Last Friday marked the end of an era for the Haltom City Fire/Rescue Department as Deputy Chief Fred Napp stepped down after three decades of dedicated service. His retirement ceremony was a gathering of respect and nostalgia, celebrating a career beginning on August 4, 1993. Napp's tenure is defined by a climb through the ranks - from Firefighter to Deputy Chief of Operations, collecting a swathe of certifications and degrees along the way, including two master's and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Leadership, according to the City of Haltom, Texas.
Napp has been known to consistently exceed expectations throughout his career, managing to always find ways to serve beyond the call. His initiative has led to the creation of programs like the Annual Haltom City Junior Police & Fire Camp and the Citizens’ Fire Academy. Further testament to his dedication to service came with his involvement in teaching fire safety to young minds in the Birdville Independent School District, where "Fireman Fred" became a familiar face to many. His commitment extended to the legal realm, where Napp, as an expert witness, testified in numerous criminal arson trials in Tarrant County. The breadth of his involvement reflected a man not content to simply do his job, but to continuously redefine it.
Significant milestones in Napp's career include his role in achieving the department's ISO Class 1 rating, which signifies superior property fire protection, and his early status as a Chartered Member of both the Honor Guard and the Clown Program, adding unique facets to his profile as a leader and educator. Never one to simply act the part, Fred Napp also embraced the role of a singer and performer with his unforgettable "Fireman Fred song," an earworm for both his colleagues and the community's children.
Deputy Chief Napp's personal life also intertwines with his profession, having met his wife, Heather Campbell, when she brought her class to Station 1 on a field trip back in October 1995. They have shared a life ever since their marriage on June 8, 1996. It's these moments, just as much as the professional triumphs, that paint the full picture of a man deeply woven into the community fabric.
Napp's impact and legacy were underscored by the attendance of three former Haltom City Fire Chiefs at his retirement ceremony, a clear indication of the high regard in which he is held by his colleagues and predecessors. His career represents an embodiment of public service and community engagement that continues to blaze a trail for those who follow in his footsteps.
