San Angelo Firefighters to Honor Retirees & Promotions

The San Angelo Fire Department will celebrate the retirement of four firefighters with a combined 116 years of experience the promotion of seven others April 1 at downtown’s Central Fire Station downtown.

The ceremonies will be from 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, April 1, at Fire Station No. 1 at 306 W. 1^st St. The celebration is open to the public.

The SAFD will honor four longtime firefighters who have retired since 2014. Three of those logged at least 30 years with the City’s fire service: Driver Michael Bell with 33.5 years, Battalion Chief Jerry Hunt with 31.5 years and Driver Jimmy Tumlinson with 30 years. The department will also recognize the service of Lt. Kyle Green, who retired with 21 years of service.

The promotions to be celebrated have occurred since 2015. Johnny Fisher will become the SAFD’s fourth battalion chief, filling the vacancy created by Hunt’s retirement. Robert Wells has been promoted to captain, and Nolan Sellers and Chatta Russell to lieutenants. Three firefighters have been promoted to drivers: Benjamin Ashlock, Jason Jacoby and Manuel Garza.

“It’s gratifying and exciting to see these men advancing their careers and lending their leadership to their peers,” Fire Chief Brian Dunn said. “Promotion celebrations reassure us that the SAFD is always in good hands.”