Mayor Whitmire Announces Public Safety Team Leadership will collaborate to keep Houstonians safe and informed

Public safety is my priority. I ran for mayor to use my years of fighting crime and criminal justice experience to make Houston safer.

I have always advocated for collaboration between law enforcement agencies, increasing recruitment for new police officers and firefighters amid staffing shortages, and improving morale, transparency, and accountability in the Houston Police and Fire Departments.

One of my first acts as mayor was to end the long-standing and costly dispute with the fire union. We successfully settled years of back pay and signed a new contract, resulting in a more productive relationship.

On August 14, I introduced my new public safety leadership team, a team that I believe will bring about significant and positive changes. The team includes the new Chief of Police, Noe Diaz, and the new Fire Chief, Thomas Munoz.

Both chiefs bring experience, integrity, and dedication to public safety. They understand my administration’s priorities, and I am confident they will serve the City with distinction.

Diaz, a former Texas Ranger and former chief of the Katy Police Department, and Munoz, most recently the City’s emergency management coordinator and a retired HFD assistant fire chief, bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to their new roles.

My other leadership appointments are:

Former Acting Police Chief Larry Satterwhite has accepted a new role as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. We’re excited to see his continued dedication to keeping our City safe.

Brian Mason has been named the new Director and Emergency Management Coordinator. He will also continue his role as Executive Director for Houston TranStar, ensuring the region is prepared for any emergency.

Roderick Jackson is the new Director of the Houston Emergency Center. With thirty years of experience in 911 Public Safety communications, he is committed to our community, police, and fire departments.

Please join me in congratulating these leaders as they take on their new roles to keep Houston safe and secure. Your support is crucial as we work together for the safety of our community.