Hartley named Houston’s new fire chief

HOUSTON — Christian Hartley was named as the City Of Houston’s permanent fire chief following a Thursday evening city council meeting. Hartley, who was acting as the Houston Fire Department (HFD), replaces acting chief Casey Cook. Cook is the Mat-Su Borough emergency services director who has been serving in that capacity since July, following the resignation of former fire chief Tom Hood.

Hartley is a second-generation emergency services professional. Both of his parents were very involved in the calling.

“My mom started in emergency services in the early 1960’s in Sacramento. She retired in 2010,” Hartley said. “My father, Timothy McKeown, was an EMT for the Mat-Su Borough and an in-the-line-of-duty death in 2010.”

Over the years, Hartley has served in various capacities and locations. A native Alaskan, he grew up in the Sunshine-Talkeetna area. In 1999, Hartley started his EMS work in the Mat-Su Borough like his father. Shortly after that, he ventured to the Lower 48, more specifically Arizona where he fought fires on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

After a year there, he returned to the Alaska.

“I could literally look over the south rim of the Grand Canyon, but I love Alaska better than anywhere,” Hartley said. “As a kid, we had acres and acres to play in. We had our own lake.”

In 2003, Hartley returned to the Mat-Su Valley where he worked at several regional fire stations. In 2008, he joined the HFD. In that time, he has served in various capacities including firefighter, lieutenant, and captain—the position he has held for the past five years.

“I was the second-highest (rank) in the department for five years. I got a lot of experience on the administration side and as a training officer,” Hartley said. “I have dedicated my whole life to training others. I don’t want there to be another line-of-death. I try my best to keep everyone up to date and properly trained.”

In addition to his Mat-Su EMS experience, Hartley’s experience includes working the ground ambulance for Guardian Flight Air Medical out of Anchorage. A Houston resident, Hartley serves on the City of Houston Planning and Zoning Commission. He also serves on the Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services Advisory Board, and a member of the Houston Lion’s Club.

Hartley is married with three boys. His wife Alma, 11-year old William, nine-year old Timothy and seven-year old Joseph keep him occupied. One of his passionate hobbies is teaching CPR.

“It can make a difference in someone’s life,” Hartley said. Whenever that’s not his focus, Hartley enjoys the craft of para-chord and playing basketball.