FIRE CHIEF
JOHN SULLIVAN
Chief John Sullivan is a 30-year veteran of the fire service and currently serves as Fire & Medical Chief for the City of Georgetown and ESD 8. As a young child, Chief Sullivan watched the television show Emergency! Sharing the same nickname as Squad 51’s character, Johnny Gage, he credits the television series as being an influential catalyst in his decision to dedicate his life to serving and helping others.
He began his career in 1992 in Orlando, FL after obtaining his EMT certification. In 1993, he moved to Tucson, Arizona and his career evolved as the fire service industry broadly embraced Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the All-Hazard Emergency Response (AHER) model. He spent two decades working within an evolving regionalized response model that permitted emergencies to be addressed by the closest and most appropriate resource, regardless of the jurisdiction. This collaborative partnership model proved to be valuable during routine emergencies and non-routine, mass-casualty, or multi-alarm events.
A transformative leader, Sullivan was instrumental in expanding the city of Georgetown’s service delivery model and fire-based EMS system. His ingenuity led to a twofold increase in call response times. He has also championed for enhanced community engagement and integration into the service delivery model, realized through the deployment of a Therapy Canine Program, PulsePoint, Smart911, Take10, Stop the Bleed, and code amendments that address animal safety in boarding, kennel, and care related facilities.
Chief Sullivan has been married to his wife, Lisa, since 1995. They have two daughters, Megan and Lauren, who subscribe to the family mission of serving and helping others. Megan, a college junior, is pursuing a career as an actuary, while Lauren attends nursing school at Texas A&M. Aside from spending time with his family, Chief Sullivan enjoys attending a diverse range of community events, reading, running along the trails, and paddle boarding.
KODA, THE FIRE DOG
Koda the Fire Dog is a staple of Georgetown’s fire services. Whether working alongside her best pal and handler, Deputy Fire Marshal Jonathan Gilliam, or playing, Koda always puts her best paw forward. Her favorite activity by far is to help educate kids and adults about Fire Safety and Prevention.
Cuddly, calm, and well-trained, Koda is a registered therapy dog that serves her community in times of need.
ESD Commissioners
The Commissioners are appointed by the county Commissioner for two year cycles.
Bobby Bunte
President
Bobby Bunte has served his community as an ESD 8 commissioner since 2007. A passion for fire service, along with a 25-year-long stint as a volunteer firefighter, influenced his decision to serve. Since being appointed, Commissioner Bunte has played a role in bringing Fire Station 6 from idea to reality.
Commissioner Bunte hopes that ESD 8 keeps pace with growth by building three additional fire stations in ESD 8 territory. He is proud to partner with the City’s fire services to impact change.
Appointed Position
Term ends 12/31/2024
Bennie Piper
Vice President
Appointed in 2015, Bennie Piper has been a commissioner for eight years. Inspired to volunteer with ESD 8 by Judge Dan Gattis, he is excited about the collaboration between the Georgetown Fire Department and the board to provide services to its residents. He hopes this initiative will jumpstart more Fire/EMS stations in the next three to five years, as they would benefit the Greater Georgetown area.
Appointed Position
Term ends 12/31/2023
Troy Rodriguez
Secretary
Commissioner Troy Rodriguez joined the ranks of ESD 8 in 2016; a natural transition after working with a healthcare foundation. Driven by a desire to serve his community, improving response times for residents of ESD 8 is at the forefront of his efforts. To date, his proudest achievement has been working with the team on a subjective cost model for negotiating emergency services.
A firm believer in “time is life,” he hopes ESD 8 will improve response times by securing new revenue streams and expanding first responder facilities. He is proud to partner with the City of Georgetown Fire Department and shares their unified goal of ensuring timely and excellent first responder services for all.
Appointed Position
Term ends 12/31/2023
Dr. Ira Wood
Treasurer
Dr. Wood has been an ESD 8 commissioner for six years and contributes a unique perspective to this board. As a former paramedic and a current emergency room physician, he understands the need for prompt emergency services. The greater Georgetown area is growing at a rapid pace, and Dr. Wood believes that ESD 8 can boost community confidence by taking a proactive approach. He shares ESD 8’s vision of providing high performing services when the unthinkable happens.
Appointed Position
Term ends 12/31/2023
Greg Eady
Asst. Treasurer
Commissioner Greg Eady joined ESD 8 in early 2023, influenced by a desire to provide high quality emergency services to the Greater Georgetown area. His ability to understand the complex issues that taxing entities face was a huge benefit when helping ESD 8 navigate through a contract renewal. A firm believer that great board leadership ensures a strong working relationship, he hopes that ESD 8 will continue to expand its services in the District.
Appointed Position
Term ends 12/31/2024
Have a question? Please let us know how we can help.
Contact Us
Mailing Address for all Commissioners:
6700 Williams Drive
Georgetown, Texas 78633
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed