The City of Copperas Cove announced the appointment of David Bailey as interim fire chief, placing a veteran emergency services professional at the head of the department as the city moves through a leadership transition. Bailey began contract employment on Sept. 30 and has spent his first month familiarizing himself with personnel, stations and department operations.

A Central Texas resident since 1976, Bailey brings 40 years of experience in firefighting and emergency management across large and small departments throughout the state. His formal education includes associate degrees in Fire Protection Technology and Criminal Justice from Austin Community College, a B.A. in Public Safety Management from St. Edward’s University, and a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University. He also operates Professional Civic Services, an emergency services consulting firm.

City officials framed the interim appointment as a measure to ensure continuity in leadership while a national or regional search is conducted for a permanent chief. For residents of Coryell County and Copperas Cove, that continuity touches everyday concerns: emergency response times, training and certification of firefighters, oversight of rescue and EMS operations, and coordination with neighboring departments for mutual aid during larger incidents.

Bailey’s consultancy experience may influence how the interim period is managed. Professional Civic Services provides outside expertise that can support assessments of department readiness, training needs, equipment inventories and administrative procedures. In the near term, that could translate into an emphasis on departmental orientation, review of response protocols and engagement with line staff to maintain or improve performance during the leadership transition.

The appointment comes at a time when many local fire departments nationwide are balancing fiscal constraints, personnel recruitment challenges and evolving demands on emergency services. For Copperas Cove, the interim chief’s role will include maintaining day-to-day operations and positioning the department so that an incoming permanent chief can assume leadership without disruption.

The city has provided contact information for the interim chief, which residents and local officials can use for departmental inquiries. As the search for a permanent chief proceeds, the department’s operational stability and the transparency of the hiring process will be key concerns for community leaders, first responders and residents who rely on these services.

Bailey’s combination of long-term regional roots and extensive credentials aims to offer both institutional memory and professional expertise during this interim period. The community can expect regular updates from city officials as the search for a permanent fire chief advances.