O’Connell began his firefighting career in 1993 in Marlin, Texas. He joined the New Braunfels Fire Department in 2005 and was named Fire Chief in September 2019. During his 16 years with the NBFD, O’Connell served in several positions including as a firefighter, paramedic, Fire Marshal, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Assistant Fire Chief. 

The Fire Chief’s responsibilities include departmental administrative activities including budget development and oversight, policy analysis, project management, strategic planning, supervising recruitment, testing, hiring, performance evaluation, employee recognition and development under the guidelines of Texas Civil Service laws. The Fire Department currently has 138 full time equivalent positions. 

“We appreciate Chief O’Connell’s dedicated service to the Department, the organization and the community.  Patrick has been a leader throughout the COVID pandemic, and we are all better for his efforts.  We wish Chief O’Connell all the best in his retirement,” said Robert Camareno, City Manager.   

Assistant Chief Mike Wehman will serve as the interim Fire Chief while a search is conducted to find the next Fire Chief.