SAN MARCOS FIRE DEPARTMENT
San Marcos Fire Chief Les Stephens has been selected as one of the newest inductees into the Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor, recognizing a lifetime of leadership, mentorship and dedication to public safety across the state.
Stephens will be honored at the Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner Ceremony in January 2026 during the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Leadership Development Symposium in San Marcos.
“It’s an incredible honor, and I’m humbled to be recognized alongside so many leaders I admire,” said Stephens. “This award is really about the people who make up our fire service family, the firefighters, the chiefs, the mentors and the communities we serve together.”
With nearly 40 years in the fire service, including 16 as chief in San Marcos, Stephens has earned a statewide reputation for innovation and steady leadership. Since joining the department in 2009, he has worked to strengthen training standards, modernize operations and foster a culture of pride and professionalism.
Stephens also made a statewide impact as president of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, leading the organization through a major financial and structural turnaround. Under his leadership, the association expanded training programs, launched new leadership academies and began funding scholarships that help firefighters from across Texas advance their education and careers.
“Chief Stephens represents the absolute best of public service,” said City Manager Stephanie Reyes. “His leadership has shaped not only our department but also the next generation of fire service professionals across Texas.”
Stephens has been recognized multiple times by his peers, including being named the Texas Fire Chief of the Year in 2021. Beyond professional accolades, colleagues describe him as a teacher, mentor and advocate for firefighter safety, health and professional development.
The 2026 class of Hall of Honor inductees also includes Fire Chief Victor Conley of Irving and Fire Chief Rhea Cooper of Kaufman. The annual ceremony, hosted during the TEEX Leadership Development Symposium, brings together fire service leaders from across the state to celebrate careers of exceptional service and achievement.
