BEXAR COUNTY

Chief Gary L. Estep was sworn in as Fire Chief for Bexar County Emergency Services District 5 in September of 2017 as the Department’s first paid Chief. He began his fire service career as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the Anna Texas Fire Department from 1996 until 2004 leaving after serving as City Fire Marshal and department Training Chief. Prior to that he served 6 years in the 82nd Airborne Division as an Aircraft Electrician and a Combat Medic.

Chief Estep’s first paid department was Wylie Texas Fire Department 1998-2001 where he was Firefighter of the Year in 1999. He worked as a Firefighter/EMT for Plano Texas Fire Department 1999-2006. He worked as a Training Chief for Clarksville Texas 02/2008-10/2008 before moving onto his first assignment as the first full time paid Fire Chief in Wake Village Texas 2008-2012.

Chief Estep has been invested in Firefighter training and development his entire career, he has worked for numerous Fire Academies throughout the State of Texas and North Carolina. He has served in every position from Recruit Academy Instructor to Chief of the Academy. He has been awarded Fire Instructor of the year 6 times.

Chief Estep is a TCFP Master Firefighter, Master Instructor, Head of Department and Wildland Firefighter. He is a graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Associations Fire Chiefs Academy Certified Fire Executive (CFE), Texas Fire Chiefs Association Battalion Chief Academy, Texas A&M Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCFO) and North Carolina Fire Marshals Chief 101 programs. He holds numerous other Pro-Board and IFSAC certifications. He is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration.

Chief Estep is the Past President of the Bowie County Fire Chiefs Association, He is a lifetime member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. Chief Estep is currently serving on the Texas Fire Chiefs Association Board of Directors as the ESD Director for the State.

April Rodriguez is a seasoned public-sector professional with extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, emergency operations, and organizational development. Throughout her career in municipal and county government, she has built a reputation for strengthening internal processes, improving operational efficiency, and providing trustworthy, ethics-driven leadership. Her ability to collaborate across departments, analyze complex systems, and guide teams through changing priorities has made her a valuable resource to executive leadership and governing boards.

April’s background spans a wide range of government functions, including budget development, accounting, grant management, policy creation, contract administration, and emergency management coordination. She has supported and led major organizational initiatives involving internal controls, operational restructuring, technology improvements, and cross-functional workflow design. Her work in community planning and administrative leadership demonstrates her ability to balance long-term strategic vision with day-to-day operational needs.

Known for her adaptability, April thrives in fast-paced environments where decisive action and strong problem-solving skills are essential. She brings a deep understanding of federal law, state code, and local policy and uses this foundation to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and support informed decision-making. She is also recognized for her skill in training and developing staff, fostering accountability, and guiding teams through complex financial and operational challenges.

April approaches public service with a commitment to transparency, professionalism, and community-focused results. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and utilizes her communication strengths to build meaningful relationships with stakeholders, employees, and members of the public. With a background that bridges finance, operations, emergency management, and strategic leadership, April brings a unique blend of analytical expertise and practical experience that supports sustainable, high-performing government operations.