Victoria’s fire chief says farewell after 27 years of service

After 27 years of service, Victoria Fire Chief Tracy Fox said goodbye at a retirement ceremony Wednesday.

There was a full house in attendance to send him off and honor his years serving the community with the Victoria Fire Department.

Current and former members of Victoria’s City Council and former fire chiefs attended.

The ceremony began about 3 p.m. and lasted for about an hour. Speakers such as Mayor Jeff Bauknight, City Manager Jesús Garza, State Rep. Geanie Morrison and many more went on stage to speak about Fox and his contributions.

Fox’s introduction into firefighting began in 1994 where he worked for the Yoakum Fire Department as a paramedic.

Two years later, he was hired to Victoria’s department as a firefighter paramedic. It was a unique experience, he said.

Fire Chief Tracy Fox listens to speakers share stories of his career during his retirement ceremony Wednesday at the Victoria Community Center.

Chase Cofield | ccofield@vicad.com

“It was challenging, but still great,” Fox said in a interview. “I got to do what I really enjoyed. I got to do both jobs. You know, being a paramedic and being a firefighter.”

Although Fox enjoyed his newfound position, he wanted to continue up the ladder of the department and advance to a leadership position.

He was first promoted in 1999 to paramedic specialist and again in 2002 to fire lieutenant, when he was put in charge of a fire engine and station.

In 2004, he took another step up in the department as battalion chief, leading an operations division.

Fox’s was promoted to assistant chief in 2012. He held the position for six years until he received word in 2018 the position for fire chief was available.

“I got the opportunity to apply and our great city manager, Charmelle Garrett at the time, hired me,” he said. “I was super excited about it. I was super proud, super humbled, and very honored to be the fire chief of this great organization and the great people that are here.” 

After the speakers concluded, Fox took the stage in front of colleagues and family to thank everyone who had impacted him throughout his journey.

During his speech, Fox was moved into tears when speaking about his relationships with co-workers such as Debbie Breeden, an administrative assistant.

Assistant Fire Chief Shannon Martin hugs Fire Chief Tracy Fox after delivering a speech at Fox’s retirement ceremony Tuesday at the Victoria Community Center.

Chase Cofield | ccofield@vicad.com

“Tracy is a great person to work for,” Breeden said, who has worked with Fox since his entry into the department. “He cares about the people that we cater to, as far as the public, and he’s a really good person with a big heart.”

Fox’s daughter hugged him at the end of his speech. He gave praise to his family and said his final words to the department.

Assistant Fire Chief Michael Belt was the last to speak and told the crowd one of his favorite stories about Fox. He ended his speech with a farewell to his colleague.

“I’d like to say that you’ve always created a welcoming environment and your presence will be certainly missed,” he said.

Fox doesn’t know what his next step will be, but is looking forward to a new chapter of life with his family.

“I really want to focus on finding that peace, that happiness outside of work and really focusing on that next chapter in life,” he said. “I’m not sure yet, but I do definitely want to find a new purpose.”

Fire Chief Tracy Fox delivers an emotional speech with his daughter, Makenna Fox, Wednesday at the Victoria Community Center.

Chase Cofield | ccofield@vicad.com

Tyrese Boone is the local government and public safety reporter for the Victoria Advocate. Tyrese is a recent digital and print graduate from the University of North Texas. He may be reached at tboone@vicad.com or text 940-765-6859.