Houston Mesa FD names Mark Essary new chief

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The Houston Mesa Fire District, which serves the communities of Mesa del Caballo, Wonder Valley and Freedom Acres, has named Mark Essary fire chief replacing Chuck Jacobs effective March 1.

Essary recently retired from the City of Chandler Fire Department after 32 years of service. He also spent 6 years at Whispering Pines Fire Department as chief. Essary is a paramedic since 1988, Certified Fire Fighter I II & III, ICS, toxicology medic and instructor/evaluator for the state of Arizona.

"He brings to our district a wealth of experience, impressive credentials and many successful achievements," HMFD Chairperson Lori Webster said. "While serving at Whispering Pine Fire Department, Mark grew that department from serving one community to six, secured grant funding, and, along with ambitious volunteers, grew the department into a full service fire department that now has the pride and respect of the areas they serve.

"Mark has plans for HMFD, he will work to increase our community involvement, build stronger relationships with our neighboring departments and secure grant funding we desperately need to expand our services.

"HMFD was very fortunate to have had three applicants apply for the chiefs position, all of whom are very qualified to assume the role as chief. The Governing board would like to thank Payson Fire Chief Marty de Masi for participating in our final interview process. His experience and knowledge was invaluable.

Jacobs recently resigned from his second stint as HMFD chief.  He was also Payson Fire Chief and has worked for Hellsgate Fire Department.

The Houston Mesa Fire District also announced the appointment of two new fire board members, Dick Sizemore and Jeanne Schoonover. Both are long time residents of Mesa Del Caballo.