Ted Stephens, fire chief

Ted Stephens spent 18 years of his life serving as a high school teacher, teaching  business. Being fire chief of the Lucas Fire Department wasn’t something that was a part of his initial career plan. 

“I miss the kids,” Stephens said. “I miss the organization, but I love being a part of the firefighter community. I finally got to do something that I had admiration for in those in this field.” 

After volunteering as a firefighter in three cities beforehand, Stephens was convinced that going full time was something that he was supposed to do. 

“I was able to challenge the TCPF [Texas Commission of Fire Protection], both written and skills,” Stephens said. “I had been a volunteer firefighter and already had the volunteer certification.”

Stephens believes that balancing the responsibilities of the fire department is challenging for the department. 

“Our job is to make sure citizens are safe and healthy and do what we can to provide the best in a terrible situation,” Stephens said. 

Stephens believes it was a higher power that brought him to where he is today. 

“I personally believe that God gives us specific abilities and gifts,” Stephens said. “Both teaching and fire service have a serving attitude.”  

Stephens strives to provide the top-notch customer service atmosphere as possible. 

“We are very blessed. We have a lot of great equipment, phenomenal people,” Stephens said. “Great times are not always going to be here, but the guys will step up to the plate and hit a home run every time.” 

Stephens believes that this department is not glamor and glitz. 

“We do this because we love serving. It takes a special man or woman to be in the same building for 24 solid hours with your peers,” Stephens said.