According to the City of Victoria, the search for a new firechief has been narrowed to 2 applicants. According to O.C. Garza, " The two finalists are Rhea Cooper from Lubbock, Texas and Taner Drake from Odessa, Texas. Both finalists will be in town next week for face-to-face interviews.

Rhea Cooper retired as Fire Chief of the Lubbock, Texas Fire Department in December 2009.

Taner Drake is from Odessa, Texas, and has been the assistant fire chief for the City of Odessa Fire Department since October 1992.

Forty-eight candidates applied for the position. The two finalists were selected by a review team consisting of City Manager Charmelle Garrett, Assistant City Manager Bruce Ure and Human Resources Director Cheryl Marthiljohni."

This is very good news for our city. No matter who wins the position, I wish them the best of luck. This is a very stressful and important position.  The safety of our community is in your hands. As a citizen of Victoria, you will certainly have my full support.

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