Temple Fire & Rescue celebrates new members, promotions in the department

Temple Fire & Rescue held three Promotion and Badge pinning ceremonies for new and recently promoted personnel. The ceremonies were held from December 2, 2020 through December 4, 2020 at Central Fire Station. 

 During the ceremonies Chief Mitch Randles promoted Ron Stewart as the new Battalion Chief for “A shift.” Stewart began his career with Temple Fire & Rescue in 1998. During his time, he has earned several certificates including: Fire Officer IV, Master Structure FF, Instructor III, Hazmat Technician, and IFSAC Structural FF II. He was promoted to Captain in 2011.  

 William Brett Epperson also received a promotion to Fire Captain. Epperson joined the department in 2012. He was promoted to Driver in 2018. During his time, he’s earned certificates for Basic Firefighter, Driver Operator/Pumper, and Instructor I. 

 Ben Williams, who became a part of the department in 2014 was promoted to Driver during his ceremony. Williams has certificates for Intermediate Structural FF, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator Aerial. 

 Finally, Landy Setzer was promoted to Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention/Fire Marshal. Setzer started his journey with the department in 2007. In 2019 he was promoted to Battalion Chief. He’s earned certificates for Fire Officer IV, Master Structure Firefighter, Master Fire Inspector, Instructor III, Driver Operator Pumper, Hazmat Technician, and Plans Examiner I.  

 “I’m very pleased to celebrate the hard work and efforts in earning these promotions. I know they’ll do great in their new positions and continue to be an asset to the City of Temple,” Chief Randles said.  

Aside from the promotions, Chief Randles had the honor to swear in several other firefighters including: 

  • Nicholas McMillan 
  • Kolin Mullins  
  • Paris Williams 
  • Jordan Carter 

“We’re excited about these new additions to our department. It’s always a good feeling to bring in good people and I think this latest group will be doing great work and representing the department and city well for years to come,” said Chief Randles. 

more stories