HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Dr. David Persse, the former Houston chief medical officer, has died at age 66, according to a statement from the Houston Fire Department.
On Monday, HFD said in a Facebook post that Persse sustained a severe spinal injury while swimming off Hermosa Beach, California, on Saturday. Fire officials said that he was pulled from the water and resuscitated by bystanders before being hospitalized. Sadly, Persse later succumbed to his injuries.
Persse served the City of Houston, including serving 29 years as HFD’s EMS physician director.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire shared the following statement regarding Persse’s death:
“Dr. David Persse was a dedicated public servant who spent more than 30 years protecting the health and safety of Houstonians.
His knowledge and experience helped guide my administration through emergencies and some of our city’s most challenging public health issues. I am grateful for his service to Houston and for the lasting legacy he leaves behind.”
HFD Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz posted the following statement that read in part:
“Dr. Persse was a pioneer whose impact on the Houston Fire Department cannot be overstated.
For more than 30 years, he helped shape the way our firefighters and paramedics care for people on the worst days of their lives.
He challenged us to be better, pushed EMS forward and never lost sight of the people behind the medicine.
But to generations of HFD members, he was also a teacher, a mentor and a trusted friend.”
HFD described him as a pioneer in emergency medicine; his leadership helped shape Houston EMS and advance patient care, while his teaching and mentorship influenced generations of physicians, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs.
Persse also helped guide the City of Houston through the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.“