Chief Watkins recertified by TCFP
San Benito City Manager Manuel De La Rosa has reported that Fire Administrator Danny Watkins has been awarded recertification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection after completing needed training and testing.
Watkins had been serving the City as Fire Administrator since his employment on Sept. 1, 2019. With the renewed certification, he becomes the City’s fire chief. He came to San Benito after serving 34 years with the Houston Fire Department, 25 of which were in management.
He retired in 2013 , resulting in the lapse of certifications, but after applying for and receiving the San Benito position four months ago, he was required to regain certifications as a firefighter, hazardous materials operator, instructor II, structural firefighter and other such areas.
Watkins is also working towards a bachelor's degree in fire administration from Liberty University, with 21 hours remaining for completion.
The San Benito Fire Department responds to approximately 2,500 fire calls per year. This includes building fires, automobile accidents, hazardous materials incidents, grass/brush fires, emergency medical service calls, and other emergencies. The department is tasked with also performing fire safety inspections on local businesses and schools in order to ensure citizens can work and visit these locations in relative safety.
The San Benito Fire Department is responsible for fire suppression and fire prevention within the City, and in certain areas of Cameron County.