As of Dec. 14, 2020, Paris Fire Department has its new chief and a familiar face — one who has been involved for 34 years.
Saying the job is not about himself, but about the firefighters with boots on the ground, Paris Fire Chief Thomas McMonigle has served as interim-fire chief for Paris Fire Department for just more than a year, since former Fire Chief Mike Vogel stepped down in October 2019.
“I’m really grateful to the city manager for the confidence he has shown in me,” McMonigle said. “I’m honored and humbled to accept this position with such a great group of firefighters. I hold our firefighters in Paris, Texas, above any that I’ve ever met. They do such an outstanding job and I feel blessed to be put in this position to continue working with them at this level.”
McMonigle, who has served Paris Fire Department since his 35-year-old daughter was a baby, said he is excited to see what the future holds for the fire department.
“Right now, we’re so involved with COVID that there are so many changes happening all around us and everything is so dynamic,” he said. “The fire service is known to meet challenges head on and we adapt and overcome.”
McMonigle said one of the most important concerns for him and the fire department are those on the frontline — Paris Fire Department Firefighters.
“My biggest concern is always supporting them in ways they need to be supported, to make sure they can do their jobs properly and that they are equipped and trained to do what they do,” he said. “They’re trained and can do the job. I want to make sure they have the support and logistics behind them so they can continue getting the job done.”
McMonigle is proud of the firefighters Paris Fire Department houses. He said Paris has, “some of the best firefighters of any place in the country.”
“The firefighters and engine companies — they are the boots on the ground. They do the hard work, they are the ones who make a chief look good,” he said. “They do more than an exceptional job. This isn’t about me. This is about serving the public and ensuring our guys have everything they need to do for the work they love.”
McMonigle also stepped up as interim-chief for about six months when former chief Larry Wright retired in 2018.
Photo of McMonigle: Laura Snider Photography
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