HOUSTON – As a nationwide shortage of firefighters continues, the Houston Fire Department (HFD) is taking action to fill gaps in its ranks. Chief Thomas Munoz has highlighted HFD’s robust recruitment efforts, which include outreach to colleges and partnerships with high schools, to attract new talent.
“Recruiting has become very aggressive,” Munoz explained, describing the department’s efforts to engage individuals who feel a calling to serve.
HFD, which handles an average of 1,200 emergency calls daily—85% of which are EMS-related and 15% fire-related—is looking to onboard dedicated individuals ready to respond to emergencies where every second counts.
Among the new recruits is Morgan Holman, a 31-year-old cadet who will graduate from the academy in April 2025. Driven by her sense of purpose, Holman expressed her goal of not only becoming a firefighter but also serving as an instructor in a predominantly male field. Currently, women make up only 2% of HFD’s membership, below the national average of 3.5%.
Another cadet, Hunter Reed, represents a legacy within HFD. As a third-generation firefighter, Reed follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who contributed significantly to the department’s history.
Recruitment is a top priority for HFD, with the department facing a shortfall of approximately 600 firefighters. Initiatives include rehiring firefighters who left in recent years, a step Assistant Chief of Professional Development Mike Brown says has already drawn interest. Brown added that staffing and a paramedic shortage are among HFD’s biggest challenges.
With over a thousand HFD members eligible to retire, the department aims to expand its workforce to around 4,500. HFD, currently the third largest fire department in the United States, continues to update facilities and equipment, recently putting several new apparatuses in service and remodeling two stations.
For those interested in joining HFD, opportunities for advancement are available, with up to six academy classes held each year.
