City of Temple Invites Community to Meet Fire Chief Finalists

TEMPLE, TX (April 24, 2026) - The City of Temple has narrowed its search for a new fire chief to four finalists: Christopher Perez, Bryan Norris, Ricardo Quintero and Corey Parker. The final selection process will take place May 4th and 5th.

The city partnered with Strategic Government Resources to assist with the search, which drew 43 applicants from fifteen states, including 27 from Texas.

Candidates underwent a thorough vetting process that included a comprehensive questionnaire, virtual interviews, an extensive media review, and a background investigation.

Community members will have an opportunity to meet the finalists at a public meet-and-greet event.

WHAT: Temple Fire Chief Meet-and-Greet

WHEN: Tuesday, May 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

WHERE: Fire Bay of Central Fire Station, located at 210 N 3rd 

Finalists will participate in in-person interviews with city leadership, community members, and members of the fire department on May 4th.

Christopher A. Perez, FSCEO, CFE Christopher A. Perez, FSCEO, CFE, is a respected fire service executive with over 28 years of progressive leadership in a large, metro-sized municipal fire department. He most recently served as Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Laredo Fire Department, where he provided executive oversight of a complex organization consisting of 432 personnel across 15 stations and managed a $55 million annual operating budget. Chief Perez is known for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to build alignment across city leadership, labor organizations, and regional partners. He brings extensive experience in collective bargaining and civil service frameworks, and is recognized for fostering trust, accountability, and strong organizational culture. Chief Perez holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration and Fire Investigation, graduating magna cum laude, and is completing a Master of Science in Executive Fire Service Leadership and Emergency Management. He is a Certified Fire Executive and a graduate of the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program, reflecting his commitment to leadership at the highest level of the profession.

Bryan Norris is a seasoned fire service executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in fire operations, emergency medical services, emergency management, and community risk reduction. He most recently served as Deputy Chief of Support Services and Emergency Management Coordinator for the San Antonio Fire Department, where he oversaw multiple divisions while providing executive-level leadership across the entire department within one of the nation’s largest municipal fire agencies. Chief Norris is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, data-driven decision-making, and ability to navigate complex organizational challenges while advancing operational effectiveness and community-focused public safety initiatives. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and a credentialed Chief Fire Officer through the Commission on Professional Credentialing.

Ricardo Quintero has over three decades of fire service experience, including 19 years in the field and 13 years in administration as deputy fire chief for the Corpus Christi Fire Department. He has served as a firefighter, firefighter II EMS, fire captain, battalion chief and deputy fire chief. During his tenure, Chief Quintero has several notable achievements such as the Texas Saferoom Shelter Initiative in which he brought to Corpus Christi 4 safe rooms used as refuges of last resort for residents and responders needing shelter during hurricane events. He developed and instituted the Advance Repatriation Team concept which now serves as a model for the State of Texas. He helped create the High School Dual Credit Fire Academy at Del Mar College. He is also a founding member of the fire department’s Critical Incident Stress Management program. Chief Quintero has an Associate’s degree in Fire Science from Del Mar College, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Master of Business Administration in Data Analytics from the University of the Incarnate Word.

Corey D. Parker is a highly accomplished public safety executive with more than 36 years of progressive leadership experience across fire and emergency medical services, emergency communications, and organizational management. Throughout his distinguished career, he has consistently led complex, high-performing organizations and advanced innovation, operational excellence, and community-focused service delivery. A recognized leader in firefighter health and wellness, Mr. Parker has been a strong advocate for behavioral health and peer support programs, drawing on both professional experience and a personal commitment to improving first responders' well-being. His efforts have contributed to meaningful advances in mental health awareness and support within the fire service. Mr. Parker holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education, both from George Mason University. He is a previously credentialed Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and has received numerous professional honors, including the Governor’s Award for Best Practices in Fire Service Health and Safety. He has also served as a faculty instructor for the Virginia EMS Symposium and as an adjunct instructor and curriculum developer for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.