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Darren Hess, currently assistant fire marshal at the Montgomery County Fire Marshall’s Office, will be taking the reins for emergency management from longtime deputy emergency management coordinator Nicky Kelly, who retired in January from the county.
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Darren Hess
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“Darren has a solid reputation among the law enforcement and emergency management community here in Montgomery County and has strong relationships with many first responders and officers throughout this county and region,” Judge Doyal said.
“He will be able to hit the ground running Feb. 15 when he officially takes command of emergency management efforts for the county.”
One of the immediate goals for the office, Judge Doyal said, is to work with the county’s various communities to help ensure they are participating in the emergency planning process and that they are coordinating their efforts with the state and other local communities.
Hess, because of his existing relationships, is the ideal person for that goal, Judge Doyal said.
The appointment is in keeping with one of the goals Judge Doyal has set for the county of constantly improving county government operations to ensure it is effective and efficient and that the county can be an example other counties can look to.
Hess is currently employed as the Assistant Fire Marshal at the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office, where he has served for over 19 years.
Hess is a master peace officer, with specialized explosive ordinance disposal training. During his tenure at MCFMO, he has been involved in several hundred investigations, ranging from simple felony arson to more complex arson for-profit cases, and post-blast investigations. He has conducted numerous fatality investigations, including murder cases.
His current assignment includes management of the investigation and special operation divisions, as well as administrative/budgetary responsibilities. He is a member of ATF’s Western National Response Team, and is a task force officer with the Houston Division.
Hess has also served as a Lieutenant with the City of Conroe Fire Department for the last sixteen (16) years, with over twenty-three (23) years of service to the Department. Mr. Hess is experienced in rescue (high angle, trench, structural, swift water), Engine Company and ladder company operations, as well as hazmat operations.
Hess is a voting member on the Houston UASI First Responder Fire Committee, and a co-chair for the Hazmat Sub-Committee. He also represents Montgomery County on numerous other UASI committees, including co-chairing a Committee for Responses to Radiological Emergencies. As the Logistics Chief for the Montgomery County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), he has overseen the response coordination for several natural disasters ranging from wild land fires to hurricanes.
Hess, prior to working in Montgomery County was a Fire Fighter Paramedic with Huntsville/Walker County and served as a Correctional Officer for 3 years with Texas Department of Criminal Justice/Institutional Division. He attended the High School for Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice in Houston and studied Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University. He is a 19-year resident of Montgomery County.
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