City Administrator Phil Harris is proud to announce that Jeff Patterson has been named Fire Chief of the Whitesboro Fire Department, effective May 1, 2026. Chief Patterson will continue to serve in his current role as Director of Public Safety, providing unified leadership across the city’s fire, EMS and public safety operations.
Chief Patterson succeeds retiring Fire Chief Steve Pinkston, whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on the department and the community.
Patterson brings more than two decades of experience in fire and emergency services to the role. He previously served the Whitesboro Fire Department as a volunteer from 2000 to 2010, seven of those years as Assistant Fire Chief. He returned to the department in 2019 as Assistant Fire Chief and served in that capacity until 2025, when he was appointed Director of Public Safety. In that role, he oversees fire, EMS, dispatch and emergency management operations while working closely with law enforcement partners. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing service delivery, strengthening interagency coordination and supporting the department’s growth.
Prior to his current role, Patterson served with the Addison Fire Department for over 20 years, rising through the ranks from firefighter to Battalion Chief. During his tenure, he held key leadership roles and managed critical programs including personal protective equipment, department uniforms, small engine equipment and honor guard operations. He also served as a Battalion Chief with Parker County ESD 1, further expanding his leadership experience in emergency response and personnel management.
Patterson began his career in public safety as a paramedic and has remained committed to high-quality patient care throughout his career. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine from Grayson County College and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Texas, with a focus on emergency management and community service.
He is a Certified Fire Executive (CFE) and a credentialed Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. His professional certifications include Master Structural Firefighter, Fire Officer I & II, Incident Commander, Incident Safety Officer and Instructor II, among others. Patterson is also a Blue Card Command Instructor and a graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Patterson has a long-standing commitment to the Whitesboro community. He was recognized as the Whitesboro Citizen of the Year in 2023. He was also honored with the Community Leadership Award by the Whitesboro Area Chamber of Commerce in 2010.
The City of Whitesboro is confident that Chief Patterson’s experience, leadership and commitment to public safety will guide the department forward and ensure continued excellence in service to the community.
