Bexar County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 4 board of commissioners June 30 appointed veteran fire service leader Douglas Meckel to serve as interim fire chief, effective immediately.
His appointment follows the controversial resignation of Chief Craig Ramon, who stepped down June 23 after two years at the helm. Meckel brings more than 35 years of public safety leadership experience to the department, including 16 years as fire chief for the city of Boerne.
During Meckel’s service, he has led both career and volunteer personnel, managed departmental budgets, overseen strategic growth and worked closely with municipal and county leaders to strengthen emergency response systems.
A respected figure in the fire service community, Meckel holds advanced certifications including master firefighter, master peace officer and fire instructor.
“The board is grateful to Chief Meckel for stepping in to ensure the continued smooth operation of our department while we conduct a national search for a permanent fire chief,” said Ron Haygood, board chair.
“His proven leadership and deep commitment to public service make him a strong asset during this important transition period,” Haygood said.
Meckel’s appointment follows a hectic month of meetings where Ramon’s leadership ability came under fire before the ESD 4 board of commissioners, followed by a second meeting where Ramon supporters responded in kind.
But Ramon’s resignation had been submitted prior to the latter June 27 meeting — leaving commissioners to begin the trek of hiring an interim chief while they launch a search for a permanent replacement.
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