Operations - Willowfork Fire-Rescue

	Fire Chief Billy Wilson Chief Wilson has been in the fire service for 28 years. He began his career as a firefighter and paramedic in a small coastal community about 2 hours south of Houston, where he reached the ranks of Senior Captain and Fire Marshal. In 1994 he joined the Village Fire Department where, in addition to serving as Battalion Chief, he is also an Arson Investigator and Fire Inspector. Chief Wilson joined the Willowfork Fire Department when it began in January 2003 as a shift Captain. In late 2003 he was named Interim Fire Chief, and in 2004 the position became permanent. Chief Wilson’s certifications include: Advanced Firefighter Advanced Arson Investigator Advanced Fire Inspector Level II Fire Instructor Driver/Operator – Pumper Emergency Medical Technician International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Commissioned Peace Officer Completing an Associate Degree in Fire Technology, Houston Community College
	Assistant Fire Chief Rick Poirier Assistant Chief Poirier started his fire service career 38 years ago with the Olmos Park Fire Department in San Antonio. He joined the Village Fire Department in 1977 where he held various positions throughout his tenure including firefighter, paramedic, Captain, Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal, and Assistant Fire Chief. As Fire Marshal of the Village Fire Department, he oversaw the Fire Prevention and Fire Investigation Office. Before his retirement in January 2011, he was named as interim Fire Chief from October 2009 to June 2010. Assistant Chief Poirier joined the Willowfork Fire Department in April 2011. His certifications include: Advanced Firefighter Advanced Fire Inspector Advanced Arson Investigator Master Peace Officer through Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Captain Danny Ayres Captain Ayres has been in the fire service as a firefighter EMT for 22 years. His background includes 20 years with the Houston Fire Department and 2 years as a volunteer with the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department. Captain Ayres currently holds the rank of Captain in suppression with the Houston Fire Department. He joined the Willowfork Fire Department as a shift Captain when it began in January 2003. His certifications include: Fire Service Instructor Intermediate Firefighter
	Captain Adam Carlin Captain Carlin has 23 years of service with the Rosenberg Fire Department where he has held the rank of captain for the past 5 years. He works as an Arson Investigator with the Rosenberg Fire Marshal’s office. He also has worked for the Northeast Fort Bend County Fire Department since 1988 and is part of its Day Crew Operations. He has been with the Willowfork Fire Department since its inception and currently serves as a shift Captain. His certifications include: Driver/Operator Fire Instructor Hazardous Materials Technician Master Certifications as a Structural Fire Fighter and Fire Inspector. Master Peace Officer Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Associate Degree in Fire Science from Houston Community College in 2000 In the summer of 2010 Captain Carlin will return to the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland where he has been accepted to continue his studies towards an Executive Fire Officer Certification.
Captain Les Fulgham Captain Fulgham has a total of 27 years experience in the fire service, beginning in December 1982 with the Alief Community Volunteer Fire Department. He served his community there as a volunteer for 9 years before moving out of the area. He is currently a 19 year veteran of the Houston Fire Department, assigned as a Captain with Special Operations/ Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting. Captain Fulgham has been a Certified Paramedic for 20 years and has held positions as a Paramedic Training Preceptor, ARFF Training Officer for George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Fire Alarm Dispatcher, and a Ladder Truck Engineer. He has been with the Willowfork Fire Department as a shift Captain since its inception in January 2003. He holds the following certifications with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection: Advanced Structural Firefighter Advanced Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter Fire Officer I Fire Service Instructor II
	Captain Ricky Higgins Ricky Higgins is a 24 year veteran of the Houston Fire Department where he currently holds the rank of Captain. He comes from a family of firefighters. Not only has his father served with the Houston Fire Department for more than 39 years but he also has a brother and sister-in-law who work for the Houston Fire Department. He has been with the Willowfork Fire Department since its inception in January 2003 and currently serves as a shift Captain. His certifications include: Advanced Firefighter Medal of Valor Fire service Instructor II 2 Unit Meritorious Achievement Medals Hazardous Materials Operations Driver/Operator-Pumper Approved Field Examiner EMT-B
Captain Dwight Hook Captain Hook has been involved in the fire service for over 37 years in the Houston area. He joined the Village Fire Department in the early 1970’s as one of the department’s first paramedics. After a brief tenure with the Woodlands Fire Department, he returned to the Village Fire Department where he currently serves as Battalion Chief. Under his leadership the EMS Department at the Village Fire Department has achieved both local and state recognition. He has been with the Willowfork Fire Department since it was established in January 2003 and currently serves as a shift Captain. His certifications include: Advanced Firefighter Paramedic Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
	Captain Russ McAfee Captain McAfee has over 20 years of experience as a firefighter. He first became involved as a volunteer firefighter with the Liberty Fire Department in 1986. Then, in 1989 he was employed as a firefighter by the City of Sugarland. In 1990 he joined the Houston Fire Department, where he currently holds the rank of Captain. He has been with the Willowfork Fire Department since it began in January 2003 and currently serves as a shift Captain. His certifications include: Advanced Firefighter Fire Service Instructor II Driver/Operator Pumper Approved Field Examiner Hazardous Materials Operations
Captain Tim Wagers Captain Wagers has been involved with emergency services since 1987. He first became a volunteer firefighter with the City of Brenham in July of 1987. While serving as a volunteer firefighter, he attended EMT school and in 1990 obtained a full-time job with the Washington County EMS. He remained in their service until 1993 when he joined the Montgomery County Hospital District EMS. Then, in 1996 he became an employee of the City of Humble Fire Department. He has worked for the Willowfork Fire Department since its inception in January 2003 and currently serves as a shift Captain. His certifications include: Advanced Firefighter Fire Instructor Driver Operator Paramedic Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology from San Jacinto College, 2003 Currently enrolled at West Texas A&M University seeking a degree in Emergency Management Administration
	Captain Steve Witt Captain Witt started his emergency services career in 1985 with the Cy-Fair Fire Department, where he currently serves as Quartermaster. His Quartermaster duties include: designing, developing and implementing an apparatus replacement program; fire equipment procurement; and protective clothing and small engine maintenance. In 1989 he also joined the Village Fire Department, where he presently holds the rank of Lieutenant. He has worked for the Willowfork Fire Department since January 2007 and currently serves as a shift Captain. His certifications include: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Advanced Paid Certification for Firefighter Advanced Volunteer Certification Level Two Instructor Driver/Operator International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)

Command Staff