The City of Frisco is moving forward in its nationwide search for a new fire chief. After former chief Lee Glover retired in August, the city received 43 applications and has now identified three finalists: Christopher Granger, Brent Shanklin and Les Stephens.
Background on the search
Lee Glover began his career with the Frisco Fire Department in 1991 as one of its original seven paid firefighters. He rose through the ranks and was appointed fire chief in 2023. Under his leadership, the department expanded to more than 260 sworn personnel and earned multiple accreditations for both fire and ambulance services. Glover stepped down on August 3, and interim chief Clay Carpenter was named to keep the department running smoothly while the search continued.
Who are the finalists?
Christopher Granger brings more than 25 years of fire‑service experience. He currently oversees EMS field operations for Prince William County Fire and Rescue in Virginia, managing a large, complex emergency‑medical system.
Brent Shanklin has served with the Arlington Fire Department since 1996. In his current role he directs general, medical and special‑operations divisions, giving him a broad perspective on fire‑department management.
Les Stephens spent 17 years as the fire chief of San Marcos, where he grew the department’s staffing levels and added new fire stations. He was honored as the 2021 Texas Fire Chief of the Year, reflecting his commitment to excellence.
Next steps in the selection process
Frisco City Manager Wes Pierson said the city expects to make a final appointment by the end of the year. The finalists will tour Frisco facilities and meet with city leadership on November 18‑19. They will also sit for interviews with panels that include support staff, firefighters and chief officers from the Frisco Fire Department, followed by individual interviews with the city management team.
Residents are invited to join a community meet‑and‑greet on November 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Grove at Frisco Commons. The event gives locals a chance to meet the candidates, ask questions and share feedback directly with the finalists.
Why this matters to Frisco families
Choosing 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,” as Pierson put it, is essential for maintaining the high level of public safety that Frisco residents rely on. The fire department’s continued growth and accreditation successes have been a point of pride for the city, and the next chief will guide the department through future challenges and opportunities.
The transparent, community‑focused process underscores Frisco’s commitment to involving citizens in important public‑safety decisions. By inviting residents to the meet‑and‑greet, the city ensures that the voice of the community remains central as it selects a leader who will protect families, support first responders and uphold the city’s tradition of excellence.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Frisco — read the source article.
