
About Our Department
The Channelview Fire Department (CFD) is a proud institution that has been in existence since 1949. In 2012, CFD transitioned from a volunteer organization to a fully paid department staffing two Fire Stations, with 13 Apparatus and over 90 highly motivated career firemen and paramedics. The Channelview Fire Department provides Fire-Rescue and Emergency Medical Services to the 45,000 citizens of Channelview in a 16.2 square mile area, averaging 6,000 calls for service per year.
The Fire Suppression Division of Channelview Fire Department staffs 8 Fire Apparatus consisting of 1 Ladder Company, 2 Engine Companies, 1 District Chief, 1 Off Road Brush Truck, 1 High Water 5-ton Truck, and 2 Water Rescue Zodiac Boats. Our Firefighters are trained in Fire suppression, Hazardous Materials Mitigation, Disaster Response, Vehicle Extrication, High Angle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Trench Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, and Public Education. 14 Fire Personnel staff both Station 1 and Station 3 24/7, 365 days a year across 4 shifts averaging 1,400 Fire Responses per year.
The Emergency Medicine Division of Channelview Fire Department staffs 5 EMS Apparatus Consisting of 4 Mobile Intensive Care Unit capable Ambulances (MICU), and 1 Emergency Medical Services Supervisor. Our Paramedics are trained in ACLS, PALS, CPR, and NRP; including point of care ultrasound and whole blood transfusions. 7 Paramedics staff both Station 1 and Station 3 24/7, 365 days a year across 4 shifts averaging 4,453 Emergency Medical Responses per year.
Our Leadership

Ryan Thistle
Fire Chief

Ernest Watson
Assistant Chief - Fire

Steven Adams
Assistant Chief - EMS

Jimmy Sumbera
Administrator

Steve Roane
District Chief - A

Byron Kazanjian
District Chief - B

Ennio Ponte
District Chief - C

Chad Mikush
District Chief - D

Jimmy Owens
President, Elected
Term: 5/2022 – 5/2026

Bob Ballew
Treasurer, Elected
Term: 10/2021-5/2024

Brenda Biggers
Secretary, Elected
Term: 5/2022 – 5/2026

Michael Burr
Vice-President, Elected
Term: 7/2020-5/2024

Alma Cedillo
Commissioner, Elected
Term: 5/2022 – 5/2026
Congratulations to Engineer/Operator Armstrong
Congratulations to David Armstrong on his promotion to the rank of Engineer/Operator as of March 27th 2025. David has been dedicated to the Channelview Fire Department …
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Channelview Fire Department
Job Opportunities
The Channelview Fire Department is a fully paid and commissioned organization that employs Firefighters, Paramedics, EMTs, as well as administrative staff. Channelview Fire Department is an equal-opportunity employer. We operate 2 stations with a paramedic unit and fire engine assigned to each. There is a total of 21 personnel per shift. Shifts are 48 hours on and 144 hours off. (2/6 matrix)