Young selected as Copperas Cove Fire Chief

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

The City of Copperas Cove announced on Monday morning that Interim Fire Chief Gary Young has accepted the position of fire chief.

Young has been with the Copperas Cove Fire Department since 1989 and prior to serving as interim chief, served as the Deputy Fire Chief & Emergency Management Coordinator for the city.

His promotion becomes effective on Monday, Feb. 6. 

The city has a promotion ceremony scheduled for Young on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m., at the Copperas Cove City Council Chambers, located at 508 S. 2nd Street, to which the public is invited to attend.

Young was selected as one of three finalists from an initial pool of 22 applicants, which was added to until the position was closed on Monday, Feb. 6.

Young is a 1988 alum of Copperas Cove High School and has a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Fire Service Administration with a concentration in Homeland Security, from the Texas A&M-San Antonio where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a in 2019.

He also has associate degrees in Fire Service Administration and Fire Protection Safety and Technology from Weatherford College. He has earned fire service distinctions as a Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University and Certified Fire Executive (CFE) from the Texas Fire Chief’s Academy.

Likewise, throughout his career he has earned numerous Fire and EMS certifications to include Master Firefighter, Master Fire Instructor, Licensed Paramedic and many more.

Young replaces Michael Neujahr, who stepped down from the position in September 2022.