Austin Fire Chief Steps Down Amid Controversy | Texas News

Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker is stepping down August 31 after nearly eight years leading the department through major milestones — including five new stations, pandemic response, and winter storms — but his final year was marred by controversy over flooding delays in Kerr County and an overtime scandal that exposed a “culture of impropriety.” Despite union criticism and disciplinary actions, firefighters honored his service, and his successor, Chief of Staff Tom Vocke, will lead interim operations as the city launches a nationwide search for a new chief. A retirement event is set for August 18. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f28c70f072164c9d