Frisco is moving forward with the selection of its next fire chief, having reduced a nationwide applicant pool of 43 candidates to three finalists. The city announced the finalists in October after a comprehensive recruitment effort led by Clear Career Professionals, based in Plano.
Who Are the Finalists?
Christopher Granger currently serves as division chief and EMS chief for Prince William County Fire and Rescue in Virginia. With more than 25 years of service, he oversees EMS field operations for 700 career personnel and 250 volunteers. Granger also brings public‑service experience from ten years as an elected county board supervisor in Fauquier County, Virginia, including two terms as board chair. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Washington and is completing a Master of Public Safety at the University of Virginia.
Brent Shanklin is the assistant chief of operations for the Arlington Fire Department. He has been with Arlington since 1996, rising through every rank from firefighter to his current role, where he manages operations, medical services, and special‑operations for a department of 440 members. Shanklin co‑chaired the Regional Fire Services Expert Planning Team for the FIFA World Cup in the Dallas‑Fort Worth area and earned a summa cum laude Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Fire and Emergency Service Administration from Texas A&M University‑San Antonio.
Les Stephens is a retired fire chief who most recently led the San Marcos Fire Department. During his 17‑year tenure there, the department grew from four to six stations and more than doubled its staffing. Prior to San Marcos, Stephens spent 18 years with the Garland Fire Department, culminating as operations battalion chief. He was named the 2021 Texas Fire Chief of the Year and was inducted into the Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor in 2026. Stephens holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.
Community Involvement and Next Steps
The finalists will visit Frisco on Nov. 18 and 19, touring the city and meeting with community leaders, city officials, and Frisco firefighters. Residents are invited to attend a meet‑and‑greet on Nov. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Grove at Frisco Commons, 8300 McKinney Road, where they can ask questions and provide feedback.
City Manager Wes Pierson emphasized the importance of finding a leader who shares Frisco’s values. “Frisco is a special place with a team that takes pride in working together and serving with excellence,” Pierson said. “We’re looking for a fire chief who shares our values and vision, leads with a servant’s heart and keeps the people of our community at the center of every decision.”
The selection panel, composed of firefighters, support staff, chief officers, and city management, will conduct individual interviews with each candidate. Pierson expects the city to make a final appointment before the end of the year.
Background
The search follows the August retirement of Lee Glover, who served 35 years with the Frisco Fire Department and became chief in 2023. Interim chief William “Clay” Carpenter is currently overseeing the department, which serves one of the fastest‑growing cities in North Texas. The new chief will guide the department as Frisco continues its rapid expansion, ensuring public‑safety services keep pace with the city’s growth.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
