Reno Fire Chief Michael Hernandez is a finalist for the same job in Plano, Texas.
A news release from the City of Plano, Texas says, “The search for Plano's next Fire Chief has been narrowed to six highly qualified candidates who have been invited for interviews on May 27 and 28.” Hernandez is listed in that release as one of those six candidates.
Hernandez confirms to Channel 2 News that he is a finalist for the job and says that he is working closely with City of Reno leadership keeping them informed as this moves forward.
Hernandez also said if he does get the job in Plano, he plans to keep a home in Reno because he loves the area.
Hernandez joined the Corpus Christi, Texas Fire Department in 1982 and rose to the rank of Deputy Chief before being selected as Reno's Fire Chief in 2010.
The Dallas Morning News reports Hernandez is one of 42 applicants from 19 states for the position.
The City of Reno sent out a release today saying that "Hernandez is taking vacation from the City of Reno, effective yesterday at 5 p.m., for an indefinite period of time. Hernandez has been named one of six finalists for the Fire Chief job in Plano, Texas.
“After lengthy discussions between Chief Hernandez and myself, we came to a mutual agreement that it's in the best interest of both parties that he takes vacation while he interviews for the open position in Plano,” Reno City Manager Andrew Clinger says.
Reno Fire Department Division Chief Dave Cochran will assume the acting role of Reno Fire Chief until further notice."
