Cy-Fair Fire Department Honors More Than 70 First Responders During 2026 Badge Pinning and Promotional Ceremony in Cypress
The Cy-Fair Fire Department recognized the dedication, leadership, and service of dozens of first responders during its 2026 Badge Pinning and Promotional Ceremony held Thursday evening at Houston’s First Baptist Church – Cypress.
The annual ceremony celebrated a major milestone for department personnel, with 40 members promoted, 21 individuals pinned into new positions, and 13 members nominated for annual service awards. According to the department, the event honored the “dedication, accomplishments, and years of service” that continue strengthening emergency response operations across the Cy-Fair and Cypress communities.
For families, colleagues, and community members gathered in attendance, the ceremony represented more than rank advancements. It reflected the continued growth of one of the busiest combination fire departments in the nation and recognized the people entrusted with protecting one of the fastest-growing areas in Northwest Harris County.
A Longstanding Fire Service Tradition Rooted in Community
Badge pinning ceremonies hold deep significance within the fire service, symbolizing both achievement and responsibility. Traditionally, a family member, friend, or fellow first responder pins the badge onto the honoree’s uniform, representing the support system standing behind every firefighter, paramedic, dispatcher, and officer.
The ceremony also serves as a public acknowledgment of the sacrifices tied to emergency service careers — long shifts, ongoing training, physical demands, and the responsibility of protecting both residents and fellow crew members during emergencies.
Thursday’s event included the Presentation of Colors by the CFFD Honor Guard, remarks from Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 commissioners, badge pinning by family and friends, and the department’s Oath of Commitment.
The oath emphasized the responsibility first responders carry in safeguarding life and property, continuing their education, and serving “unselfishly whenever I am called.”
Assistant Chief Justin Reed served as master of ceremonies, while Chief of Operations Brent Scalise led the oath of commitment.
Promotions Reflect Growing Demands Across Cy-Fair and Cypress
As Cypress and the surrounding Cy-Fair area continue experiencing residential and commercial growth, the demand for fire suppression, EMS, rescue, and emergency response services has continued rising alongside it.
The Cy-Fair Fire Department, operating under Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 (HCESD9), serves a 164-square-mile area across Northwest Harris County. The department responds to tens of thousands of emergency calls annually and remains one of the largest combination fire departments in the United States.
The 2026 ceremony recognized personnel advancing into leadership and operational roles across the department, including deputy chiefs, battalion chiefs, captains, lieutenants, and paramedics.
Among those recognized were Daniel Anderson and David Sanchez as deputy chiefs and Travis Joiner as battalion chief. Multiple captains, lieutenants, and paramedics were also pinned during the ceremony as they assumed expanded responsibilities within the department.
For many residents, these promotions directly impact emergency readiness in the community. Leadership advancements within the department help support staffing, training, incident command, and operational oversight as the region continues adding neighborhoods, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial development.
Annual Awards Highlight Excellence Across Multiple Roles
In addition to promotions and pinning recognitions, the department honored recipients of its annual awards for 2024 and 2025.
The awards recognized excellence across multiple areas of service, including firefighting, EMS, dispatch operations, volunteer service, and departmental support roles.
Among the 2024 recipients:
- Uldrick Leon received the Howard Castle Award – Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.
- Jaggar Kennedy earned the Heartsaver Award.
- Travis Joiner was named Support Member of the Year.
For 2025:
- Martin Gama received the Ed Gerber Award – Dispatcher of the Year.
- Caleb Jordan earned the Heartsaver Award.
- Phil Thomas was named Support Member of the Year.
- Alexa Ayala, Juan Cortez, Mario Garcia, Magdaleno Jaramillo, Carlos Manriquez, Said Mata, and Diego Vargas received recognition for the Mark Hudson EMS Provider of the Year Award.
The awards highlighted the broad network of professionals required to keep emergency operations functioning effectively — from dispatchers answering critical calls to EMS providers delivering lifesaving care in the field.
Supporting the Future of Emergency Response in Cy-Fair
The Cy-Fair Fire Department has continued expanding resources and infrastructure to keep pace with community growth throughout Cypress and Northwest Harris County.
HCESD9 has been working to expand fire station coverage and modernize facilities to improve response times and support first responders serving the region’s rapidly developing neighborhoods.
Events like the annual badge pinning and promotional ceremony offer residents a closer look at the individuals behind those emergency responses — the firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and support teams who respond when families need help most.
The department concluded the ceremony by thanking everyone who helped make the event possible, noting that the evening “would not have been possible without everyone’s help and support.”
Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of Cy-Fair Fire Department updates, public safety initiatives, and community developments across Cypress and Northwest Harris County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.