SUNNYVALE, Texas — Sunnyvale Wednesday named Tami Kayea the town’s next fire chief.
Kayea is the first female fire chief in North Texas and one of only five in the state.
Sunnyvale’s previous fire chief, Doug Kendrick, announced his retirement in August.
“When evaluating our applicants, Chief Kayea’s story got our attention,” Town Manager Jeff Jones said. “Not only is she impeccably qualified to run a department, her family history and penchant for the community spirit in smaller towns made her the perfect choice.”
Kayea has more than 27 years of fire service experience with Dallas Fire-Rescue where she served as EMS Section Chief and Battalion Chief before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2018.
During her tenure, she served on the department’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team and Peer Support Team as well as the Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council.
Kayea has a master’s degree in management and leadership from Tarleton State University and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy. Kayea also holds Master Firefighter Certification and is a Licensed Paramedic.
“It is vitally important that a Fire Chief not only understand every component of Fire and EMS service,” said Sunnyvale Mayor Saji George. “It’s also critical that they have a passion for community and understand what it means to serve, not just a town, but its people. Chief Kayea fits that bill and we’re thrilled to have her.”
Kayea begins work in Sunnyvale January 16.
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