Victoria Advocate | Port Lavaca fire chief accepts job in Bastrop County

J.R. ORTEGA - JRORTEGA@VICAD.COM
Originally published October 11, 2009 at 12:30 p.m., updated October 11, 2009 at 11:30 p.m.

PORT LAVACA - Fire Chief Brandon Bancroft is taking a similar job in Bastrop County.

He will become chief of the Bastrop County Emergency Service District One, just east of Austin, starting Oct. 19.

Bancroft served on the Port Lavaca Fire Department for seven years and has been fire chief for the past three years.

Bancroft and his family left early to settle into their new home, City Manager Gary Broz said.

Bancroft was unavailable for comment because of the moving process.

"He did a great job and brought discipline and cooperation and professionalism to the fire department," Broz said.

During Bancroft's tenure, new equipment was added to improve the city's fire safety.

One of those additions included the city's first ladder truck, which was purchased earlier this year from Victoria.

Three captains, one from each shift, will handle chief duties until Bancroft's position is filled, Broz said.

"That seems to be working well," Broz said.

The city has already began the search for the next fire chief, Broz added.

Port Lavaca fire chief accepts job in Bastrop County