The Westlake Volunteer Fire Department and Harris County Emergency Services District 47 announced via Facebook that it has selected a new fire chief. The chosen candidate is Richard Shannon Draper.

“I am humbled to be chosen to serve as Westlake’s next fire chief,” Draper said. “I look forward to working closely with the department members and the community as we continue the commitment to providing excellent service.”

More than 50 candidates applied for the Westlake VFD chief position. Draper won out over the field with 29 years of fire service experience. He has served as a chief since 2012 and has extensive experience with training and safety. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration and several emergency services-specific credentials including those for EMS. He is also a public speaker on fire safety and similar matters.

Fire Chief Mark Palmer announced his retirement earlier this year after serving in the position of Westlake VFD chief for many years. The department is hosting a private retirement party for Palmer this weekend.

Draper and his family, wife Hajni and sons Krisztian, Johnathan and Michael, are settling into their new home. Once that is finished, Westlake VFD plans to have a meet and greet with the community.

Westlake VFD is located at 19636 Saums Road in the Katy area and serves an area north of I-10 between Fry and Greenhouse roads.

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story included a link for a retirement party for Chief Mark Palmer. Due to COVID-19 concerns, that event is currently only for family and firefighters in order to ensure the department's staff remain healthy.