profound impact on their community.

"I was supposed to be a statistic. There was a time when they said I wasn't going to read past the 6th grade because I was a quiet kid. People use to say it can't be done, and you hear that negativity and I had people around me say just block it out. That was important for me because I wanted to separate myself from the pack," Muñoz said. "I grew up in government housing with a single mother, and it was a really great experience for me growing up like that. First of all, you don't know you're poor because everybody else is poor. Looking at those struggles now allows me to see the struggle that people see and that's where empathy comes in," Muñoz continued.

What's next:

As Chief Muñoz steps into his new role, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the challenges faced by first responders, and a passion for public service. His leadership promises to guide the Houston Fire Department into a future of enhanced safety, preparedness, and community engagement.

In a city that thrives on diversity and resilience, Chief Thomas Muñoz embodies the spirit of Houston—a leader who has risen from humble beginnings to serve and protect the community he calls home. His appointment is not just a milestone for the department, but a beacon of hope and possibility for all who dare to dream.

More of ‘El Jangueo’ and Jonathan Mejia

What you can do:

You can listen to this story and all the other episodes of ‘El Jangueo’ (the Hangout) with Jonathan Mejia via Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeart.

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