SAN ANTONIO – The city of Balcones Heights has named its new interim fire chief.
Brock Ward, a captain who has worked with the Balcones Heights Fire Department since 1979, will serve until a permanent chief is hired.
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The city will begin the search for a permanent chief next week, and Ward said he plans to apply.
Former fire chief Phillip Prince resigned earlier this month. He planned to return to his home state of Alabama.
In his letter of resignation, Prince praised his fellow firefighters but went on to say decisions by current elected officials based on personal agendas and not what is best for the city contributed to his departure.
Prince appeared to be referring to some members of the Balcones Heights City Council who wished to take the hiring and firing authority away from the city manager and potentially rehire former police chief Henry Dominguez.
Councilmembers upheld Dominguez's termination last week, and Mayor Suzanne de Leon officially swore in 30-year veteran Lt. Joyce Pena as interim police chief Monday night.
The former chief's leadership came into question after the slaying of BHPD Officer Julian Pesina.