(Seguin) — After more than 48 years in the fire service, including the last 13 and a half years leading the Seguin Fire Department, Fire Chief Dale Skinner has announced his retirement.
Skinner recently shared the news in a social media post and confirmed his decision with KWED Radio and the Seguin Daily News. He is currently on accrued leave for the remainder of the month and will officially retire on July 31.
Skinner says the decision comes after nearly five decades of public service and a desire to focus on his family.
“It was just time. We all reach a point in our lives where you just realize that it’s time. There’s been a lot of struggles with my family over the last several years, and it’s time to dedicate my life to my family instead of my career,” said Skinner.
Although he is stepping away from the department, Skinner says Seguin will remain home.
“When I got here, I knew then that this is where I wanted to end my career, and the last 13 and a half years has been a blessing to me and my family. I wouldn’t trade a moment of it. We still live in this community. I still want to be a part of this community. I’ll miss the camaraderie of the fire service, but I’m not gone,” said Skinner.
During his years of service, much of Skinner’s contribution to the department was preparing it for the city’s significant growth. He says one of his proudest accomplishments was expanding the department to meet those needs.
“When I got here, each shift had 14 personnel assigned to it. Today, each shift has 23 assigned to each shift,” said Skinner.
He says much of his success was also the addition of key leadership positions, including an assistant fire chief, EMS training battalion chief, EMS lieutenant, deputy fire marshal and two fire inspectors. Skinner says the department has also replaced its aging fleet with new apparatus and equipment.
Among the projects closest to his heart is the future Fire Station No. 4, a goal he says he set out years ago.
“Fire Station Four was a goal of mine a long time ago, and that’s finally coming to fruition. Hopefully, there’ll be fire trucks running out of it in about a year and a half,” said Skinner.
Skinner also took pride in preserving the department’s rich history. He recalled being inspired by the Seguin Fire Museum when he first visited the city and later worked with Leadership Seguin to make the museum ADA accessible and more available to the public.
Looking ahead, Skinner says he hopes the department continues to respoinsibly grow — meeting the needs of all residents.
“My hope is the fire department continues growing with the demand of service — Station Five and then Six later on in life. I believe I laid the groundwork for all of that, and I hope they just continue with that mission,” said Skinner.
While retirement will include more trips to the Texas coast, Skinner says he will continue calling Seguin home.
The city is expected to formally recognize Skinner’s retirement later this month.
Meanwhile, Assistant Fire Chief Garrick Herbert is currently serving as acting fire chief while city officials determine the department’s permanent leadership.