Meet the fire Chief

Richard Whitten began serving as Westlake’s Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator in May 2009, previously rising through the ranks beginning in January 2005.  He has spent the last 30+ years in the fire service, bringing extensive experience from a broad range of community risks, operational challenges, organizational development, and leadership.

He values the opportunity to lead and work with others in transforming the organization into a progressive, highly-credible, and leading emergency services organization. 

“My philosophy is Developing Leaders of Character through a Values Focused-Intellectually Driven culture.” – Richard Whitten

Education and Professional Memberships

  • Master Degree – Business Administration
  • Bachelor Degree – Fire Science
  • Executive Fire Officer (EFO) – National Fire Academy
  • Certified Fire Executive (CFE) – Texas Fire Chief’s Academy
  • Fire Service-Chief Executive Officer (FS-CEO)– Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
  • Leading, Educating, and Developing (LEAD) – Weldon Cooper School of Public Service
  • Member, International Association of Fire Chiefs
  • Member, Texas Fire Chief’s Association
  • Member, Tarrant County Fire Chief’s Association
  • Member, Denton County Fire Chief’s Association
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