New Fire Chief Named for Harris County ESD 48, Begins November 3
A new chapter is beginning for Harris County Emergency Services District No. 48, as veteran fire service leader Deacon Tittel has been officially named the next Fire Chief. Chief Tittel will begin his new role on Monday, November 3, 2025, following more than 25 years of distinguished service with the City of Bellaire.
The announcement was made by Harris County ESD 48 on September 29 via Facebook, sparking a wave of excitement and anticipation from residents and first responders alike.
Chief Tittel brings a wealth of expertise to the role, having served as both Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator in Bellaire. His background spans fire protection, disaster response, public safety education, and emergency coordination during hurricanes and other regional events. At a time when West Houston continues to grow rapidly, his leadership is expected to help guide ESD 48 through the next stage of development and community resilience.
Harris County ESD 48 serves portions of Katy, West Houston, and unincorporated Harris County, providing essential fire suppression, rescue, EMS, and emergency management services to over 150,000 residents, including those in Cimarron. Funded by local property taxes and governed by a publicly elected board, the district has become one of the most forward-thinking and community-engaged emergency service districts in the region.
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As Fire Chief, Tittel will oversee day-to-day operations, strategic planning, personnel management, budget implementation, and interagency coordination for both fire and EMS divisions. He will also play a key role in disaster preparedness—ensuring the district is equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to everything from structure fires to large-scale emergencies.
Tittel’s impact in Bellaire was widely praised by colleagues and community members. He was known not only for his operational excellence but also for his ability to build trust with residents, foster innovation, and lead teams with integrity.
“We are very excited for this new chapter with Chief Tittel and the future of ESD 48,” the district said in its public statement.
For the communities of Katy and West Houston like Cimarron, the appointment marks a continued investment in public safety leadership at the highest level—an essential component as the region balances fast-paced growth with emergency readiness.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of Harris County ESD 48, including updates on Chief Tittel’s leadership, upcoming community engagement events, and the district’s ongoing public safety efforts across West Houston and Katy.
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.
